The first thing I have to say is that Plus3 Germany was one of the greatest experiences of my life. The week before I was having second thoughts about it. I was thinking maybe I signed up impulsively. I can say without a doubt, that I am so thankful I did, it was truly amazing.
The single experience I keep looking back on is being at the top of The Sound of Music trail, looking into the distance. I sat alone for a couple minutes away from everyone; in this moment it really hit me. I just spent the last two weeks in a country I’ve never been too with people I’ve never met. It was literally just living a different life for two whole weeks.
The most valuable thing I am bringing home on this trip is the power of meeting new people. I had no clue who any of these people were. When I pictured being in Germany, I never expected to feel as close as I did to them. Within a couple days, it felt like I’ve known these people my whole life. Now maybe being trapped together for hours upon hours a day has something to do with it, but even when we would go out on our own – I would look to my side and see people that were my friends. We have a photo album and scrolling through it is like reliving the whole experience. Everyone just looks so happy all the time and is really something to feel good about.
In terms of business, the industry analysis project allowed me to change how I see things. I learned so much this trip, from technical things – to just general knowledge. I can see myself in the future working on a project or writing a paper and using the things I learned from this trip. I am very thankful for that.
Bavaria as a whole taught me that there is so much more outside of where you live. Seeing the buildings, the food, the people, the music, it changed my perspective entirely. I can say without a doubt I will be traveling again. This trip has single handedly convinced me that I am going abroad next spring, although I am sad it will not be with the same people.
Overall, I cannot stress how much this trip means to me. As someone who usually does not care about a lot of things, I have to say I loved this trip. I am honestly kind of sad writing these last sentences because it means that it is officially over. I guess all good things come to an end though, and that is what makes them so special
-Patrick
