Since flying back to the States, I have reflected on my time in Paris. I have shared my stories with friends and family about my experiences with speakers, events, and iconic landmarks. I was honored to see many Olympians from the current and past games. On the streets of Paris, I saw Simone Biles walk by, which left me in awe. In the Team USA House, I saw Bobby Finke and got a picture with Frederick Richard. After watching the NBC streams of the Olympics and these athletes for the past four summer games, seeing them in person was a significant highlight of the trip.
I look forward more to the next Olympic Games in Milan and LA because now I do not only see the Olympics as games, instead, I see it as a movement and opportunity to work. After hearing stories from speakers about their initial connection with the Games and how they moved on to work for a bid, I recognized these stories from my own experience. The Olympics help develop nations and humanity through sport, and that is a movement that I want to advocate for.
I am incredibly grateful for these new memories and friends I made along the way. As one of the younger students in the class, I was fortunate to be surrounded by my class, which was a great support system. I reflect on when people would share their challenges and prosperous moments that you do not always hear. My professors, Dr. Neirotti, Terrence, and Lisa, have also become inspirations to me and my future. Each of their connections and successes led our class to have new-founded ideas about the Olympics. I could not have asked for a better group of people to share this experience with.
Paris 2024 exceeded my expectations, and I learned more from this experience than I could have asked for. I hope to continue my Olympic journey for LA28. I will continue to reflect on all my experiences in Paris and expand my knowledge of the Olympics. I hope to one day have stories of the Olympics to inspire the next generation and continue to advocate for the Olympic movement.