I arrived back in Pittsburgh from Berlin almost one week ago. Since returning home I have had the chance to truly take time and reflect on my 2 months in Berlin. There is no easy way to summarize an experience that has given me new perspectives, meaningful connections, personal growth, and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life!
When I first decided that I was interested in this program I was uncomfortable with the idea of being so unfamiliar with my surroundings. What would the people be like in Berlin? How would my internship placement work out? Will I get along with my roommate? Will I be homesick? These were just a few question I had racing through my mind as I came to my decision to officially send in my deposit for the IIP. Looking back, all of those concerns were valid. At the time, it made sense to worry about the unknowns that come with living and working in a new country. However, since returning home, it has become clear to me that all of those worries were unnecessary. The things I was most worried about ended up becoming some of the most rewarding parts of this experience.
Throughout my time in Berlin I discovered that some of the most meaningful experiences come from embracing the unfamiliar. Living in a new city pushed me to become more independent, adaptable, curious, and open-minded. If I had stayed in Pittsburgh this summer I would have not given myself the opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone. The value of immersing yourself in a different culture extends beyond just visiting a new place. It allows you to see the world through a new lens and develop a deeper appreciation for new perspectives. I cannot explain how many times I was left pondering after conversations because I was struck by perspectives I had never heard before. These moments pushed me to reflect on my own beliefs and assumptions. Being surrounded by people from a different background challenged me to become a more open-minded person. I have learned that personal growth comes from being willing to learn, asking questions, and Specific to Germany, it was new hearing people be so direct with their ideas and opinions, but honestly it was refreshing. Genuine conversation is preferred over small talk which allowed me to have real and meaningful conversations. Ultimately, experiencing a way of life so different from my own reminded me that there is so much to learn when you are willing to step outside of what is familiar. I am grateful that Berlin gave me the opportunity to challenge my perspective, embrace the unfamiliar, and grow in ways I never expected.
Academically, my time in Berlin gave me the opportunity to take what I have learned at Pitt and see it in an international perspective. Acclimating to a new culture made me think beyond what I have experienced in the United States and forced me to consider how people in different countries and organizations approach situations differently. I will be returning to Pitt with a greater curiosity and a stronger desire to learn from new perspectives that might be different from my own. I believe that this mindset change will influence how I take on difficulties I encounter in class and in my personal life.
Professionally, my internship was a major part of my growth. Not only was I working in a new country, but the industry I was in was also completely foreign to me. CBRN medical countermeasures was absolutely not a topic I was comfortable discussing before this experience, but thanks to my supervisors that guided me, I have a grasp on the industry. This new environment taught me adaptability, communication, and the importance of confidence in your work. I also learned that I do not always need to have the answer to a problem immediately. Asking questions, discussing options, and learning from those around me are just as important. My confidence when it comes to adapting to new situations has increased significantly. I feel that I am able to navigate challenges better than ever, and I am more excited than ever to push myself beyond what I think I am capable of. All of the skills that I learned and developed will be valuable no matter where my career takes me.
Looking back, I realize that the biggest takeaway from my time in Berlin is the importance of saying yes to every opportunity. What initially felt unfamiliar and intimidating ultimately became an experience that shaped me in ways I could not have anticipated. I will bring this mindset back to Pitt by continuing to seek out new experiences and surround myself with people who challenge my thinking. As I move forward in my career, I hope to carry the same openness, adaptability, and confidence that I developed in Berlin. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who made this experience possible! Two months ago, I was nervous about everything that could go wrong, and now I have left Berlin thinking about all of the possibilities that come from simply being willing to go.
