In Rememberance

I sit here writing this at 2:30am, attempting to make sense of the most heartbreaking tragedy that I have ever had the unfortunate privilege of learning about.  But to draw concerns to my emotions would be selfish.  What about the parents of the 20 young victims who kissed their children goodbye for the last time this morning?  What about the grandparents who dreamed of the day they would see their grandchildren walking down the aisle?  What about the children, both victims and survivors, who had to live through the most painstaking and incomprehensible 5-minutes of terror that this world may ever come to know?  My heart bleeds for them.

To the loved ones who had their lifelong joys removed from their sides today, I promise you, their memories will live on.  I promise you that their moments of laughter, joy, courage, and inspiration will be shared and appreciated by all, as if they were our own children.  I promise you that we will comfort and console you, and stand by your side in order to recognize and properly honor the cheerful souls that blessed us with their presence on this earth.

To the teachers and staff members that instinctively ran to the protection of the children they loved, I commend you as the most courageous and selfless citizens of the human race.  Many of you made the ultimate sacrifice, leaving behind grieving families and friends of your own.  We will remember you as people whose lifelong mission consisted of aiding in the development of others in order to make the world a better place.  You are heroes.

However nonsensical or saddening these events may be, we must count our blessings and lift up our neighbors in a sign of solidarity and support.  Life is precious, and to treat each other’s lives with the amount of dignity and respect that we treat our own is the greatest gift that we could ever come to know.  Love one another.  Protect one another.  Cherish one another. 

God Bless You.

Corporate Sustainability: The Battle to Stay Relevant

Only 13.4% of the companies listed in the inaugural Fortune 500 rankings in 1955 still appear there today.  Whether by bankruptcy, merger, or fall from relevancy, 433 of the original Fortune 500 companies are now non-existent.

One of the relatively few companies that still remains one of the 500 largest 57 years later is Boeing.  During WWII, Boeing was the largest producer of military bomber aircraft for the US armed forces.  As soon as the war ended, this effort came to a complete halt and 70,000 people lost their jobs.  If the company decided to remain focused on military aircraft it surely would have succumbed to the complacency that destined the overwhelming majority of its competitors to irrelevance.  But Boeing, at its core, was never just a military aircraft company.  It was a company aligned with developing technologies that no one else ever deemed practical or possible.  As the war wrapped up, Boeing began an ambitious period of growth, developing America’s first commercial jet airline, the 707.  It also continued developing highly advanced military technologies such as short-range guided missiles that were purchased in droves by the US government during the Cold War.

If AT&T remained true to being the “American Telephone and Telegraph Company,” present-day conveniences like the World Wide Web and mobile communication wouldn't be as common place.  If 3M didn't ask its employees to innovate around the office-place, the company would have went down the path of just another mining company, and products like Scotch tape and masking tape wouldn't exist.  If Corning remained fixated on catalytic converters and diesel engine filters, the touch-screen glass that protects our iPhones would not be as dynamic and useful as it is today.  And above all else, if these three companies failed to move on from the products that once defined them, they would not currently be in existence.

Innovation lies at the heart of business.  Those who do not improve constantly will be passed by those who do.  Whether the company passing them is a well-established brand or a start-up looking to showcase the power of creative destruction, innovation in a free-market society will never cease to exist.  For this very reason, a company is much more than its portfolio of brands and product lines.  A company is destined by its values and mission.  Are we a bookstore, or a company devoted to helping people access the specific information they need in the quickest, most efficient, and most affordable manner possible?  Borders would have led you to believe it was the former.  Amazon would have you believe the latter.  Any business that defines itself by its product line, as opposed to its long-term purpose is a business you don’t want your money put anywhere near.

It’s also essential to remember that short-term decisions can have major long-run implications potentially strong enough to bankrupt your company.  During recessions or downturns in the economy, for instance, some companies, rather than innovating and reinventing themselves, will become excessively cost-focused by raising prices and testing new ways to nickel and dime the consumer.  However, consumers are extremely reactive to these changes, and one company’s selfishness can be enough to run it out of business.  In many ways, recessions, while frightening and unpredictable, cleanse the marketplace of yesterday’s visions.  Those who remain are those willing to change. 

