What did you enjoy most about staying in Amsterdam?
I love Amsterdam. It has always been one of my favorite cities in the world and I always feel a sense of belonging here. I can be who I want to be and find community in the most unique spaces.
What did you explore in Amsterdam?
I rode my bike to AmsterDeck, an incredible swimming spot near student housing. I also went to a grief group with some classmates and connected with local residents. To me, its all about integrating into the city and find ways to be less of a taker and more of an observer when traveling.
What were your expectations of the programme and were they met?
Yes! This program was so informative, groundbreaking, and inspiring for me. I felt like I walked away with epiphanies I never thought were possible to have in an academic program.
What was your favorite part of the programme?
I deeply enjoyed getting to know students from around the world and genuinely walking away with perspectives you can truly only get when you are in a classroom with students who think, learn, and move through the world in different ways.
What kind of students did you meet in the programme?
I met students from undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, as well as students looking to find meaning and purpose in this program to inspire their next steps in life.
How did the programme inspire you and what did you gain from it?
This program inspired me in so many ways, but mainly I walked away knowing that integrating international perspectives into my professional and personal life is crucial. I also found a sense of hope knowing that there are people in this world still wanting to build community and learn alongside one another.