ANDY’S SWISS TRAVEL 21

Last Night it was amazing, I didn’t even sleep in anticipation of my return to New York City. At 4:30am I took a nice warm shower and right after I inspected my room to make sure everything was in order before departing SSTH. At 5:00am I took my carry on bag and my keys downstairs, Dr. Garely gave me a bagged lunch which included 2 sandwiches, banana, apple and a juice. Approximately at 5:45am we sat in the two vans and departed towards Zurich airport. It was bitter sweet because I had become used to the Mountain View and SSTH.

At 7:40am we arrived at Zurich airport. It was a fast process going through security. Once we were at our gate for departure professors, Mark and I browsed through the airport shops and took the time to stop at a coffee shop, there we bought water, black coffee and croissants. Time flew by before I noticed it was 9:45am and I was already sitting in the airplane. As soon as the airplane departed I went to sleep, I was extremely tired from the previous night. Approximately 2 hours after we departed I was served lunch which consisted of some delicious chicken, pasta, bread and a cranberry juice on the side. It may sound surprising but I was satisfied with the meal portion. After that I slept on and off through out the whole flight, before I noticed at 1:45pm we arrived in New York City.

Upon arrival we immediately raced to the customs line. As much as I hated wearing the BMCC blue T-shirt for 9 hours it was extremely helpful because the customs officer didn’t ask me any questions at all. Once I cleared customs I went to the carrousel to pick up my luggage. Dr. Garely gave me a hug before I walked out of JFK terminal 8. When I was given that hug it saddens me because I remember most mornings the first person I saw in the lobby was Dr. Garely. Once I said my goodbyes to a few of my classmates I was greeted by my brother and my cousin outside the Airport, I instantly became overwhelmed with joy and emotions.

Overall my Swiss experience was great. Prior to this experience I thought my writing skills were good, but during the 3 weeks in Switzerland I realized that my writing skills aren’t good and I must improve them. Throughout this experience I became someone bigger than I thought, I learned how to appreciate my parents. I was able to apologize to my dad for all the wrong I did throughout the rebellious stage of my life. This study abroad gave me the opportunity to see a part of the world I never thought I would see at this young age. For the rest of my life I would carry on in my heart and mind all the hotel inspections, mountains, rainfall and pork we were fed. Thank you so much Prof. Neis, Dr. Garely and Elliott for believing in me and for helping me become a better person. The three of you have boosted my self-esteem, have given me a new view to how meaningful education is, I will always owe the three of you for helping me believe in myself. Growing up as a little boy I always had wanted to travel and see new places, many people always told me that would be impossible. For all of those who doubted me saying I would never make it out the hood, look at me now. I am 21 years old and I traveled through a few places in Europe. My path could only go up from here!