As I sit in the airport on Saturday morning, preparing to fly home, I can’t wrap my mind around the fact that I’m leaving the city I’ve been calling home for the past two months. If I’m being honest, these two months have been a whirlwind, flying by far more quickly than I expected. I’ve met so many new people—not only from Pitt but also from other universities—and I’ve had experiences that will stay with me for a long time.
Berlin was definitely a city that surprised me. It’s filled with so much history, beautiful architecture, and incredible food and people. This trip has taught me a great deal about myself, and I can confidently say I’ve experienced significant personal growth over the course of the program. I’ve been introduced to new cultures, and I’ve learned to be comfortable navigating a foreign city without speaking the language.
Before arriving, one of my biggest concerns was transportation. I knew I would have to take public transit on my own, with a commute of over an hour that required transfers. I thought it would be difficult and maybe even intimidating. However, once I got here and pushed myself to take the trains and buses alone within the first week, I realized it wasn’t as daunting as I had imagined. That experience taught me that I’m capable of more than I give myself credit for and that sometimes you just need to push yourself to adapt.
I’ve also seen growth in myself professionally. Before this internship, I had never truly taken the lead on a project. In the past, I’d always had a supervisor working closely alongside me, guiding me through each step. In Berlin, I quickly noticed that bosses tend to be much more laid back, giving you space to take charge and figure things out for yourself. At first, this felt unfamiliar, and I wasn’t quite sure what to do or how to handle it. But as time went on, I found my footing. I began to manage conflicts that arose with my project on my own and developed a stronger sense of independence in my work.
Academically, I’ve also grown. The project I was working on had to be completed by the end of the program, which at first seemed like plenty of time. In reality, two months isn’t much for a full research paper. I had to set strict deadlines for myself and keep the project running smoothly to ensure I met the final due date. In the past, I’ve struggled with procrastination, often putting off school projects until the last minute. While that sometimes worked, the quality of the work wasn’t always as strong as it could have been. This time, I learned the value of planning ahead and sticking to a schedule. By pacing my work and avoiding last-minute rushes, I was able to produce something I was proud of.
My time in Berlin has been memorable for so many reasons. I’ve learned how to put myself out there and not be afraid to take chances. Living in Berlin—and traveling to other countries and cities in Europe—taught me how to adapt quickly to new situations and environments. I found myself saying “yes” to opportunities I might have hesitated over in the past, and that willingness opened the door to so many experiences.
Beyond the professional and academic lessons, there were countless moments of joy and discovery. Walking through Berlin’s neighborhoods, visiting its museums, and tasting its food gave me a deeper appreciation for the city’s culture and history. I learned to navigate a place that wasn’t built around my language or habits, which made every small success—whether ordering at a café or finding my way home without getting lost—feel rewarding.
These lessons and experiences are things I will carry with me back to Pitt. I know they’ll influence the way I approach challenges, both in school and beyond. I’ve seen firsthand how pushing past initial discomfort can lead to confidence and growth.
In conclusion, Berlin is an incredible city, and I’m so glad I chose it for this program. I now have countless memories and experiences that I will hold onto for a lifetime. This was my first time in Europe, but it will definitely not be my last. I hope that in the future, I can return—either with friends or family—and show them around the city that has taught me so much about myself.
It’s been exciting to immerse myself in a culture whose primary language isn’t English and to engage with German history and politics firsthand. For all the challenges, surprises, and moments of growth, I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity. Berlin will always hold a special place in my heart, not just as a destination I visited, but as a city that became part of my story.