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My last day Today, there was no time for sleep in my schedule. I spent my night (or morning, depending on how you look at it) packing, trying not to wake those who were too tired to keep their eyes open. We got ready to leave at 3 a.m. I was more sleep-deprived than I have ever been on the program, and that is saying something. The bus ride lulled us all to sleep, and no amount of red-bull was going to save me. I was still trying to wrap my head around the fact that in an ho

Today is my last full day in Germany. It feels like the days have flown by. I was told that two weeks would pass in the blink of an eye-but now, it truly feels real. Part of me wishes I could go back and savor it all a little more. But at the same time, I can’t imagine changing anything about this experience. So today, I chose to simply be present, to enjoy another day in Germany without looking ahead, surrounded by wonderful people and the meaningful projects we pursued. To

The day began with a workshop by Salzwasser Verein, a nonprofit organization dedicated to water conservation. It was titled “Marine Ecosystems.” Surprisingly, this was one of the conservation topics we hadn’t covered yet, and I was excited to see what I’d learn. The workshop transitioned into another session called “Developing My Personal Action Plan,” which included practicing how to speak publicly through an elevator pitch. First, we started with an association game: What

Sun Rising at Hamburg Fish Market Today, we woke up at the crack of dawn to visit the traditional Hamburg Fish Market. I was equipped with some Euros as I planned on staying away from the fish, but getting much-needed souvenirs. Before getting on the U-Bahn, my counsellors warned us that the area we were about to enter was going to be full of people who were coming home from late-night partying and could potentially be a distraction. We were also informed to stay away from

This morning felt like a complete headache. Some mornings I wake up easily and well-rested, but most of the time, I’m half-asleep as the day starts. That’s why I always keep a Red Bull in my bag. Today, we were doing a workshop called "Roleplaying," where we were given a simulation, took on roles, acted them out, and observed a democratic process in action. The workshop started around 10 a.m., and we had no idea what to expect. It was connected to "PBI," or Peace Brigades In

This morning, we departed on a ferry to Hamburg's Waste Management Facility. The focus of today was waste collection, how trash is gathered, sorted, and processed on the streets of Hamburg. As we delved into the city's waste management system, we gained insight into the logistics and environmental considerations that keep Hamburg clean and sustainable. Although the guide mostly spoke German (I caught some words), the tour was enjoyable. Before we walked to see the actual fac

The Berlin Cathedral This morning, we rushed to the Humboldt Forum, an art museum in the East of Berlin. We were asked to reflect on the idea of how borders shape us, divide us, and sometimes protect us, and how art can help create change. Being half awake and in a rush, we finally made it to the Humboldt Forum. Sadly, my dose of tourism was cut quick as we only had 5 minutes to take photos (but I got a few good ones!) Rarely do we actually have time to walk around, and I

A piece of the Berlin Wall Today, we toured the city of Berlin. The tour was constructed around dialogue and focused on the theme of climate migration. Rose, our tour guide, and a woman who grew up in a village in Kenya, led our tour. She compared her village's access to water, food chain, and view of climate change and climate justice. Her first few thoughts were introductions to Berlin as a home to a layered history, and how many rivers run through it. It’s a place that f

After a long train ride, we finally arrived in Berlin, buzzing from energy drinks and too much early-morning Sprite (it's the only thing that will keep me up), ready for a little rain and a history lesson. One of our first stops was the German Resistance Memorial Center, a powerful and moving space dedicated to those who stood up against the Nazi regime. In school, I never really learned about the Nazi regime in much detail, so being in a space like this made me feel like ev

Piggies Today was an adventure, even if it came with a few extra bus rides. Our first stop made it worth it: Hof Eggers, a peaceful organic farm on the outskirts of Hamburg. Surrounded by open fields, happy animals, and fresh produce, it felt like a breath of fresh air, both literally and in the way it reminded me of home. Later, we explored sustainability by visiting an immersive chocolate experience. We delved into how even something as simple as chocolate can support eco

Dialogue in the Dark Every day reminds me of a new challenge, a new way of thinking, and a new experience. Today was one of the most memorable. Today, we began another workshop, a continuation of our first: Intercultural Learning. The intercultural workshops are supposed to help us work in a community, a team, and I believe it has expanded and developed my mindset. The Intercultural workshop began with a fun exercise on perspective. Groups were chosen, and the room was sepa

"No Place for Racists" As Hamburg prepared for its pride parade, one of the more significant events of its kind in Europe, my group and I began a workshop on peacemaking, led by a volunteer from a peace-building organization. It offered a space to learn and explore more about peace, empathy, and activism, while also sharing music, laughter, and moments of connection that reminded me that building peace can be joyful. The day began with a workshop taught by a representative

U.S. Consulate flags representing the U.S. and Germany This week has been packed to the brim. Our program leaders have filled every hour with activities, making it one of the busiest and most dynamic weeks so far. It's been a literal and figurative rollercoaster (pictures below!). Today, we ventured deeper into the city, and at this point, I feel as though I’ve passed through nearly every train station. I often find myself asking my counselors, "Have we been here before," a

Hamburg City Hall Just as promised, today we toured the city of Hamburg using public transport and walking. We began our day walking through the streets of the city, passing shop after shop. Among the storefronts, the ones that stood out to me most were McDonald’s, H&M, Balenciaga , and the New Yorker. I wanted to stop at each one, but sadly we had to continue on. Along the way, we passed multiple cathedrals, and our guide shared with us the rich cultural and historical si

This morning started early, with a prepared breakfast of meats, cheeses, green jello (do not recommend), and tea. Then we started our workshop, "Transatlantic Cultures." The workshop was designed to get us talking, and trust me, we did talk. As a group of students who barely know each other, most of us were more extroverted than we have ever been, including me. I am someone who makes connections with people easily, but I do not consider myself "outgoing". But, in this enviro

A fleeting view of NYC I do not know what day it is, and I haven't slept in at least 24 hours. After what felt like an endless series of airport lines, cramped seats (probably the most uncomfortable I've ever been), and questionable airplane meals, my group and I finally arrived in Hamburg! We took no time getting settled into the hostel, unpacking quickly, and washing off the airport germs. The German participants started arriving gradually, and everyone got situated in t

Documenting my first day of travel from Albuquerque to Newark-a journey full of delays, views, and anticipation. Scroll down to see...