As I look back on my two week Plus3 experience in Germany, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I am grateful for not only the experiences and lessons that I learned, but the friendships I have left with. I can easily say that applying for this program has been one of the best decisions I have made in my college career. 

The days leading up to the trip, I was a little nervous and questioning if this program would even be a good fit for me. Sometimes it is hard for me to come out of my shell and I was worried that with only two weeks, I wouldn’t get to know my peers as well as I had hoped. These worries were gone by the time we got to the airport on the first travel day. We sat around the table at our gate and played cards; we got to know each other, we laughed, and actually got into a really competitive game of Spoons. This small moment defined the rest of our trip. Every day was filled with laughs and the small moments became memories that I will cherish forever. It can be hard for a group of 20 people to get to know each other in such a short amount of time, but our long days brought us closer together and I am so thankful for these new friendships I am leaving with.

From an industry perspective, I am leaving with so much appreciation for the innovative and advanced technology that is being implemented into the automotive industry. We had the privilege of touring leading manufacturers such as BMW and Audi; these companies have set a standard of excellence, sustainability, and advancements within the automotive industry. 

This program was such a unique experience because not only were we able to immerse ourselves in the industry, but we were able to immerse ourselves in German culture. Some of my favorite moments were just wandering around new cities in our business casual attire after a site visit. Whether it was trying authentic food or shopping at the local stores, every moment gave me a better understanding of the unfamiliar lifestyle. Views such as the Neuschwanstein Castle and the breathtaking Alps will forever be engraved in my mind. 

Before this trip, I knew about WWII history through a textbook and only through a textbook. Our visit to Dachau may have been the most emotional day, but the most informative. Reading about the Holocaust in class and actually standing in a place where those events occurred are two completely different realms. The trip to Dachau reminded me that history is so much more than a list of dates and locations, it is an understanding of the people that had to live through these events and the lasting impact they have today. 

This trip exceeded my expectations and these memories will last a lifetime. It allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. This was my first time out of the country and let me just say, I could not have asked for a better experience. It reminded me of how much we can learn just by stepping outside of our comfort zone. I have returned home with broader perspectives, friendships that will last a lifetime, and memories that I will continue to cherish. 

Thank you Plus3 Germany, I couldn’t have asked for more.