It is truly bittersweet that my time in Sydney is over. I had an amazing, enriching experience that I will remember for the rest of my life. From seeing places like the Great Barrier Reef and the Blue Mountains, to meeting local Australians and students from across the United States, this program has exceeded my expectations. I have been reflecting on the lessons that I know will shape how I move forward personally, academically at Pitt, and professionally in my future career endeavors. I know the experiences of living, learning, and exploring with new people will carry me well into the future, and will always be something I reflect on fondly and with gratitude.
One of the biggest takeaways has been the value of connecting with new people who bring unique perspectives. My internship coworkers were from around the globe, and my experiences with them taught me about how they were raised, why they moved to Sydney, and how they themselves handle mixing their cultural identities. The staff and directors at CEA CAPA were also extremely influential. They led by example, showing how valuable approaching new situations from a place of wanting to learn and listen, while also being open minded. Additionally, it was such a pleasure to also widen my understanding and perspective of the United States, through the students I met from other universities. I met people from all coasts of the US, and through that, I also got to learn from them and understand their ideas. The value of conversation will be something I bring home with me. I plan to carry this open minded approach into my group projects, student organizations, and eventually, my career. Being open to others’ experiences will make me a stronger teammate and leader.
From a personal standpoint, I learned how important it is to adjust quickly and embrace change. I have often struggled with things falling off schedule. However, when put in a new environment, this program really pushed me to live in the moment. Instead of following a strict schedule that did not allow for flexibility in a new environment, I said yes to more and explored new things by seeing what came up throughout the day. This skill will serve me well in my everyday life, and to view unpredictability as an opportunity. It will also allow me to adapt better to new academic and professional experiences.
Overall, this program is something I will remember forever, and I know it has changed my life for the better, in personal, academic, and professional ways.
