My American Internship: Ines R.
Our "My American Internship" series features CIEE BridgeUSA participants who submitted entries to our photo essay contest. Ines R. of Germany worked as a purchasing program trainee at Schaeffler in For Mill, South Carolina.
When Schaeffler trainees from all over Germany and the U.S. decided to meet up in Chicago for St. Patrick's Day, the stage was set for a memorable adventure. We had all felt that the festive occasion was the perfect excuse for us to come together and celebrate. Decked out in matching green shirts, we were ready to dive headfirst into the city’s vibrant energy – and perhaps turn a few heads along the way!
Chicago was alive with excitement, and we were determined to soak in every moment. Seeing the river dyed neon green was a sight to behold, so naturally, we seized the opportunity to snap a classic group photo, capturing our collective joy.
The parade was a whirlwind of excitement, filled with bagpipes and colorful floats. We enthusiastically played the role of the cheering squad, whether catching green beads from the floats or trying our luck at riverboat spotting. The entire day was a joyful blur of laughter and memory-making moments. And to take in the full experience, we of course tried the famous deep-dish pizza.
As our adventure came to an end, we parted ways with promises to reunite soon. We left Chicago with more than just selfies and souvenir shirts – we left with strengthened bonds and a renewed sense of camaraderie. Our St. Patrick's Day escapade was a testament to the idea that sometimes the best adventures happen when you come together and embrace the festivities wholeheartedly. And yes, we wholeheartedly recommend dyeing your local fountain green for the next celebration!