Looking back on the entire trip, I keep finding myself returning to all the fun memories we made. The moment that stays with me the most happened at a restaurant where music was playing, people were dancing, and suddenly Sweet Caroline came on. We all got to sing “Sweet Caroline… LET’S GO PITT!” all the way in Germany with both the Pitt students and the German students. This moment stands out to me because we were able to share a meaningful part of our culture and create a memory that connected all of us during our time together.

I will also carry with me all the memories I made with the students on this trip. Since we did not have much time to get to know one another before leaving, I was initially worried about making friends. However, from the moment we moved into Tower A, it felt like we had all known each other for years. Everyone was welcoming, kind, and always willing to talk throughout the trip. I hope to continue these friendships into next year and throughout the rest of my time at school.

This program primarily focused on supply chains in the automotive industry. We had the opportunity to see how different companies are strategically preparing for the future through innovation, observe their operations firsthand, and speak with employees about their careers and daily responsibilities. It was fascinating to see how each organization operated differently while still sharing similar goals and strategies.

The trip also changed the way I think about the automotive industry. Before this experience, I had never considered how many different companies are involved in building a single car. I also underestimated how quickly cars are produced. I had always imagined that vehicles moved between multiple factories and took weeks to build. In reality, many can be completed in as little as 24–30 hours. This experience completely changed my perspective on both the industry and even driving my own car.

Throughout the trip, I visited some of the world’s most advanced companies, explored some of Europe’s oldest cities, and stood in places marked by profound human tragedy. Experiencing Bavaria through its industry, culture, and history showed me how dramatically a country can evolve over time. Germany has such a strong culture, yet its history also demonstrates how societies can rebuild, innovate, and move forward while still remembering the past.

Overall, this trip gave me countless memories while teaching me so much about history, business, and the world around me. I know I will carry these experiences with me into my future, both personally and professionally.