Whether a business or an individual, change is the law of the land.  As John F. Kennedy so eloquently stated, “Those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”  In short, every decision one makes has lasting effects.  Cheating (even once), speaking out against those who doubt you, or acting selfishly rather than selflessly can prove fatal for the corporation and the individual alike.

Which modern day successes will be the Singer’s, Sperry’s (not the shoe brand), and Esmark’s of tomorrow?

What is a Global Perspective?

The level of ambiguity surrounding the meaning of a global perspective has left many study abroad participants, like myself, struggling to explain how spending four months in a far-off land can truly impact oneself.  Just recently, I found myself reflecting upon this experience once again as I absorbed the news that the European Union had just won the Nobel Peace Prize. 

The most valuable lesson that my study abroad experience taught me, stated succinctly by my European Union Integrative Seminar Professor, was “Where communication stops, conflict begins.”  We, as a global society, may not agree on how to solve every social and economic problem, or how to progress in a more general sense, but we must recognize that turning a deaf ear to others could lead to a level of ignorance that spurs conflict.  We must recognize that we are not so different from our counterparts living all over the world.  We work diligently in the same way as those Iranian oil-workers, grateful for a wage.  We care about our families in the same way as those nomadic tribes of India.  We smile and cherish memories in the same way as those exuberant children of Rwanda. 

The most frightening, yet satisfying realization I’ve come to about the impact of a cross-cultural experience is that I now care more deeply about others.  As much as I feel pride in knowing that I’ve changed for the better, I am scared and saddened by the prospect that not everyone will be able to have the same opportunity I did.  To state it bluntly, a Babson academic curriculum did not turn me into an entrepreneurial and progressive thinker.  My study abroad experience did.  I do however recognize that Babson made this opportunity possible for me, and for that I am grateful.

To recognize the undeniable benefits of global coexistence and prosperity, we must acknowledge that no model of international integration and cooperation is perfect.  The United Nations, European Union, NATO, and other similar organizations will be condemned and scrutinized much more than they will be praised.  However, imagine if none of these aforementioned organizations existed.  Imagine if countries determined foreign policy based only on who their closest allies were.  In the case of the United States, imagine if we were to close down our embassies in all Middle Eastern and African countries.  Would this disassociation positively impact our own nation, as well as the world? 

Democracy can and should be the cornerstone of expansive foreign relations agendas.  If the voices of many, entrapped in dictatorship or extremism, are muted by the voice of a single dictatorial force, how does the world advance to meet the needs of the majority?  Unfortunately, the costs of keeping lines of communication open can be high, both in terms of economic capital and life itself.  Incidents like the American hostage situation in Iran, or the more recent act of terror on the embassy in Libya, are a dangerous reality.  However, the impact that foreign relations have on global democracy cannot be discounted.  We have prospered because of social and economic freedom.  In hardly 60 years since the end of World War II, Germany is modeled as one of the most economically sound and progressive nations in the world.  Let’s not also forget that it was a mere 20 years ago that West Germany and East Germany reunited.  Could we expect similar results from the countries that ignited the Arab Spring? 

If you told the British in 1770 that their American colony would eventually become the preeminent power in the world, they would laugh at you.  If you told the French in 1940 that the Germans would harness the most progressive and impactful country in all of Europe, they would call you crazy.  And if you told the Soviets in 1985 that market economies would soon prosper in the satellite countries they then ruled, they would vehemently disagree.  Thankfully, we don’t have to settle for the prospect of “what should be”.  We can instead rely on inter-cultural fascination and communication to turn the unique identities of 196 countries into one powerful force of progression through common understanding.

It oftentimes is difficult to remember that life is bigger than the towns we reside in.  It can easily be forgotten that New England, or any US region, is not a microcosm of the world.  For many Americans, it is impossible to see past the borders of Texas and Maine.  Hardest of all, while it is easy to read about problems occurring all over the globe, it is nearly impossible, without a global perspective and international level of empathy, to understand and feel the impact of problems facing millions of humans that you and I will likely never cross paths with.  This is why I, and my fellow youthful world travelers, are able to see and react to things that others are blind to.  While this tremendous asset is to be appreciated, it must also be acknowledged that there exists a tremendous opportunity for us to prosper as a nation by offering all citizens the ability and foresight to reach beyond the finite boundaries that separate us from the outside world.

