Our visit to Sachsenhausen Concentration camp was by far the most emotional part of the program. No amount of studying the Holocaust could have prepared me for the feeling that came over me when I walked through those gates. The air felt heavy and every part of my being could feel the events that took place there. It was overwhelming to be in that place and have history manifest right in front of me. That visit was so impactful and heart breaking, but I think it was one of the most important. I am confident that I will never forget that day and the way it made me feel.
I remember this night very vividly. A few of us just walked down to the river and sat with our feet dangling over the edge and talked. Although the photo does not do it justice, the few was so beautiful and we had so much fun. I have a thing for cities at night. I think it has to do with the lights and the stillness of the dark. This night was one of my favorite because we were doing something so simple, yet I know I will remember it forever. Doing fun, new things or going outrageous activities are great, but sitting back, taking in the scenery and spending times with friends is international and can be memorable in any part of the world.
This photo was taken on one of the first few days of the program. We were walking around the main building at Humboldt and there were pictures of previous professors. I was beyond excited when I saw this poster of Otto Diels. Diels was one of the scientists that discovered the Diels-Alder reaction my favorite chemical reaction. This moment brought out the chemistry nerd in me and made me feel a little more at home. It was also so exciting to be at the university where Diels worked. Seeing this brought me out of my jet lag, made me feel more relaxed and reminded me why I was in Berlin and embarking on this experience.
I do not see the world as I did before I left. The Seattle that I left behind no longer exists. Two weeks after the program ended when I was in Paris I found out that my mom had been diagnosed with breast cancer. For me returning home was about more than readjusting to life in Seattle, it has been about adjusting to my families new life. My emotions are complicated, various and ever changing. I long to go back to my time in Berlin when my biggest concern was finding a place with decent internet and the world seemed predictable. Yet, I know that I will never be able to go back to that place.
My trip was about more than what I learned and what I experienced and it changed me way more than I thought it would. I am so glad I had this experience. I got to roam around numerous countries without a care in the world. I got a taste of what is out there in the world and now I refuse to let myself get caught up in everyday life. I have heard that traveling the world reminds you that is important not to take anything for granted and enjoy every moment. Wow, is that true.
Thank you for treating me well Berlin.......until we meet again!
My trip was about more than what I learned and what I experienced and it changed me way more than I thought it would. I am so glad I had this experience. I got to roam around numerous countries without a care in the world. I got a taste of what is out there in the world and now I refuse to let myself get caught up in everyday life. I have heard that traveling the world reminds you that is important not to take anything for granted and enjoy every moment. Wow, is that true.
Thank you for treating me well Berlin.......until we meet again!