I woke up after sleeping in relative to the past two weeks. It was presentation day. The day we’d been preparing for since our acceptance into this program back in January. I was ready. I was in the zone ready to deliver. Of course I started with fried bacon to fuel the day. We hopped on the tram and headed to the University early to get a few final run throughs of our presentation in. One thing I noticed was the number of students that took the tram to the University. We were on the car and it was nearly full and once we arrived at the University, basically everyone got off. After talking with the German students, this is because they don’t have on campus living. Everyone just finds a place in the city and takes the tram to class.

After getting in a few practice runs, the group went to eat at Mensa. I followed the students recommendations and got what was called dampfnudel. It was basically a big ball of dough covered in icing and cinnamon. Wow. It hit different. I knew I’d be on a sugar high for our presentation. Now I needed to make sure I didn’t speak too quickly. Not entirely sure if it was supposed to be a main course but I had it as mine anyways.

Now, it was time. The moment we’ve been waiting for: presentations. We walk into the room and everyone is anxious. We all just want to get them out of the way. Sadly, my group was chosen to go fourth. I would’ve preferred going first and getting it over with. However, we waited. I decided to give the group a pep talk to get everyone feeling confident. I think it went well because I’d say our presentation went very well. As we walked out, a weight was lifted off my shoulders. The pressure was off. It was time to celebrate.

We then had dinner with the German students at Ratskeller. This being the last group dinner, I had to get schnitzel.

Once again, it was excellent. We also gave the students our gifts. One thing that really stuck out to me was what Matthias said. He said, “I am so proud to have my very own Pitt shirt.” It felt good to know that we came here and shared an important part of our lives with them and that the accepted it so readily. I love that we were thrown into a new country for such a short time and were able to form friendships that I trust to continue.

Highlight of the Day: Giving what I thought to be a great final presentation.

Low of the Day: Goodbye dinner and realizing we will be leaving soon.