The trip taught me a lot. It definitely helped me relax and understand the importance of patience and remaining calm in a very unfamiliar environment. I learned very quickly how different things are from home, from everyday conversations to the average day to day traditions and activities.

I feel that I generally adapt well to change; however, the first couple of days were very difficult both mentally and physically. It took me a while to truly get my footing. I was always tired, but I knew I would eventually adjust. The group helped a lot with this by encouraging me to go out some nights, even when it was the last thing I wanted to do.

This year at Pitt, I probably went out only two or three times during the entire school year. I was always focused on training or helping my mom through the loss of her parents. During this trip, I was able to go out and socialize more than twice that amount in just two weeks. It was refreshing to gain a new perspective and work on being more social, which is something I have always struggled with.

I will definitely miss trying all of the restaurants, local grocery store snacks, and fresh pastries. I will also miss being able to walk everywhere. I live in a very rural area outside of Pittsburgh, so walking places is not really an option back home. Being able to explore a city on foot every day was something I truly enjoyed.

The most valuable thing I learned is something I have already mentioned…staying calm and trusting the process of adapting. At first, everything felt unfamiliar, but as the days went on I became more comfortable navigating.

The most memorable moment of the trip for me was the entire Neuschwanstein Castle day. This was something I had been looking forward to before we even left for Germany because of the scenic views and hiking opportunities. It was not that the company visits were boring, but it was nice to spend a day simply taking in the environment without constantly moving from one presentation or tour stop to another. Being able to enjoy the scenery and experience the castle in person made it my favorite day of the trip.

Over the two weeks in Bavaria, I also gained a much better understanding of how global events affect Germany. I learned about the influence that both the United States and China have on the German economy. For example, our involvement in the conflict with Iran has contributed to higher energy and fuel prices. We also learned how quickly China is advancing within the automotive industry. Chinese manufacturers are bringing new technology and innovations to the market at a rapid pace, creating significant competition for German automakers and forcing them to continue evolving.

The last thing that was very noticeable to me was how much more relaxed German culture seemed. This was something I noticed almost immediately, and it honestly helped me relax and settle in more easily. The pace of life felt different, and people seemed less rushed compared to what I am used to back home.

Overall, I want to thank the Plus 3 program and my classmates for an amazing two weeks. I will never forget the adventures, experiences, and exploring that we were able to fit into such a short amount of time. It was truly a memorable experience that I will carry with me forever.