The Light - An Alumni Publication Summer 2015 | Page 21
one German family has widened and grown to include many countries and many, many more
people. As we have passed the 50 year mark, it is amazing to look back and reflect on how much
FACES OF YFU
our original exchange has profoundly and happily affected the horizons of so many people.
McCutcheon with her host father Carl and host mother Maria celebrating 50 years as a YFU family
SUE MCCUTCHEON:
THE JOURNEY HOME
PROGRAM: Germany, 1965
McCutcheon with her host father Carl and host mother Maria celebrating 50 years as a
OCCUPATION: Retired Section Supervisor, Ford Motor Company
HOME: Rockwood, TN
“Now, I wish for a better command of the German language, with fewer ‘cooking’, ‘cleaning’, and
‘shopping’ words and more ‘feelings’ and ‘gratitude’ words. They are most certainly needed
because I am giving a short speech to commemorate the 50 years that have passed since I first
became part of this very special family in the summer of 1965. I tell my family that my initial
exchange experience has led my life in a totally unexpected direction. One that absolutely and
her host cousin Dirk who plans to visit the US in 2016
forever changed my life and the person I would become, and has shown me another, broader,
and better world than I had ever imagined. At the end of the speech, I am privileged to present
my parents with a wonderful letter from YFU President and CEO, Mr. Michael E. Hill, and a
YFU Certificate of Recognition for their lifelong commitment to intercultural exchange.”
Read more of McCutcheon’s wonderfully descriptive view of German
culture through the celebrations of a 60th wedding anniversary, 50th
birthday party, and 50 years together as a YFU family. >>
YFU
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