My journey to Philadelphia for a research overseas program at Drexel College has been nothing wanting an journey. It started in December after I flew again house to Pakistan from Hong Kong, reuniting with household earlier than embarking on this thrilling chapter.
From Karachi, I boarded a flight to New York by way of Doha. A protracted layover in Doha become an unforgettable New Yr’s Eve. I joined a metropolis bus tour, met a fellow traveler heading to Seattle, and unexpectedly made an amazing new pal. Collectively, we explored the town, soaking within the festive ambiance and sharing tales from reverse corners of the globe. As midnight approached, we watched breathtaking fireworks gentle up Doha’s skyline—a magical begin to 2025.
The subsequent day, I flew to New York and spent two days at my cousin’s house. It was a heat welcome and an opportunity to recharge earlier than heading to Philadelphia. Touring by prepare to my new metropolis felt surreal; I couldn’t wait to begin this new chapter.
Orientation at Drexel was my first glimpse into the colourful trade neighborhood. After the session, a bunch of us grabbed pizza, bonding over our shared pleasure and distinctive journeys. Whereas I keep off-campus, my room got here unfurnished, and my mattress supply from Amazon was delayed, leaving me with an empty house. Fortunately, my cousin from Pittsburgh saved the day by bringing me an air mattress—a gesture I received’t overlook.
Exploring Philadelphia started with iconic spots like Penn’s Touchdown and the Rocky Steps on the Museum of Artwork. I additionally had the prospect to satisfy a few of my cousin’s mates, including extra layers to my rising community.
Academically, Drexel has been a improbable alternative to increase my horizons. I’m taking programs from each the School of Computing and Informatics, resembling Knowledge Constructions and Techniques Programming, and the LeBow School of Enterprise, together with Managerial Accounting and Worldwide Enterprise. Balancing these technical and business-focused programs could also be difficult but extremely rewarding. It’s thrilling to see how these areas intersect and put together me for numerous profession alternatives sooner or later—maybe in america.
The next week, lessons began, and I rapidly settled right into a rhythm. Basketball video games with mates of my pal from Hong Kong who had beforehand exchanged at Drexel turned a enjoyable strategy to unwind. Every week later, I reconnected with a pal from my highschool in Karachi, now finding out at Drexel, who launched me to extra wonderful folks.
Capping all of it off was celebrating my twenty second birthday—a milestone that felt much more particular in a brand new metropolis surrounded by new mates.
These first two weeks have been full of journey, connection, and progress. I can’t wait to see what the remainder of this journey holds!
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