Reflecting on my experience with Plus3 Germany since returning home, the biggest emotion I feel is gratitude. The German students who graciously welcomed us in, the cities we had the privilege of visiting, and the automotive companies who shared their insights with us made the trip special. Each time I told people I was going on this trip the first question they asked me was why. I struggled to articulate a concrete answer as I honestly applied to this program impulsively after finding out some of my friends from DSP were also applying. Deep down I was chasing the same euphoria I felt the entire time I was in Ireland last summer and I wanted one last chance at getting that same feeling before I graduate. The level of freedom and peace I felt walking around Dublin and going on international trips every weekend is a feeling I had never felt prior to going abroad. I still say that program was one of the most transformative experiences that fundamentally changed my perspective on life by pushing me to grow rapidly for the better.

Now for Plus3 Germany, this program was significantly shorter, so I did not have nearly as much time to acclimate to the new environment and the added challenge of a foreign language made the adjustment quite difficult for me. Feeling anxiety around common interactions such as ordering food and feeling so out of my element was new experience for me that I did not struggle with as much during my 2 months in Ireland. But, I’m always seeking out new challenges to push myself and I knew that everything was going to be alright as long as I stayed calm and maintained confidence in my ability to adapt. One of the biggest takeaways from my time in Germany, is that there is always a bright side to adversity. Any time I’m faced with a new challenge, I may feel discouraged at first. But at a later date after overcoming said adversity, I can appreciate the struggle I endured because that is the root of character development.

I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to take on the most challenging international trip I have been on because I learned the importance of staying calm in the face of uncertainty and most importantly, I have more confidence in myself to do hard things. The small voice in my head that was doubting myself and questioning my choice to join this program became louder and louder the closer we got to Germany. I coped with the internal panic but taking a deep breath and remembering the same doubts I had prior to my departure for Ireland. I now look back at these past 2 weeks pleased with the memories we made and the new friendships I formed with both students from this program and University of Augsburg students. Looking at the shared photo album with over 1,300 photos, I think back fondly on all the memories we cultivated together and the story each photo holds.

As for the automotive industry my eyes were opened by the opportunity learn through first-hand experience. Visiting companies such as BMW and Audi gave me a new appreciation for the precision, skill, and efficiency behind manufacturing vehicles on a global scale. Walking through the factories and viewing the robotics and organized assembly lines made me realize how much innovation and strategy is behind every vehicle a customer drives. I was especially drawn to Audi’s approach to electrification while balancing competitive threats and consumer preferences. Analyzing Audi’s global operations helped me view their success as a reflection of carefully managing risk and making strategic decisions far in advance.

Visiting Bavaria taught me that progress cannot be understood without history as innovation is intertwined with culture. Exploring historical sites, factories, and reflecting on dark moments in history contributed to a well-rounded perspective I now have. I developed an appreciation for the region’s preservation of tradition. As Germany is a global leader of the automotive industry, I saw the importance of balancing respect for the past while also working towards innovation. Plus3 Germany pushed me further outside of my comfort zone than any other international trip I have embarked on. It reminded me that personal growth comes from uncertainty. I am endlessly grateful to return home with a broader perspective on the world, a new understanding of what I am capable of overcoming, and new connections I will always cherish!