My last blog in Berlin! I can’t believe I am writing this. I feel like I just landed. Well, maybe not JUST landed, but it does not feel like I have been here for 8 weeks. I have gone through some many personal and professional changes. I never understand people when they said that studying abroad changed them, but I truly get it now. This experience has given me so many memories and opportunities. The best thing I have gained from the IIP is my friendship with my roommate, Anna. Since day 1 we have spent every single waking second (that wasn’t at work) together. Our weeks have been planned perfectly and allowed us to see everything we set out to. I am so grateful for our time together and I am incredibly excited to be best friends when we get back to Pittsburgh. Having a roommate that I have clicked with so perfectly has made this experience what it is. Going on adventures together and exploring Berlin with Anna has been so special, and it is impossible to fully encapsulate what our friendship means to me. Whether we are having a sunset picnic, going for a walk, or making fruit salad every memory we have made I will cherish.
Last weekend I visited Prague. Czechia is the third country I have visited since coming to Europe, and it did not disappoint. Prague is a beautiful city with unique architecture, delicious food, and interesting history. I particularly enjoyed visiting the Klementinum and looking at the historic library. I would be remiss to not mention the fantastic frutti de mar I ordered after visiting the library, which honestly might have been even more of a highlight. Thankfully, the flix bus from Prague only takes around 4 hours, so I was able to get to work on Monday feeling ready and refreshed.
Speaking of work, I am so sad to be ending my internship. I have learned so much from my supervisors and coworkers. I have found my own version of success at HEYL in many ways. I recently presented an Excel file that analyzed company data, and I received very positive feedback. It felt good to know that my team saw the effort I put into this project and reciprocated the energy. Something I have struggled with before and throughout this program has been asking for help when I need it. I have slowly been better at asking questions or getting clarification when I need it, which I would also consider a personal success. In the US success might look different at different companies, but I think it is generally similar. As an unpaid intern, my wins are more based on learning new things and developing my skills to be an important contribution to a team.
As I enter my final we I have been very reflective. It is hard to put into words what the IIP has done for me. And if I tried it would be super corny, and I don’t think anyone is interested in reading that. Besides, I still have a week left! Let’s end it on a good note.
