Today, we visited Titan Cement and Athens International Airport, where we learned about the logistics involved in both a cement company and a large airport. This effectively gave us two different perspectives on logistics, which showed me how broad a discipline industrial engineering really is. Reflecting on these two visits, I realize I can make a positive impact as an industrial engineer by promoting sustainable practices and being a positively-minded asset on the team. At virtually every company we have been to in Greece, every presenter has emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability by switching to alternative fuels instead of burning coal. Even though the world is slowly turning to more sustainable strategies, it is imperative to keep pushing for these goals in the workplace because helping the Earth effectively helps everyone around us. For example, at Titan Cement, they are currently working on a 600-million-euro carbon-capture development that will reduce their carbon emissions to 0. This incredible feat motivated me to stay sustainable in the future. Thus, in my future position as an industrial engineer, I will hold sustainable practices in the highest regard.

Additionally, at Athens International Airport, we saw an example of a positively-minded asset: The manager of terminal services, Andreas Kokiousis. Even though Andreas is constantly busy talking to his teams and running around the airport solving problems, he found the time to speak with our group about airport operations, and he was enthusiastic during the whole presentation. During his presentation, I realized the large difference that a positive attitude can make: When you are excited to perform your job, it makes your colleagues around you excited, which builds the entire team atmosphere. In the future, as an industrial engineer, I will constantly be working with others, and I will make sure to always wear a smile to spread positivity and lift others up. In this way, in addition to my daily duties, I will also be improving the lives of those around me.

I am thankful for finding these pro-social purposes, and I am excited to learn more during our last day tomorrow!