Author: ruoyu.ye

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Paris

Post-Program Relection

Paris is a world-renowned cultural capital, and hosting the Olympics in a fascinating city with so many historical sites, culinary delights, and artistic treasures is a rare experience in itself, and one that I was fortunate enough to be a part of. The experience was more than just attending a world-class sporting event; it was a journey of personal growth, learning and connection. In Paris, surrounded by the energy of the city and the warmth of the Olympics, I found myself not only witnessing history, but also deeply immersed in the Olympic spirit.

I used to think that the Olympics were all about competition, winning and losing, and the number of medals. After this journey, I realized that the Paris Olympics is not only a feast of sports, but also a baptism of the soul. From the volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the event, to the athletes who showed extraordinary dedication and resilience. Every moment reinforced my notion that the Olympics is not only a celebration of physical fitness, but also a testament to the human spirit. It showed us mankind’s relentless pursuit of excellence and its deep understanding of solidarity. In the closing ceremony, I not only saw the inheritance and relay of the Olympic spirit, but also felt the love and pursuit of human beings for sports. When Tom Cruise took the stage in a thrilling rope way and received the Olympic flag, I saw the unlimited possibilities and bright future of sportsmanship.

As IOC President Bach said at the closing ceremony: It has been an amazing Olympics, an Olympics as breathtaking and mesmerizing as the Seine. Goodbye Paris! I look forward to returning to the Olympics with what I have learned from this course and see you in Los Angeles!

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Paris

Closing thoughts on the Paris 2024

When the curtain came down on Paris 2024, I couldn’t get over the fact that it had all happened so fast and so unbelievably. I couldn’t believe that I had actually been a part of an Olympic Games, from start to finish. From the moment I arrived in Paris with so much excitement and anticipation, to the daily guest sharing, volunteering at the team USA house, watching the games, and then the closing ceremony of this historic Olympics, it was surreal to be a part of the Games. It seems like yesterday that these images flashed through my mind, each moment intertwined with awe, learning, and a deep understanding of the Olympic spirit. This journey can be said to be the most unforgettable and wonderful experience of my life!

The Olympics not only showcase the pinnacle of athletic achievement, but also the profound sense of unity and global camaraderie that the Games foster. I believe that only the Olympics can unite the world, and each game was packed with fans from all over the world, epitomizing the world, united in their love of sport and celebration of excellence. What impressed me most was to see the closing ceremony showing clips of athletes competing in various sports over the 18 days. These clips captured the various details of the games and the emotions of the athletes, from victory to defeat, from passionate celebrations to tears of sorrow, from pride to remorse. Reminiscent of a shared human experience that transcends national boundaries, it also made me feel that the Olympics do not just belong to the gold medalists, they belong to everyone. I had a bittersweet feeling after watching the closing ceremony – a mixture of sadness for the end of the event and deep hope for the future. The legacy of this Olympic Games will be forever etched in the memories of all and will continue to embody the spirit of unity and peace that the Games inspired.

Last but not least, I would like to thank Lisa, Terrance and Dr. Neirotti for this unique opportunity, and even more so for the time and effort they put into supporting us in every way throughout our time in Paris to give us an unparalleled experience of the Games. Without their efforts, this course would not have been so successful. I am also grateful for the connections I was able to make with the other students and hope to stay in touch with all of you, and the wonderful time I spent with you in Paris will remain in my heart forever.

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Paris

Progress midway through the Paris Olympics

As the 2024 Paris Olympics begin, I continue to marvel at the depth and breadth of the experiences this program offers. Watching the Games, interacting with guests, and volunteering at Team USA House have given me a unique perspective on the operational and emotional aspects of the Games.

One of the most impactful experiences was volunteering at Team USA House. Working with people from different countries and cultures for the first time, I went from being nervous and cautious on the first day of my shift to seeing these people from different backgrounds who were passionate about supporting Team USA and contributing to the Olympic spirit, and whose dedication and enthusiasm was contagious, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and national pride that made me feel included in the positive work atmosphere. Volunteering with them allowed me to witness the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into making Team USA House run smoothly and to learn what every little contribution means in the grand scheme of things.

We had the privilege of listening to guest speakers, officials from Paris 2024 sponsors, IOC officials, and even former Olympians, each of whom shared their different success stories and insights into the industry, deepening my understanding of what the Olympics is about beyond the competition.

Paris 2024 has been a journey of discovery, full of unforgettable moments and valuable lessons, and I look forward to the remainder of this exciting event.

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Paris

First Impressions of the Paris 2024 Olympics

My arrival in Paris for the 2024 Olympics was a series of twists and turns. From canceled flights to delayed flights, I couldn’t wait to immerse myself in the city’s Olympic atmosphere after the long flight, but my enthusiasm was instantly dashed when I realized my luggage was missing. Luckily, the Paris airport staff were very efficient and helpful. Within a day, they found my bags and delivered them quickly to my accommodation.

Stepping into the city, I was struck by the tranquility and cleanliness of the streets, which was not quite the Paris I remembered. Despite the hustle and bustle of Olympic preparations, Paris maintains a calm and organized atmosphere. The highlight of the first day was undoubtedly the opening ceremony. Set against the backdrop of the Seine River and Parisian landmarks, the ceremony was a sight to behold. Historic buildings mingled with modern facilities to create a picturesque setting that felt both grand and welcoming. What struck me was the scene where the Minions and the Mona Lisa link up, and I particularly liked that idea.

In the following days, as I strolled through the city, the Olympic atmosphere was palpable. From the flags adorning the streets to the Olympic volunteers everywhere to the jubilant supporters of each country, Paris clearly welcomed the Games with open arms. I felt a sense of unity and excitement like never before, and I knew that this was just the beginning of an unforgettable journey. Paris has created an unforgettable Olympic experience for us, and I am happy to be a part of it.

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Paris

Pre-departure Thoughts on the Paris 2024 Olympics

As I prepare to travel to Paris for the 2024 Olympic Games, I am filled with excitement and anticipation. This trip will not only give me the opportunity to witness the biggest sporting event in the world, but it will also give me the chance to immerse myself in the vibrant culture and rich history of Paris. As someone who remembers the 2008 Beijing Olympics with great fondness, it was my initiation to the Olympics and has had a huge impact on my attitude towards learning, work and life since then. Experiencing the Olympic spirit first hand, the unity, sportsmanship and global camaraderie that the Games inspire is unparalleled. Meeting, sharing stories, and celebrating with athletes, staff, and fans from around the world will leave lasting memories. I am eager to learn from this Olympic course program.

In addition, this trip is an opportunity for personal growth. I am excited about the opportunity to volunteer with Team USA House; it will be both challenging and rewarding. This trip to Paris 2024 is more than just a destination; it is a journey of discovery, learning and growth. I can’t wait to share this incredible adventure with friends old and new and bring back personal stories that will enrich my life long after the Olympic flame is extinguished in Paris. Paris, here I come!