My American Internship: Alexis J.

Our "My American Internship" series features CIEE BridgeUSA participants who submitted entries to our photo essay contest. Alexis J. of France served as a design engineer intern at Poclain Hydraulics in Sturtevant, Wisconsin.

I had this amazing trip to California, and I just have to share some of the highlights. Two experiences really stood out: biking through Black Star Canyon Falls Trail with my buddies Baptiste and Juan, and chilling at Santa Monica Beach.

We started our day super early, packed our bags with water, snacks, and our bikes, and headed to Black Star Canyon. The trail was no joke, steep and rocky, but the views were insane. As we biked, the sun was just coming up, making everything look golden. The canyon walls were this cool reddish-brown color, and there were trees and bushes everywhere. It was so peaceful, with just the sound of birds and leaves rustling.

We took a few breaks to catch our breath and soak in the scenery. At one point, we saw this waterfall in the distance. It was so beautiful, with water cascading down the rocks and mist shimmering in the sunlight. We just sat there for a while, feeling pretty proud of ourselves for making it that far.

After our biking adventure, we decided to head to Santa Monica Beach to relax. The drive there was filled with laughter and stories. By the time we arrived, the sun was starting to set, painting the sky with these amazing colors: orange, pink, and purple. The beach was busy, but it still felt really calm.

We walked along the shore, feeling the warm sand under our feet and listening to the waves crash. The pier was bustling with people, and the smell of saltwater mixed with food from the vendors was awesome. We found a spot on the beach to watch the sunset. The sky was like a painting, and as the sun dipped below the horizon, it left this golden path across the water. We just sat there in comfortable silence, enjoying the moment and watching the basketball players.

As it got darker, the sky turned deep blue, and the stars started to come out. We ended our day with a great meal at a nearby restaurant, enjoying some fresh seafood and sharing stories from our adventure. The food was delicious, but the company was even better. We laughed, joked, and talked about how awesome the day had been.

California gave us an unforgettable day filled with adventure and beauty. From the challenging bike ride through Black Star Canyon to the serene Santa Monica Beach, every moment was special. It was a simple day that reminded us how important friendship and adventure are, and how amazing it is to just take in the beauty around us.