Over the past two weeks, after having physically (but not quite emotionally) adjusted to being back home, I have reflected on how my experiences in Berlin impacted me and my continuously developing views on the importance of being a global citizen.
In my time at Pitt so far, I have had two previous invaluable opportunities to study abroad in Australia (fall semester sophomore year) as well as South Africa (summer before junior year). I am sincerely grateful to have been able to go abroad in my college career, and refuel my adventurous curiosity in experiencing new places. I have learned that travel is fundamentally apart of who I am today. Study abroad is a uniquely maturing experience and intended for those who are seeking fulfillment in academic rich areas, as well as life experience and the chance to observe the cultural differences of this beautifully dynamic world. I have utmost gratitude that I was able to pursue another experience abroad while completing a rigorous, full-time internship. My experiences in Berlin overall have helped me to continuously strive to develop my underdeveloped self. I think we often grow the most when pushed beyond our comfort zones. Delving into the uncertain can be intimidating, but I believe that one’s character can be measured by choosing to throw oneself into uncertain and uncomfortable situations.
Through my internship, and life itself in Berlin over the course of two months, I was able to uncover some features of my personality which had become rather hidden or dormant in my life, while also learning to appreciate my new surroundings. My experience in Berlin has shaped and molded the way I view what we call global citizenship. It’s particularly hitting me now as I have been home for what feels like the longest two weeks compared to the past two months. The cultural and societal differences are distinct and more apparent to me.
I already miss it there a great deal…the landscape, culture and people. It has forever imprinted my character and I will carry every experience with me as I continue to grow, make decisions, and push myself to achieve what it is I want from opportunities that are thrown my way. I plan to revisit Germany in my future, possibly even pursue a master’s degree there, as it now holds a special place in my heart. I’ve fallen in love with the city of Berlin. Though perhaps not the most aesthetically glamorous, it provides an urban setting with outstanding public transport, plentiful arts and cultural activities, as well as a deep history and sense of collective memory rooted in the society’s education.
Through my internship experience, I learned just how important it is to me to be surrounded by hard-working, driven, and intellectually curious people in a professional setting. Aside from the interesting work itself, I found my coworkers to be very bright, passionate, politically informed, and simply very efficient but caring workers. This made coming to work everyday much more engaging than in past work experiences. The value of communication and collaboration in my company resonated with me, and I hope to bring that with me to future opportunities. I hope to stay connected to my company and learn about their successes and future pursuits. My experience in Berlin has me researching graduate programs and considering getting my master’s degree there, so who knows what the future holds!
I want to express deep gratitude and my sincerest of thanks to my donors for their help in funding my educational pursuits. Aside from thinking about my future professions and careers beyond university, the ability to study what I am interested in and passionate about allows me to continuously broaden my perspective, grow and develop. I reflect very deeply and analyze everything that I take in and capture, and I believe my introspection makes me a better student in the ability to transform mistakes and flaws into improvement.
The scholarships I received supported my endeavor of interning abroad in Berlin this summer. My three study abroad experiences have made me a more modest and humble student and person, and they are my most treasured and cherished experiences of the past three years. The expansiveness of this world is truly incredible. One of my favorite poets, Walt Whitman, in his famous work O Me! O Life!once wrote “the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.” I am working to contribute my verse, and the generosity of such donations have helped me work to get there. After all, to know ourselves, to understand each other, and to make sense of our world, we need to rely on this somewhat paradoxical process of education and travel as pathways.