Goodbye Plus3, I will forever have you to thank for the new friends, memories, and my first experience out of the country. After being home for a few days now, I have found myself constantly thinking about Germany and everything this trip meant to me.
The memory I keep returning to most is actually the moment I chipped my tooth. While it was stressful in the moment, what stood out to me was how quickly people on the trip jumped in to help me and reassure me that it was not as bad as I thought. It may seem like a small moment compared to the company visits and historic sites we saw, but to me it meant so much more. That was the moment I realized the friendships I made on this trip were genuine and here to stay.
Besides that, this trip further strengthened my dream of working in the automotive industry. Visiting BMW showed me that sustainability can truly be integrated into every part of a company’s operations, and it changed the way I think about business by proving that companies can maintain high standards in sustainability without sacrificing success.
What Bavaria taught me more than anything was how a society can recognize its history instead of trying to erase it. Rather than ignoring the past, Germany has preserved it, teaches it, and uses it as a reminder to not repeat it. That combination of remembrance and progress was something I had never experienced before.
I also noticed the respect people provide. During our visit to BMW, our tour guide mentioned that noisy operations stop at specific times to be mindful of the residents living nearby. That small detail stuck with me because it showed how mindful the companies are with the communities around them, and how businesses should be respectful of the people they impact in all aspects.
Overall, I will never forget this trip, and I look forward to seeing the group again, including the German students traveling here in August. Phil and Dr. Feick made this experience unforgettable, and I am glad we were able to make Dr. Feick’s last year a memorable one. THANK YOU!!!!