Four Years Later

It has been nearly four years since the coveted day on which I learned of my acceptance to Babson.  Never ceasing to amaze, Babson’s glorious admissions package nearly sealed the deal before I had even visited the campus for the first time.  In order to celebrate this momentous occasion in my short life history, I’ve decided to list the 4 reasons why I love my life as a Beaver:

1.     Prestige- Daymond John, Mark Cuban, Andrew Zimmern.  Just some of the iconic names that have developed partnerships with, and issued praise of Babson in the past year.  Daymond, the founder of the clothing giant FUBU and host of ABC’s Shark Tank, is an Entrepreneur In Residence at Babson, and is constantly on-campus collaborating with students and giving presentations.  Mark Cuban, the well-known owner of the Dallas Mavericks, and Shark Tank host, is the most famous public figure to make an impact on Babson.  He, along with Daymond listened to students with potential business ideas, and offered feedback based on his extensive business background.  Lastly, Andrew Zimmern, a major TV personality and chef on the Travel Channel, is also an Entrepreneur in Residence, who proudly acclaimed that he has “wanted to be here for a long time.”  These massive brand names add a lot to Babson’s appeal, which is already supported by its #1 National Ranking in Entrepreneurship, #11 National Ranking in Financial Management, #11 National Ranking in Lifetime Return on Investment, and #24 National Ranking for Undergraduate Business Programs.  It’s no wonder why Forbes, Bloomberg, and The Atlantic regularly publish articles devoted to what makes Babson such a special place.

a.     http://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelnoer/2012/08/01/tiny-babson-college-is-an-entrepreneurial-powerhouse/

b.     http://www.babson.edu/news-events/babson-news/Pages/4-11-2012babsonbwroi2012.aspx

c.      http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2012/09/how-liberal-arts-colleges-are-failing-america/262711/

2.     Diversity- Diversity of thought, ethnicity, religion, background, and interests are what make Babson such a thriving and successful campus.  While only 1,900 undergraduates attend Babson, they speak a total of 50 languages and hail from over 70 countries.  There is no other place in the world with a higher level of diversity per capita than Babson Park, MA.  Babson doesn’t just settle with the title of being diverse, however.  Babson integrates cultures through its thriving study abroad and exchange programs, and helps acclimate all students to a broader, and more global perspective.  My study abroad experience in Europe, for instance, opened my imagination to an entirely new way of thinking.  I learned and lived in 11 different countries, and saw what made each so unique and exciting.  Babson’s ability to cross cultures, and share the gift of diversity with all its students is one of its biggest assets.

3.     Location- Babson is home.  It has the perfect amount of suburban comfort mixed with a thriving energy from Boston and Cambridge.  You could survive by exclusively staying on campus, or you could open up your boundaries by traveling 10 miles east into the city.  The shuttle into Boston is extremely convenient and runs all evening, enticing students to use the city as their backyard.

4.    Size- Babson constantly stresses the point that it doesn’t want to grow in terms of population, but it does want to grow in terms of global impact.  The college has shown that you don’t need massive numbers in order to make a name for yourself.  Powerful graduates do enough to put Babson on the map by serving as innovators and leaders in every field known to man.   From community action programs in Ghana to India, the college is working tirelessly to expand its horizons.  With the addition of a satellite campus for the MBA program in San Francisco, Babson truly stretches coast to coast and beyond.  Graduates of Babson’s rigorous curriculum include the current or past CEO’s of Home Depot, Toyota, Accenture, PepsiCo, Bank of New York Mellon, as well as the founders of Quiznos, Gerber Baby Foods, Lycos and Zumba.  Currently, Babson grads also hold Executive-level positions at Comcast, Fidelity, Ford, DreamWorks SKG, and MolsonCoors.

An Unlikely Look at Politics

When it comes to politics, I usually prefer to keep my opinions quiet, so as to avoid never-ending arguments with radicals on either side of the table.  As Dale Carnegie famously stated in How to Win Friends and Influence People, “A man convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still.”  Therefore, rather than developing an opinion that might offend someone, and getting tangled in a debate, I prefer to observe the facts behind major legislation.  With this past week’s Supreme Court ruling, I found myself being pulled in two very different directions, and to be perfectly honest, I came to the conclusion that I do not agree with either.  To sum up my opinions in the most succinct manner possible, I have outlined two burning topics, related to healthcare, with critical analyses following each.

Is the rationale behind the Supreme Court ruling correct?

