I have been lucky enough to have gotten to go on this trip two years in a row. Each year was a completely different experience, but combined have truly been two of the most valuable and important weeks of my entire college career.

Junior year New York was like a dream. I was in a city I had never been to with people I enjoyed being around. No decisions had to be made and the stress of finding a job was far away on the horizon.

Senior year was the opposite. New York had switched from a dream to a reality. I was now in a city I would call home in a short few weeks visiting agencies I could actually work for in the future. While I am now beyond excited, overwhelmed puts it lightly when trying to explain all of my emotions I felt while on the trip.

To make the most out of the experience as a junior, be a sponge and just absorb. Take in each agency visit, conversation, walk through the city, and wrong subway stop. Enter each day and agency visit with an open mind. You will surprise yourself with what you like and do not like. Make friends and connections. And do not forget to set aside time to be a tourist.

Senior year come with a similar open mindset, but take time to really reflect on the city, agencies, and your next step post graduation. Table the job search, but at each agency visit ask yourself if this is the culture, people, and work you want to surround yourself with. While the statue of liberty and famous food places are exciting to see, put the camera down and explore the not so touristy parts of the city.

- Katey