Week 8:
Wondrous Adventure

July 29, 2022

Yes, indeed, I would categorize my time in Chicago as an adventure. I learned and experienced a lot during these eight weeks, enjoying myself while I was at it. Getting to work at Amazing Edibles was a treat partially because it was my first work experience. I know I have gained an edge over those students who have not had any work/job experience outside of school, but, more so, I now have enhanced my skillset over the course of the two months while also getting an understanding of how to behave in a professional work environment (which, for me, is quite important).

The first two days of this week went by routinely with me being ever so grateful to my fellow co-workers for letting me answer the phone and talk to potential clients as an actual salesperson would because attending those sales calls was more valuable of an experience than they could ever imagine. Then, it hit me. That this week is my final one and that is why I should also make it the most memorable one (as far as the workplace is concerned). I spent the rest of the week implicitly thanking my co-workers for everything while also trying to work as efficiently as possible for the benefit of the company.

Another thing that made this trip to Chicago a memorable one was me trying out different fighting styles at an MMA gym that was 30 minutes away from where I lived (walking distance). Learning Muay Thai was the most enjoyable of all but boxing and Jiu Jitsu were fun as well. The techniques behind Krav Maga are also quite fascinating and of course useful as well. Coach Jimmy (in the picture with me) was one of the best and helped me quite a bit in going from Level 1 to Level 2&3 in a span of just three and a half weeks. I took at least two consecutive classes each day, and that is how I managed to gain specific knowledge and skill.

The reason I am including this in my final blog post in because I wanted to demonstrate my indefatigability, and one of the primary reasons that it is my asset is the two years of my Cornell education. I used to leave from work at 5 pm with a heavy back containing my gear and my clothes and walk straight to the gym, which was 45 minutes away, for my 6 ‘o’ clock class. Even though I was mentally exhausted, I pushed through and managed to face everything that was thrown at me, quite literally on some days. The block plan does not allow the average student enough free time, and that is why we have to figure out how to do everything within a limited time frame. Sometimes, that means long hours even while you are physically and mentally exhausted. I was able to replicate how I faced some of my responsibilities at Cornell in Chicago. I also believe that what I was able to apply here in Chicago is a life skill.

Leaving the company for which I had worked eight weeks was ‘bittersweet,’ as I imagine many things are for people that are closing an amazing chapter of their life but also know that their decision is for the best. Andrea gave me some books on leadership while the whole team was giving me advice based on my time here. After the heartfelt goodbyes, I walked out the door one last time knowing well that this was an experience to remember. It will be hard to forget these eight weeks. They are forever etched in my memory.