No, I don’t believe it is.  In the majority opinion, written by Chief Justice John Roberts, he ascertains that the Affordable Care Act “makes going without insurance just another thing the Government taxes, like buying gasoline or earning income.”  He fails to point out the obvious fact, however, that when it comes to gas and income, we are being taxed on things we actually decide to buy or accumulate.  The whole idea of being taxed for not buying something is irrational, and is not outlined as legal in our Constitution.  I find it implausible, and highly concerning, that he dismisses the notion of the Commerce Clause banning the government from forcing Americans to buy certain products, in order to re-construct the law to appear as a tax.  He goes on to say that “it is reasonable to construe what Congress has done as increasing taxes on those who have a certain amount of income, but (who) choose to go without health insurance.”  First, let us be clear that the word “construe” in this context means, “to assume”.  Therefore, Justice Roberts is making a very stark assumption, and one that is not already defined in the Affordable Care Act.  For this reason, he is acting out of his legal bounds.  After making this assumption, he continues that “if the mandate is in effect just a tax hike on certain taxpayers who do not have health insurance, it may be within Congress’s constitutional power to tax.”  By writing this, Chief Justice Roberts illegally changes his role from a Supreme Court Justice to a legislator, essentially rewriting the law that Barack Obama signed previously.

Interesting Relationship

Ever since the news came out that President Obama’s Affordable Care Act was being challenged in court, I thought deeply to myself, how is requiring citizens to buy health insurance any different than requiring drivers to buy auto insurance?  The rationale behind mandating the possession of auto insurance, is that even the unpredictable can happen, and thus even the best driver in the world can be distracted for a fraction of a second, enough time to start a fatal accident.  How is the world of health insurance any different?  Can we predict cancer any better than we can predict accidents?  I know plenty of healthy people, who were shocked to find out that they were hosts to infectious diseases.  As a whole, deadly diseases do not discriminate based on whether you are Caucasian, African-American, curly-haired, smart, or hairy.  You could feel the healthiest you’ve felt in your entire life today, and tomorrow be diagnosed with prostate cancer.  Diseases are the epitome of the unpredictable in this world, and it is important that American society equates the risk of becoming sick to the risk of getting in a car accident.  Roughly 33,000 Americans were killed in automobile accidents last year, while Heart Disease and Cancer killed 600,000 and 570,000, respectively.  Which is more important to insure against?  It doesn’t take a math major to figure this real-world problem out.  To put this in the fairest perspective possible, we must also understand that auto insurance doesn’t simply cover against death.  It also covers against small fender benders, potential lawsuits accusing drivers of negligence, and a multitude of other scenarios.  But to this end, so does health insurance.  You do not have to die to receive the benefits of health insurance, nor do you.  Millions are battling cancer, diabetes, and hundreds of other deadly diseases at this very second.  While society already represents one big contradiction, this contradiction is too big to allow to stand.  All Americans need the benefits of health insurance, to insure against the unpredictable.

In conclusion, with this ruling we find ourselves at a crossroads between what is legally within our bounds, and what is morally right.  If the Supreme Court Justices who voted in favor of allowing the Affordable Care Act to stand actually followed the principles of the Constitution, rather than reconstructing the Act to make it appear as a tax, it would have been found illegal.  However, our 200+ year-old system of checks and balances is still a work-in-progress.

Whether, Democrat, Republican, Independent, Communist, or Anarchist, two simple ideas need to be taken out of this court ruling.  First, that in following the rule of law of the US, no one can be required by the government to purchase something.  Additionally, a tax on people who refuse to buy something is not a tax at all.  It’s a penalty, similar to a fine for a motor vehicle violation.  However, as mentioned, it is entirely ludicrous that every member of American society is not covered by health insurance considering the unpredictable nature of fatal diseases. 

Ultimately, the larger question at hand is whether the US should be following a 200 year-old document (The Constitution) as our main rule of Law.  Nonetheless, as it stands currently the Constitution dictates how our society runs, and in utilizing the “ends justify the means” type of mentality that the Supreme Court did, our nation took one step back from democracy and transparency.

Back to America

Four months later…and it’s back to life in the USA.  To say I had the time of my life studying, exploring, and experiencing Europe would be an understatement.  It’s hard to believe that I traveled to 11 countries while in Europe (especially considering the fact that I’ve hardly been to 11 US states).  Some of these places have left extremely memorable impressions on me, while others have left me with impressions for a different reason.  Nonetheless, in order to wrap up my travels, I thought it would be best to share my adventures as I best remember them. 

