My STEP Signature Project entailed my travels to Germany where I studied abroad and explored the amazing, metropolitan city of Berlin and made some powerful friendships along the way. The program titled Berlin, Then and Now: People, Places, and Experiences gave me and my classmates a glimpse of this fascinating city’s history. Through excursions to various sites and meaningful classroom discussions we found ourselves amidst a city with a dark history that focuses, through culture and acceptance, on becoming a hub of music, art, diversity, and great food.
A whole world was opened up to me through this trip; Europe. I had never been to another continent before, and I believe it is safe to say that I have no regret in my decision to venture to this one first. I love where I am from, and I never understood the stereo types that Americans were perceived as in other countries. Upon getting to know another culture, which I believe I somewhat managed to do in a month, I realized that yes these stereo types are somewhere true, and yes there are major differences in culture, but that is what makes our world beautiful. There will always be a slight negativity towards tourism, especially in Berlin, but there is nothing wrong with a slight attempt to break this tourist barrier and connect with those of a different area. Whether you speak the same language or not, it doesn’t matter. Try, try to make an effort towards those of different areas to respect their customs, language, style, and even their mannerisms because it just lets out a huge feeling that says “I am happy to be here, and let me show that to you.”
This is what I learned over the course of my travels. Our way is not the only way. I believe it to be so easy to be accustomed to a lifestyle, that one never experiments with any other one. I learned that a common German phrase, a moment of recollection and awe instead of a funny picture, and some respect for peace and quiet, are a few things that make one welcomed in Berlin like they were born and raised there. I believe this applies to many situations. What I understand and realize now is that this is such a beautiful thing, to try and live out one another culture as human beings of the world, and not separate nations. Stepping out of my own culture made me realize that other ones exist, and for the opportunity to experience this, nothing could surpass my gratitude.
From the beginning, my love for this wonderful city came about. There was a particular buzz about it, a sensation of life and energy that I had never experienced before. Upon arriving, we decided to try what is probably the most popular food in Berlin, which is delicious Döner Kebab. This tasty gyro-resembling sandwich was almost around every corner. I understand it may seem silly to talk up such a simple food, but to me this simple food spoke a particular message to me. This was culture as its finest hour, and this was the first time I saw love go into something that can be bought on any street corner for under 4 euros. There was something about the food in Europe that fascinated me so much, and it was the quality that surrounds it. It was not unusual to purchase food in a subway station, and no one hesitated to scarf down a sandwich that someone didn’t wear gloves to prepare. I witnessed the mutual understanding of these people, and it was that they cared about what they put into their bodies, so good food was readily available. Everyone, big or small, young or old, was eating it and they love it, and so do I.
A perfect day in Berlin consists of a walk around the city with a Döner, but lets not forget about the art. If there ever was a city that could itself be called a political message, Berlin would take the cake. One of the most meaningful aspects of Berlin to me, is the street art. From a giant space man done with paint sprayed from a fire extinguisher, to a dog with many words of wisdom, to the Russian kiss at the East side gallery, my vision of art has been completely twisted inside-out. I used to believe that street art was just the act of vandals trying to make people angry. I learned that Michelangelo can make me gasp, but so can Victor Ash. I saw detail that only someone with a true gift could accomplish in an abandoned building, only to be seen by the passerby who’s willing to venture off the trail. 
I do believe that any place is a good place to make a friend, but especially in an unfamiliar setting is when making a friend can have a long lasting affect on the way one perceives relationships. This is one great aspect of my journey that I did not expect, but made such a lasting impression on me nonetheless. The unique make up of our group is something to be marveled at. I really am not sure what put all these people together in the same setting, but I can honestly say that each and every individual from this trip had some sort of positive impression on me and I believe that is why everyone is still really good friends. On top of this we had the wonderful opportunity of meeting a group of young people that lived in Berlin. The time we spent comparing our upbringings and running around the city together was unforgettable. I think in a world that I have noticed makes it easy to stick to the friends you know, it was quite refreshing to get to know these wonderful people.
This trip affected me personally in so many ways. One way, which is so important to me, was that living in Berlin for a month showed me this different kind of lifestyle, with different people, food, and all around pace of life. It made we consider the option that possibly I would want to live abroad. Now I think wanting this and having it be a goal are two very different things. This want grew and grew into making it a goal. I now want to live in Berlin for a portion of my life. I am learning the German language, and I am considering pursuing an internship in Germany for the Summer of 2017.
Being abroad showed me how adaptive people are to the English language. It also showed me how they knew a lot more about the history of the place I live in than I know of the history in the place that they live in. I have taken it upon myself to learn more about other nations through more reading, practicing foreign languages, and even just asking my foreign friends questions about their culture and daily lives. I want to bring home this lesson that I learned about making a real effort to adapt to a culture, even if it is just some small act of courtesy. With this I now know that from now on every time I travel, I will make it a personal goal to have a general understanding of my new destination
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