It’s been about three weeks back in the states, and I cannot believe my trip is over. It truly feels surreal. Throughout my life, I have been so fortunate and privileged that my parents loved to travel, but going to a new country by myself for a long period of time is such a different experience. During my time, I wish I could list everything that changed my ways of life back in the United States, but unfortunately that would be too long.
I have always loved history, and it’s been my favorite subject for as long as I can remember. While in the Netherlands, we learned our fair share of Dutch history. We got to learn about the Great Flood of 1953, which killed almost 2,000 Dutch people and led to creation of the Delta Works across the country. We also got to see the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. Seeing first-hand how horrible Jewish people were treated during the Holocaust was heartbreaking and made World War II history feel much more real. Sometimes, many historical events can feel like it was ages ago, but experiencing the Anne Frank House reminded me that the Holocaust was very recent and should not be forgotten.
Another aspect that I will take from my experience in the Netherlands is their work-life balance and education system. It was very insightful to see a university on our trip. We got to see TU Delft and some of their environmentally-friendly green spaces. In addition, I got to meet a student at TU Delft in one of our climate workshops. He was incredibly passionate about aerospace engineering, and he talked about how most of his peers were very dedicated to their higher education as well. There is a major difference from the United States in this aspect; in my opinion, I feel like university is expected from our culture in the states, but in the Netherlands, university is a place to start their passions. At the same time, the Dutch understand that having a work-life balance is a key element for a happy life and career, and this mindset is very different from America’s hustle culture and emphasis on work.
Going to the Netherlands made me reflect and remember how grateful I am for my higher education and for this experience. I love what I am studying, and hearing that many Dutch people are extremely passionate about their work, makes me more inclined to keep working towards my major. I hope, in my future and now, I am able to take a lesson from the Dutch again on how to keep a good work-life balance, especially when in school. Overall, going to the Netherlands was an amazing experience, and I would love to visit again one day.