Belgium

Brussels- After two days in Brussels, I felt knowledgeable enough to navigate the entire city.  As part of the academic aspect of the program, we visited the European Commission, the Council of the EU, and numerous EU lobbying groups (Finance Watch, a financial reform NGO, CEPS- The Centre for European Policy Studies, and lastly the Flemish representation to the EU).  In our free time, we took a visit to the Belgian Beer Museum that came highly recommended by IES and numerous travel guides.  Unfortunately, it was hardly a museum at all, and the 5-Euro entry fee simply got you a glass of beer.  The famous Belgian waffles, on the contrary, actually were just as good as claimed.  They were hot, delicious, and filled with strawberries, bananas, Nutella, and whipped cream.  Belgium’s modern-feel, as well as its traditional beauty were also extremely comforting.  We made sure to see notable landmarks such as the Manneken Pis, and the famous square, known as the Grand Place.

Croatia

Zadar- This was the last trip I went on in Europe, and without a doubt one of the best.  We booked a villa in the city, and experienced everything that the little known location had to offer.  One day, we took a full-day cruise around the multitude of islands that exist between Italy and Croatia (in the Adriatic Sea).  On one island, we went cliff-diving in crystal clear water, and laid out on the beach to dry off.  It was extremely warm and sunny while we were there so it made for a tremendous vacation.  At first, I was skeptical as to what it would be like to venture to Croatia, seeing as how it is not yet a member of the European Union, and how many Eastern-European countries struggle with fighting poverty and crime, but I was completely overwhelmed by the safe atmosphere.  The most shocking part of the entire trip, however, had to be seeing the vast number of houses that were leveled by the war that plagued the country in the 1990’s.  A mere block from our villa, there was a house that was split in half and was still crumbling.  It was certainly an amazing series of events to learn about.  In addition, there were also incredible historic sights, including Roman ruins from the 1^st century.  Up until last week I still had a piece of Croatia in me, by way of a sea urchin that I stepped on after cliff jumping.  While it would have been nice to have had the experience remain apart of me forever, I am glad that the ½ inch spikes are no longer in my foot.  Here’s a NY Times piece on the hidden gem of Zadar: http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/07/06/travel/06next.html?pagewanted=all    

Oh, and the wild dolphins swimming and jumping alongside our cruise ship were a nice touch as well.

Czech Republic

Prague- While we were only in Prague for two days, we saw nearly everything the city had to offer.  Our one important academic session here was a lecture at the University of Economics, where we learned about Czechia’s transition to a market economy.  It’s incredible to consider that up until 20 years ago, the area was under Soviet control.  Prague was a massive city, and I actually got lost while trying to navigate my way home during the day once.  During the evening, we got to experience Prague’s famed 5-story club, which was incredible.  Unlike Croatia, Prague had a very eery feeling about it at times, and we were strongly cautioned to watch out for pick-pocketers.  At night, the city was probably the most beautiful out of any city I visited.  The main square was vibrantly lit up, and the hourly church presentations were incredible.  Also, the food (kebabs, potatoes, fresh vegetables, dumplings and more) was great as well.

France

Paris- The Eiffel Tower was more than I anticipated it to be, and I am so glad I had the opportunity to see it in-person.  While in Paris, we visited the International Monetary Fund (IMF), attended a University lecture on the Eurozone crisis, and had a large amount of free time to visit the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral and the famed Eiffel Tower.  I never expected before the trip to visit the Eiffel Tower light show two nights in a row, but it was a certainly an amazing experience.  It was difficult at times to find affordable and good restaurants, but beyond that I felt as if Parisians were a lot more open-minded and kind than their French counterparts in Strasbourg.

Strasbourg- The rudest city in Europe.  I wasn’t necessarily as open-minded as I should have been before traveling to France for the first time, but the hospitality, or lack thereof, provided by thIS French city was extremely lacking.  We were required to visit Strasbourg on an academic trip in order to attend a lecture at the European Parliament, which was very interesting, but beyond that I can’t say I would ever want to return to this city.  At one point, a group of five of us walked into a restaurant and were berated in English by the owner after we saw that the prices were way too expensive and decided to leave.  Won’t be returning here anytime soon.

