An Ode to Berlin
Saying our goodbyes to Hamburg after a chaotic train cancellation and boarding process, we embarked on a journey to what I knew would be my favorite city. That said, what I was met with in Berlin truly exceeded my wildest dreams. Stepping out of the ICE train at the Hauptbahnhof, we were immediately met with a bustling and lively atmosphere that set the stage for the upcoming days.
Immediately after our arrival, we took a tour of Berlin, and we learned much about its history and the role of the Berlin Wall. Most interestingly, we learned that the collapse of the boundary was more or less an accident on the behalf of a major government official. To this, I couldn’t help but smile as I looked at the joyous faces in photographs of those who got to enter West Germany for the first time ever. It is no question that the mysterious liberation that occurred in that moment was a moment of profound change, but I also see it as a reflection of Berlin’s status as a living and breathing moment of history.
Roughly 34 years after the wall fell, we find ourselves standing in a Berlin that does not have a physical boundary, but rather a city where diverse voices bring to life different neighborhoods. In the evenings on the weeknights, I truly loved seeing everyone out and about, as I feel this sense of community is something that the United States lacks currently. I was also met with so many passing smiles, new connections, and unforeseen opportunities to explore. I had the privilege of meeting an Oxy alumni who offered some incredible advice while also learning from someone who made the Forbes 30 under 30 List! These experiences are a testament to this city and the people who live in it.
Going even further, we got to see the German government in action. During a visit to a plenary session at the Bundestag, I was intrigued by the unique functions of the government, with such a transparent lens placed over it, both literally through the transparent dome above the debate floor and metaphorically through the ability to sit in on a session.
All in all, having wrapped up our presentation, I feel mixed. I am devastated that my time in Germany and Berlin has come to an end, but I am fulfilled by the breadth of exploration, friendship, and memories that have been established. This wouldn’t have been possible without the Professor at the helm of course, and to that I extend my greatest thank you to the incredible Professor Jason Wong, who gave countless hours of effort to create a project unlike anything I have been a part of.
On that note, thank you for everything, Professor Wong. Those of us who return to Oxy or enter our professional careers after this juncture will unquestionably never forget these 3 weeks of laughing together, crunching time to complete projects, dancing the nights away, seeing unpredictable sights, and surviving culture shock as a team of classmates who both brought in and take away new perspectives for the world around us. It wouldn’t have been possible without you!
