As Jaden Hartz grew up in Windhoek – the capital city of Namibia, a country located on the west coast of southern Africa – he found himself dreaming of the “American high school experience.”
“Growing up outside of the United States, children always talked about how they wished they could experience high school or college in the USA,” Hartz said. “Many American kids might not realize it, but so many kids would like to experience high school in the United States – Friday night football, lunch periods in the cafeteria, locker room vibes, high school functions and events … the list could go on and on.”
Hartz went on to experience that dream for himself when he enrolled in Holy Spirit High School, Absecon. Despite it being the first school he attended in the United States, he immediately felt at home.
“The marvelous faculty and welcoming students made my start a lot easier, and I was able to adjust faster to the new social environment,” said Hartz, now a graduating senior. “From the start, I felt I was a part of the Holy Spirit family, and I am happy to know that I will forever be part of it.”
Hartz’s mother was raised on a farm in Namibia, and his father grew up in a Chicago suburb. Hartz attended a German private school, and had some similar experiences as many American children, including playing sports.
One key difference surrounds language – of the 26 that are recognized as national languages in Namibia, he speaks three of them: English, German and Afrikaans. Another difference was in his weekend itineraries, which often included trips into the bush.
“Namibia is a very interesting country as we have such a small population, but a large country in size,” he said. “Unlike here, one drives hours on roads through different natural terrains to get to the next town.”
Hartz’s parents divorced when he was young, and his father eventually moved back to the United States, which gave the teen the opportunity to spend his senior year in America. He arrived last summer and heard wonderful things about Holy Spirit High School. Looking back, it was the best decision to enroll.
“Academically, Holy Spirit has prepared me for college, as it has helped me become a better writer and critical thinker. It also has helped me align my faith better with my studies,” he said. “I believe going to Holy Spirit High School was the path that God wanted me to take. I am forever grateful to have had Holy Spirit be one of the main parts in my chapter here in the U.S.”
English teacher Michael Geiger met Hartz the day he registered at the school. He recalls the soon-to-be student coming up and introducing himself. Hartz brought new perspectives to his classmates, Geiger said.
“I would say that most of our students have never met someone who grew up on the continent of Africa,” Geiger said. “Jaden showed us that people around the world are more like us than they are different.”
And while Geiger never wound up teaching Hartz in class, he has fond memories of their shared time at the school.
“I did get to know him as a person, and I can say that he is one of my favorite students that I ‘never’ taught,” he said. “He is the epitome of what a gentleman can be.”
Hartz already has an ambitious plan for his next chapter after high school. He will study international business at the University of Utrecht of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, and will be participating in a pair of internships in other countries. He plans to spend holidays between Namibia and South Jersey.
“The connections I have built here are not temporary, they are permanent,” Hartz said. “After completing my bachelor’s degree, I plan on pursuing a master’s degree either in the Netherlands or in the United States.”
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