Germany

Berlin- Berlin had a tremendous historical impact, and visiting everywhere from Hitler’s suicide location to a Stasi prison, was an extremely enlightening experience.  My favorite place in Berlin had to be the Topography of Terror Museum, which detailed, from a NAZI perspective, the war and the hidden secrets of genocide.  I think it would be an incredible idea to bring all American students to Berlin to learn about WWII through a first-hand encounter, rather than to just read about it in a textbook.  We also visited the Reichstag, Germany’s Parliament building, and saw many remnants of the Berlin Wall.  It is certainly tough to put Berlin into words, especially since it struggles with a major identity crisis after most of it was destroyed in WWII, but I am glad I had the opportunity to learn about its history from a first-hand perspective.  Also, out of all the places we visited, Berlin had the best food.  We went out to dinner all three nights and experienced 1) The Best Cuban food I have ever had 2) Delicious, authentic Italian cuisine and 3) Tremendous sushi.  Even though it certainly wasn’t the most beautiful city in the world, its cosmopolitan feel certainly made up for it.

Frankfurt- I was only in Frankfurt for one day when we visited the European Central Bank, but I wish I could have stayed longer.  The skyline was full of modern glass skyscrapers, and was one of the cleanest cities I visited.  Touring the European Central Bank was incredible as well, even if it doesn’t serve much of a purpose in EU governance.

Freiburg- My European home, and favorite city.  Freiburg is an amazing city that is extremely diverse in its appeal.  First, it’s the most environmentally conscious place I’ve ever lived.  It also has a beautiful location, right in the heart of the Black Forest.  And even though it is considered a city (with a population of around 225,000), it feels like a small German village with old architecture, amazing churches, and plenty of bakeries, gelaterias, beer gardens, and great stores.  As months, and eventually years pass by, I will always think most highly of this German paradise. 

Latvia

Riga- The city that I will always fondly remember as the place I turned 21.  In fact, on the night of my 21^st birthday, our entire group ascended on a small karaoke bar (Ampir Club) directly across the street from the restaurant where our IES Farewell Dinner was hosted.  Little did we know, that this location was actually on the US Embassy’s list of places to avoid in Riga.  To quote the US Embassy website, “Under no circumstances should anyone visit these places” with Ampir Club listed as the first location.  Riga is constantly compared to Prague, since both are Eastern European and were once under Soviet control, but those are about all the commonalities that they share.  Riga has a much more Eastern European feel and was much more frightening to walk around then Prague.  Currently, only 2 million people live in the entire county, with more and more leaving every day due to “brain drain”, which leaves seemingly little hope at a prosperous future for this strongly Russian influenced nation.  On a side note, while on a guided tour of the city we ascended on an odd statue with a bunch of farm animals stacked on top of each other (Musicians of Bremen Statue).  As I was about to touch it, I heard the tour guide say “A common folktale says that anybody who touches the statue will be granted good fortunes and will return to Riga again in the future.”  As soon as I heard that I pulled my hand away, most likely because I am not all that interested in going back to a city that feels like it is still apart of Soviet-Russia.

Netherlands

Amsterdam- When contemplating the question of where I would have wanted to study abroad, had I not chosen Freiburg, I would absolutely decided on Amsterdam.  The city was extremely friendly to outsiders, with the entire population speaking flawless English, and there were a ton of different things going on.  While I was there, we visited the Heineken Experience (the best “museum” I have ever been to), as well as the incredible Botanical Gardens.  We were also lucky enough to receive a free tour of the city on a boat that traveled through Amsterdam’s many canals.  It was also one of the most affordable European cities I visited.

Spain

Palma de Mallorca- Having never been to the Caribbean before, I could only look at pictures to see what crystal-clear beaches actually looked like.  Thankfully, Spain showed me first-hand what pristine beaches look and feel like as well.  I was extremely impressed by the old architecture present in Palma, an island city located to the east of mainland Spain.  We traveled there during our Spring Break, and while it was only 65 degrees each day, we spent virtually every single hour lying on the beach.  Other than being turned off by Spanish hospitality after being served a free appetizer that smelt like road-kill (razor clams), every experience in this city was absolutely incredible. 

