Besuch von Martin Riedl (MJ 2009) in der 6. Klasse

Hook ‘em, Kremsmünster!

I was delighted to be invited to speak in Doris Ebner’s English class at the Stiftsgymnasium Kremsmünster this May. Having attended the school during my formative years, from 2001 through 2009, I look back to my time in Kremsmünster with fond memories. It is ironic that all the people in my life who have ever taught me English have - at some point of their life - attended Bowling Green State University (BGSU) in the State of Ohio. My parents went to BGSU via Fulbright before they came to Kremsmünster as teachers. Doris Ebner also attended BGSU during her studies, and so did one of my first professors at the FHWien der WKW, where I did my undergraduate studies in journalism and media management.

In Doris’ class, I discussed with students from the 6th grade my professional trajectory upon my Matura at Kremsmünster, and life in Texas at large. Upon finishing my undergraduate degree in Vienna, I obtained graduate degrees in media and communication studies from Hanover University of Music, Drama, and Media in Hannover, Germany, and a Master’s in social sciences from Humboldt University of Berlin. For my PhD, I moved to Texas, to teach and conduct research on content moderation and internet governance in the field of communication, with the prospect of becoming an assistant professor.

Students were particularly interested in hearing about my experiences in Texas - Texas being perceived as a prototypical American state, incorporating common perceptions about America, about voting, gun rights, and alcohol laws in the United States. We discussed current political and social issues, as well as stereotypes of the United States that are commonly invoked. I am grateful that I could share some of my own experiences with a very perceptive group of students who were asking interesting and timely questions, and I am delighted to stay connected with the Stiftsgymnasium through such informal exchanges.

In retrospect, I have to acknowledge - more so than I was aware when I went to school here - that the language education that students at Kremsmünster receive is truly excellent, and prepares students for careers beyond what they might imagine upon getting their Matura certificates. I encourage students to stay alert and curious about the political and social goings-on, and to think big when considering professional career options and tertiary education choices. Kremsmünster truly trains you to go wherever you want, as long as you show grit and dedication to the subject and field that you are working in.

To paraphrase an expression used by the students that I teach at the University of Texas at Austin - “Hook ‘em Horns” - which is a reference to the Texas Longhorn, a specific kind of cattle native and famous in the State of Texas, all that is left for me to say is:

Hook ‘em, students at the Stiftsymnasium Kremsmünster!

Martin Riedl