At the young age of nineteen it was decided to take a journey to a place that was as charming as the infamous poets that came from its city. It was decided to travel to a place that was as magical in its appearance in hope to become as enchanting in my studies and personal life. Luckily, this decision to embark in a new journey was made reality through the CSU International Program Tuebingen, Germany 2003-2005.
Indeed, by first appearance, to obtain a residence in Tuebingen was exactly what was needed to begin this journey. Its façade couldn’t be any less described as the home of a fairy tale. Its buildings, which were built in the early fourteenth century, were still standing and created an ambience to the entire town. The small and narrow streets to Castle Tuebingen reminded me of a time when my imagination took me to a place similar to it.
The Neckar River, which Mark Twain had once called home and based many of his stories, was also to be reminiscent of my new home. The Universitaet Tuebingen was so old and majestic, that it became hard to focus on who exactly studied in charming ‘old Tuebingen. Geniuses like Goethe, Holderin, Kant, Hegel, and Herta-Dauebler-Gmelin were recognized worldwide, worked, lived and even studied in the same University halls which my journey was planned to take me.
Although Tuebingen had a charming magic about it, my journey was to take me to an unknown place to learn as much as one could possibly learn about coffee. The mystic Tuebingen had found itself inside my espressos, cappuccinos, latte macchiato, etc. found at Premier Express on Gartenstrasse 1. The love and effort made to making creamy milk and mastering a craft every twenty seconds of making coffee was indeed something only Tuebingen could give to an individual such as me.
The journey would have been incomplete if unexpected things didn’t occur; if dreams weren’t supposed to materialize; if it were to be easy for even German citizens to achieve. As of September 2006 a project was to come my way which would make my journey for the time, complete. A practical training was offered to work alongside the former Justice Minister Mrs. Herta Dauebler-Gmelin in Tuebingen and then in December move to Berlin and help her in the German Parliament. This was the best experience to date. Conferences, taking notes, writing briefs, etc. were of the daily tasks. Meeting important German politicians was an extraordinary day which happened very often. Being apart of a nationwide T.V. broadcast was also something to add to this magical portfolio which only Germany could offer.
Although I’m back in California and have continued to complete my studies at CSU, San Bernardino, I haven’t lost the magic that was found in Tuebingen, Germany. I hold on to these memories while looking forward. When times get tough, it’s always fantastic to know that I have come very close to a perfection of the sciences and the arts. I have seen so much of the U.S. and Europe, and the world just by journeying on year’s adventures. I’ve fallen so much in love with the way of life with human beings and studies from all around the world, in particular Germany and plan on doing my Master’s Program at the Universitaet Tuebingen.
Furthermore, the experiences, which gave me, a deeper understanding about the world and myself are the ones, which can never be forgotten. They are, indeed, priceless. I took a voyage to Germany in order to improve my resume and push open doors that would otherwise be closed. The practical training, the work in a foreign coffee shop, the fluency in a language other than my mother tongue, have all improved my chances on entertaining a fantastic job in the field of my study, political science. The jumping obstacles from the previous experiences have completely changed my character in that it has created a stronger, committed, personable, and confident character that I am today. To participate in such a program offered by CSU, San Bernardino has indeed changed my life and will do nothing less for others.