Sweden

Stockholm- I still contemplate whether I would ever want to return to Stockholm.  While it is without a doubt a beautiful city, it also earns the distinction of being the most expensive in the world.  When a small to normal sized meal at McDonalds and Subway cost you $13 and $11 respectively, there is not much room to spend on other experiences.  Obviously, I would have preferred to dine at customary Swedish restaurants each night, but unless you’re Bill Gates it’s not possible.  The one traditional Swedish meal I did have was delicious though: diced sautéed potatoes, cabbage, and veal, served over a giant poached egg.  The city itself is gorgeous as well, but it was well below freezing for the entire time of our stay.  I was also lucky enough to witness a man beaten senselessly by police outside a club, after I was returning to our hotel from dinner the first night.  An experience that I will always remember about Stockholm though was going to an Ice Bar with our entire group.  Drinks were served in glasses made entirely out of ice, and we were required to wear gloves and insulated coats the entire time we were there.  And of course, all drinks were extremely expensive ($11), which made us to decide to leave early anyway. 

Switzerland

Geneva- The purpose of our trip to Geneva was to visit one of the main headquarters of the United Nations (UN), as well as the World Trade Organization (WTO).  We were also fortunate enough to visit the UNHCR, the UN’s refugee agency.  Out of all the places we visited over four months, this visit was the most interesting and enlightening to me.  Since we were in various meetings for most of the day, we did not have ample opportunities to tour the beautiful downtown area.  With one hour to spare before departing back to Germany, we were lucky enough, however, to enjoy a calm and relaxing dinner watching the sunset on Lake Geneva.  I was awed by the sheer beauty of this Swiss city, and would love the opportunity to return and see more.

Grindenwald (The Alps)- I would consider this the most beautiful place I have ever been in my life.  Pictures do the landscape little justice, considering how every direction I turned, it felt like I was staring at a postcard.  The Alps trump any mountain range I have ever seen in my life, and the pristine forests that surround them create a 360-degree collection of incredible views.  Beyond staring at the amazing landscape, we had the opportunity to sled down the Alps for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  And let me be clear, when I say sledding, I more clearly mean racing (and crashing) 40 MPH down one of the largest mountain ranges in the world.  The bus ride up the hill took an hour, with an additional hour of climbing, before we commenced our 45-minute race to the bottom.  My face froze.  I flipped off my sled 3 times after crashing into snow banks.  And I screamed out in enjoyment for every second of the ride.  It was the most incredible thing I have ever done in my life, and it is my utmost hope to make this experience at least a twice-in-a-lifetime one.

United Kingdom

London- After 2.5 months of living in a country with a native language was foreign to me, I knew it would be highly enjoyable to visit the UK.  However, even without the language benefit, London surpassed my expectations immensely, and is a place I now consider one of my favorite in the world.  All of the major London sights were more amazing than advertised.  From the Tower of London, to a private tour of the House of Parliament, it was amazing to see so many renowned monuments first-hand.  We almost decided to take a Harry Potter London tour, but instead chose to simply visit Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station instead.  Other major attractions included Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the London Bridge (or correctly known as the Tower Bridge), and Leicester Square/Piccadilly Circus.  The funniest phrase of the trip had to be when we were told we needed to “Take the Piccadilly Line towards Cockfosters,” regarding utilizing the London tube system.  I also had the best lunch of my European adventures at an outdoor large-scale fresh BBQ, right near Shakespeare’s Globe (which is probably the least impressive attraction in London).  Overall, London was an amazing city to spend three days in, and I’m sure I’ll be back there soon to experience it again.

As my study abroad period has come to a sad end, I will now be turning my focus to work and school.  I’m extremely excited to be interning at Goodrich ISR Systems in Danbury this summer.  I will be working in the Finance Department, and will certainly have a great deal to learn and contribute as I aid the company in its transition to becoming apart of United Technologies.  In terms of schooling, in the fall, I will be taking classes in Investments, Intermediate Accounting, Strategic Management, and Environmental Technology.  This will be my second-to-last semester at Babson (as I am graduating next May), and I am looking forward to making the most of it.  For now, my blogging adventures may dwindle as my study abroad experience has come to an end.  Nonetheless, I absolutely plan on utilizing this tool as a continued method of communication.  I am beyond grateful that I had the opportunity to study in Freiburg, and I look forward to seeing how the many lessons I learned affect my new life back in the states.