My American Internship: Deacon V.

Our "My American Internship" series features CIEE BridgeUSA participants who submitted entries to our photo essay contest. Deacon V. of South Africa worked as a culinary intern at The Ritz-Carlton Resort of Naples, Florida.

My time in the United States was an unforgettable journey that shaped me into who I am today. During my time there, I not only could work and improve in my career, but also grow as a person. The United States taught me how to be independent from everyone and fight for what I think is right.

The United States gave me the opportunity to travel the world for work, as working in the USA has greatly improved my CV. During my time traveling the USA, I met so many people who have become like family to me.

The USA was not just a place of travel and work. It felt like a home away from home. If I could ever return to the USA, I would just to see the people again and experience the freedom of the USA again.