I can’t believe it’s already mid July. June was a hectic month — in the course of three weeks, I thought I wouldn’t be able to submit my thesis on time, then did manage to submit my thesis on time, then defended said thesis, then orchestrated a university conference of 65+ attendants, and finally moved out of my German apartment to return to the US.

It’s been a wild ride — and I have this to show for it.

Yers truly, Master Olson.

Since finding a little breathing room — and I think it took until halfway across the Atlantic before it finally hit me that I’m done and can relax for a bit — I’ve been thinking about what I will miss about Germany. My top answer…all the amazing people. Definitely. It’s been amazing to get to know so many wonderful, creative, inspirational people here throughout the past three years…like my fabulous roommates, who celebrated (a variety of milestones) with a fancy pre-departure Berlin dinner.

Photo cred to Natalie, the roommate who always (and rightly) insists on photos.

It’s bizarre to reflect that one year ago I was in Mexico City. One month ago I was in Berlin. And one week ago I was in the wild woods of Oregon, celebrating the 4th of July…not exactly a holiday that’s well known back in Germany.

Cheers to moving onward and forward, y’all.