My American Internship: Maria B. of Mexico

Our "My American Internship" series features CIEE BridgeUSA participants who submitted entries to our photo essay contest. Maria B. of Mexico served as a culinary intern at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida.

Being part of the CIEE BridgeUSA Intern program has completely changed my life. From discovering new cultures to receiving quality training, my experience at Ocean Reef has been nothing short of amazing, refreshing, joyful, and full of growth.

Of course, like any job, there are stressful days, but the moment I see my friends, everything feels lighter. The people around me truly make the difference and turn every day into something special. I feel incredibly lucky to have an amazing chef as my boss, and even though our kitchen is small, it’s full of energy, laughter, and teammates who teach me something new every day.

This year in the United States has been unforgettable. I’ve grown personally and professionally, made lifelong friends, and discovered just how much I enjoy being part of a multicultural environment. It’s an experience I will always carry with me.