In two days, I will be leaving for Paris for the 2024 Paris Olympics! I am still processing that I have been offered this amazing opportunity and am so grateful to GW for this experience. As someone who has always enjoyed watching the Olympics growing up, I am so excited to have a front row seat to the action during my time in Paris. I am most looking forward to volunteering with Team USA at the USA House. I am looking forward to bringing USA pride to Paris!
I have already learned so much about the Olympics and Olympic history during my time in this course. Having the opportunity to listen to our professors and their past Olympic experiences has been amazing and I cannot wait to have similar experiences myself. Last week, I also had the opportunity to attend the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team’s send-off match against Costa Rica in Washington, DC. Watching the game felt surreal knowing that this same team will be representing USA in Paris. Listening to team captain Lindsey Horan express her excitement for the upcoming Games just made me even more excited for what is in store in Paris!
I have never been to France before, so I am of course excited to immerse myself in cultural experiences as well. During our down time I hope to see iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, and try new restaurants in the city. While I know Paris is already beautiful, I am interested to see how they have transformed the city for the Olympics. Maybe one day I can return to Paris again to compare the city during and outside of the Games! Something else I am looking forward to is meeting new people, both those who have traveled to be in Paris for the Olympics and locals. I am looking forward to hearing their stories about what the Games mean to them and what motivated them to travel from different places for this historic event. I cannot wait to make lifelong memories as well as develop personally and professionally.
I have added a photo of the Eiffel Tower decorated with the Olympic Rings. I am so excited to see this in person!
