Goodbye New York.

Bags are packed, hotels are left, and planes are boarded. 

As our week in New York comes to an end I can’t help but look back on this week. I learned so much and last Friday feels like a lifetime ago. As I prepare to return to reality I can’t help but feel bittersweet. On one hand I am pumped to go back to Eugene to be in my own bed and see my friends. On the other hand, how could I ever want to leave a city with so much to offer? How could I leave a city that was starting to feel like home? I’m left with this dilemma and I know it is a great problem to have but I can’t help but want the best of both worlds. Within a week I learned so much from this program. I learned to be confident in my skills but to always keep pushing to be better. I learned that you will fail in your career, however, it is how you handle those failures that will dictate your success. Finally, I learned that if you aren’t happy do something about it. Be proactive and don’t let others run your career or life. 

Ask any of the 108 students who went on this trip and they will tell you that this trip changed them in some way. That is the beauty of New York, it inspires you and changes your perspective. This week we were pushed to feel uncomfortable and step out of our comfort zones. We were pushed to represent our school. We were pushed to think critically and look at the bigger picture. Above all we were pushed to unite as a team and help each other find ourselves in this chaotic city. 

Bags are packed, the city is in the distance, and a 108 students are left looking back on an incredible week. 

Topacio Beerhalter       05.13.2017