As my internship at Vencon Research draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on a journey that went far beyond the work itself. This experience has been a profound blend of professional growth, cultural immersion, and personal discovery—all set against the backdrop of an incredible city and an even more incredible continent.
The last week in Berlin was a perfect mix of work, exploration, and connection. At the office, we celebrated “Eat Around the World,” a lively event where colleagues brought dishes representing their heritage. I shared a traditional Vietnamese black bean coconut dessert, and it was amazing to bond over such a diverse and international spread. Moments like these underscored the importance of cultural exchange and community—something I hope to carry forward at Pitt and beyond.
Outside of work, I kept chasing Berlin; I climbed the hill to the abandoned Soviet spy tower for panoramic views, explored restaurants until 5 a.m., and made a quick visit to Potsdam’s serene landscapes. On our final workday, Vencon threw a heartfelt party for me and a fellow intern, complete with bouquets and warm farewells—a moment that felt bittersweet as I prepared to say goodbye to the people and place that had quickly become a second home.
But the adventure didn’t end there. With housing no longer available, I found myself navigating the city late at night, eating currywursts and sipping Club Mate, roaming the streets with Ethan, a fellow student intern, exploring palaces and local haunts until exhaustion crept in. I left my bags locked at Berlin’s central train station—wary after witnessing a homeless man aggressively testing lockers across two floors—and set off on another restless journey through Western Europe. The overnight travel was relentless and sleep-depriving, but fueled by curiosity and adrenaline.
I wanted to hit a couple of Western European cities before my flight since I was practically homeless. I planned to survive how I’ve been surviving every weekend: city hopping and train sleeping.
In Cologne, I arrived just as the sun was barely up, wandering almost alone inside the majestic cathedral with its soaring Gothic arches. A friendly local approached me, enthusiastically recommending the grand mosque, which I planned to visit later.
In Brussels, my timing coincided with the Belgian National Day Te Deum ceremony, a lively spectacle with the royal family, music, and horses. Trying to understand the scene, I switched to French mid-conversation with a local, reminding myself how language and cultural flexibility are vital tools in these adventures.
The city dazzled me with its exquisite architecture, regal shopping galleries, and irresistible desserts—chocolates and waffles that were almost too good to be true.
Antwerpen, with its stunning central train station and charming waterfront, felt like a miniature Brussels. But by then, fatigue was catching up. I’d been running on minimal sleep, staying up until 5 a.m. talking with strangers—one conversation hilariously aided by Google Translate—until exhaustion finally demanded attention.
Luxembourg was a trial by fire. Arriving around midnight, I was shocked to find the city completely shut down at night—no open cafés, no places to rest, just cold rain and a handful of homeless people huddled for warmth at the train station. I hopped on buses hoping to find refuge and warmth but ended up in a dark, scary neighborhood near a university campus. I followed two young women, hoping to find a safe spot, only to get lost in a maze of streets and stairs before finally spotting a hotel. Blending in with a woman ranting on her phone and a man calmly sipping coffee in the lobby, I warmed up, charged my phone, and waited hours until the city came back to life. Exhausted and humbled, I realized how vulnerable and resilient travel can make you.
After a few hours of sleep, I made it back to Cologne to visit the grand mosque, marveling at its stunning size and vibrant community spaces before heading back to Berlin and then the airport, completely sleep-deprived but bursting with memories and lessons.
This journey pushed me beyond my comfort zone, teaching me independence, resilience, and the art of navigating uncertainty. Professionally, working at Vencon refined my research skills and taught me how vital cultural awareness and adaptability are in today’s global workplace. Academically, I’m inspired to bring these real-world lessons back to Pitt, enriching my studies in global business management and sharing insights with peers. Personally, I grew more confident, learning that success isn’t just about outcomes but how you handle unexpected challenges and connect meaningfully with people across cultures.
I’m deeply grateful to my scholarship donor for making this possible. I would like to personally thank all of my sponsors and donors from the Martinson Elevate Award, CBA Global Experiences Scholarship, and James B. Tafel Internship Fund that have provided me with the support to experience such lifetime opportunity. This opportunity has not only allowed me to gain experience in my field of studies and for my career goals but also to learn and develop a global perspective, enhance my cultural competency, and grow both personally and professionally in ways that a traditional classroom setting simply cannot offer. These sleepless nights and spontaneous conversations, the quiet moments in ancient cathedrals and crowded train stations, have shaped me in ways no classroom ever could. I return with my heart full, my mind open, and a spirit ready to embrace whatever comes next—carrying forward the power of cultural exchange, human connection, and relentless curiosity in all I do.
