I’ve been in Paris for almost a week now! The Olympics have been incredibly exciting with all the events going on. I started my Olympic experience with a volunteer shift at the USA House, where I directed people to the exit door. Over the next few days, I explored Paris with my friends. We visited the Louvre to take in the atmosphere around the square spaces and also went to the Arc de Triomphe. I walked along the Seine River and visited the Eiffel Tower with my friends, enjoying the beauty of the city. I’ve also had the chance to eat at some fantastic French restaurants, really immersing myself in the local culture. One highlight was visiting Spot 24, where I saw a sports exhibition that showcased the history and culture of various sports. I also went to the Alibaba activation with my group of friends for a unique experience. There, I learned about how the company operates, especially in China, and we had the chance to create personalized clothing, lip products, music, and perfume. I also visited the Samsung store, which has been a sponsor for each Olympic Games. It was fascinating to see the different versions of Samsung phones created for each Olympics, and I collected some amazing pins there.
Another highlight was visiting the Japan House with my friends. It featured designs for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, including the stadium, medalists, and clothing for the Paris Olympics. My favorite part was the basketball, table tennis, and Japanese cultural exhibits. We also had the opportunity to hear from speakers from major sports industries like the NBA, IOC, and former Olympic athletes. They shared their perspectives on career paths, which was really helpful for us as newcomers in this field. I also went to a thrilling USA Men’s Basketball game against Puerto Rico on August 3rd at Lille Stadium with my friends. The stadium was packed, and the energy was incredible. Watching some of the best athletes in the world play was truly worth the trip, even though Lille is quite far from Paris.
Today, I’m working at Team USA House in the afternoon to prepare for a private event where a lot of elite athletes and legends will be attending. Only VIP guests are allowed in the red tents at USA House. My role is as a VIP ticketing assistant, stamping people in and getting their credentials ready. I really enjoy this job because it allows me to meet Olympians and people from around the world. After my shift, I went with friends from Team USA House to the GW Reception, where many GW alumni from past years gathered to connect and share insights that could benefit our future careers. Later that night, I waited outside the entrance of a private event at USA House to see if any famous athletes or celebrities were leaving, and I was thrilled to see Snoop Dogg in person! He was so cool and made my day!
Tomorrow, I’m heading to a track and field event in the morning. I’m so excited about what’s next!