Abstract

The final chapters of our Fulbright journey at Virginia Tech were marked by unforgettable moments in weekend #2 and Week #3. Weekend #2 brought us a scenic hike to McAfee’s Knob, despite the unexpected rain. We indulged in card games, campfire reflections, and celebrated a birthday. On Sunday, some explored Roanoke, while others opted for a cozy retreat at the hotel, complete with movies. Week #3 began with academics, laundry, and adventurous activities. We enjoyed an inspiring seminar, a reflective bonfire evening, souvenir shopping, and heartfelt conversations during girls’ night. The week culminated with pitch practice, a Closing Celebration, and emotional farewells. Weekend #3 witnessed our journey back home, with shared milkshakes and touching goodbyes. The adventure concluded with our return and the bittersweet task of saying farewell to cherished friends, followed by reuniting with our loved ones. This Fulbright experience at Virginia Tech leaves us with cherished memories and enduring connections, forever enriched by the journey.

Weekend #3: Weekend Escape: Nature’s Embrace and Relaxation

Day 16 - 09/09/23 – Saturday – McAfee’s Knob and bonfire

Weekend #2 of our Fulbright journey brought a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Saturday kicked off with a hearty breakfast featuring yogurt with fruits and the preparation of lunch bags filled with sandwiches and fresh fruits.

Our day’s highlight was a captivating hike to McAfee’s Knob, renowned as the most photographed overlook on the Appalachian Trail. However, Mother Nature had her own plans, and rain joined us on our adventure. Undeterred, we embraced the weather and found solace in card games, sharing stories around the campfire, and indulging in a delicious birthday cake to celebrate a special day.

Day 17 - 09/10/23 – Sunday – Stiles Falls

Sunday morning saw some of us embark on a tranquil walk to a nearby waterfall (Stiles Falls), immersing ourselves in the beauty of nature even in the rain. Others chose to explore Roanoke, while a few, including myself, returned to the hotel for a day of leisure, relishing good food and movies. Weekend #2 was a testament to our ability to find joy in both adventure and relaxation, forging deeper bonds and creating lasting memories along the way.

Extra knowledge

Randy, short for Randolph, Stiles served as a Confederate sailor during the Civil War. The origin of the name “Stiles Falls” on the property traces back to a tragic incident at a Sunday School picnic held at Crockett Springs by the falls. Randy, displaying the skills he had honed while swinging from ship riggings, attempted to swing on tree limbs and vines but tragically fell to his death. This event memorializes the location as “Stiles Falls.”

Week #3: Academic Engagement, Entrepreneurship Festival, and Retreat

Day 18 - 09/11/23 – Monday – Venture Out

Our third week at Virginia Tech began with the familiar rhythm of breakfast and the resumption of our “Foundations of Entrepreneurship” course at the Apex Center for Entrepreneurship. Lunch provided a welcome break, and some of us tackled the practical task of laundry. In the afternoon we headed to the Venture Out Center, where we successfully completed various individual and group challenges. When evening came, we ate a hearty dinner together.

Day 19 - 09/12/23 – Tuesday – Bonfire reflections

Tuesday commenced with another satisfying breakfast, followed by our entrepreneurship course. The day held a special treat: the Pamplin College of Business Entrepreneurship Seminar 3. This event included inspiring words from Koehler at CRC, accompanied by a delicious lunch.

As night fell, we gathered around a bonfire at the Duck Pond Amphitheater for moments of reflection and shared camaraderie.

Day 20 - 09/13/23 – Wednesday – Girls Night

A delightful breakfast prepared us for another productive day in our entrepreneurship course. During our break, some ventured into Christiansburg for souvenir shopping, while others enjoyed lunch. The evening was dedicated to a girls’ night, fostering deep conversations and connections among our group.

Day 21 - 09/14/23 – Thursday – Process pitches and Closing Celebration

Thursday started with breakfast and our entrepreneurship course, where we fine-tuned our pitches. After a satisfying lunch, we transitioned to the Process Pitch Event. Here, our pitches were evaluated and critiqued by Ron Poff, Lisa Garcia, and Dan Lundberg, providing valuable feedback. The day culminated in a Closing Celebration at the Inn, complete with dinner, a photo slideshow capturing our journey, certificates, coins, and a fun photoshoot.

Day 22 - 09/15/23 – Friday – Time to say Goodbye

Our final day of the program began with breakfast and a reflective session in our entrepreneurship course. We packed our belongings and shared a farewell dinner. The evening took an emotional turn as we attended a Frat Party, bidding heartfelt goodbyes to our mentors, marking the end of an unforgettable chapter.

Weekend #4: Back again at Germany – Hello my loved ones

Day 23 - 09/16/23 – Saturday Blacksburg -> IAD -> FRA

Saturday marked our departure from Blacksburg as we checked out of the Inn and embarked on a 5-hour bus ride to Dulles International Airport. We made the most of our airport time, indulging in milkshakes before our departure at 6 p.m.

Day 24 - 09/17/23 – Sunday: Welcome Home

Our journey brought us back home on Sunday, landing at 8:10 a.m. While we bid farewell to most of our fellow travelers, our hearts were filled with the memories of an incredible Fulbright experience. By 11 a.m., I boarded a train to Hanover, where, at 3:00 p.m., I joyfully reunited with my loved ones.

Conclusion

The third week was a blend of reflection, learning, and the bittersweet taste of farewell, marking the end of a remarkable Fulbright journey.