Week 6 was another awesome week. My health was good, which I’m really thankful for because it meant I could enjoy everything without feeling tired or sick. I had a good routine going during the week with work, and then the weekend was full of adventure and new experiences.
Work has continued to go well. I feel like I understand my tasks more and more each day. I don’t feel nervous when I get new assignments, and I know how to ask for help if I need it. I’m also better at managing my time, so I don’t feel rushed at the end of the day. It feels good to realize how much I’ve grown since the beginning of this internship. I’m more confident now and feel like I’m really part of the team.
During the week, I also tried a new place in Prague with some friends. It’s a sports bar called Londoners, and it had a really fun vibe. There were TVs everywhere showing games, and the menu had a mix of British and American-style food. I got a burger and some fries, and everything was tasty. It was cool to hang out somewhere new and casual, just to relax and watch sports with everyone. We’re already talking about going back another time for a game night.
But the biggest and best part of the week was the weekend trip. I went to Istanbul, Turkey, and it was honestly one of the most amazing places I’ve ever been. The city felt so different from everywhere else I’ve traveled so far. It was busy, colorful, and full of life. There was music, calls to prayer from the mosques, people selling things in the streets, and boats moving through the water. Everywhere I looked, something was happening.
I went with my friend from New Jersey, and we had a blast. One of the first things we did was go to a Turkish breakfast place, which was incredible. They brought out a bunch of small dishes—cheeses, olives, jams, bread, eggs, and more. It was so much food, and everything tasted fresh and full of flavor. We just sat there eating and trying new things for what felt like hours. I’ve never had a breakfast like that before, and I would absolutely do it again.
The next day, we went to the Blue Mosque, which is one of the most famous buildings in the city. It was even more beautiful in person than I expected. The inside was peaceful, with big domes, soft lights, and beautiful blue tiles everywhere. We had to take off our shoes before going in, which showed us how important and sacred the space is. It was a really cool experience that made me feel calm and curious at the same time.
After that, we went to the Grand Bazaar, which is one of the biggest markets in the world. It was like a giant maze of shops. People were selling all kinds of things—jewelry, scarves, sweets, spices, and more. There were so many colors and smells, and we had fun walking around, looking at everything, and even doing a little shopping. I bought a few souvenirs for friends and family, and one seller even let me try some Turkish delight before I bought it.
By the end of the weekend, I felt tired but really happy. Istanbul was so different from anywhere else I’ve been—it had its own sound, smell, and rhythm. It made me realize how big and diverse the world is. Traveling to a place with such a different culture helped me see new things and appreciate how people live in different ways. It also made me feel thankful for this experience and the chance to explore beyond what I already know.
Before this internship, I would say my leadership style was more quiet and supportive. I liked helping others and being a good teammate, but I didn’t usually take the lead. I was more comfortable following instructions and letting someone else be in charge. I didn’t always feel confident speaking up or making big decisions on my own.
Since starting this internship at Ensemble, my idea of leadership has started to change. Being in a new country, working with new people, and figuring things out on my own has helped me grow. I’ve learned that being a leader isn’t just about being the boss. It’s also about being responsible, staying calm, and helping the team work better together. I’ve had to take more control of my own tasks at work, and that’s made me more confident.
I’ve also learned that leadership can be different in other cultures. Sometimes people here communicate differently than I’m used to, and that made me pay more attention to how I speak and listen. I’ve become better at understanding other people’s points of view, which has helped me work better with my coworkers.
Now I feel like I’m becoming a better leader because I’m learning to speak up more, stay organized, and make decisions on my own. I try to think ahead and take action without waiting for someone to tell me what to do. I’m also more willing to help guide others when they need it.
This experience has shown me that a good leader is someone who listens, helps others, and keeps trying even when things are hard. I’m still learning, but I know I’ve already grown a lot. I’m excited to keep building these skills and becoming a stronger leader in the future.