Recently, I went on a study trip to San Francisco with my college. It was an amazing and inspiring trip, and I was truly inspired by this beautiful and colorful city! And today I’d like to reflect back and tell you about the things that I learned from that experience.
San Francisco is a very beautiful and unique city, the city that also barely sleeps. I loved that anyone can find a place for themselves there. San Francisco is romantic, historic, modern, hip, intercultural and has a lot of nature.
Things I’ve learned in San Francisco
Networking
If before the trip someone would tell me that networking is SO important, I wouldn’t believe it. But it is extremely crucial, especially in the business and entrepreneurship world. Everyone knows everyone, this is the truth. Networking can help you not only to find like-minded and goal-oriented people from your industry. But it can also help you to connect with someone who would want to help you with your projects, ideas, job, organization, etc. It is really crazy how it works there in the US. But it is also very inspiring.
From that week in San Francisco, I really learned a lot from different people, their stories, and their backgrounds. All of them gave us different tips and suggestions on how to become better in pursuit of our goals and dreams. Of course, it doesn’t mean we have to blindly follow any advice we are given, but it’s good to listen and to take notes on how people in business made it.
Stand Out and Don’t De Afraid to Fail
Another thing that I learned from the San Francisco study trip is that we have to be more open. Don’t be afraid to talk about your achievements even if they are small. Definitely, talk more about your dreams and plans. Of course, in moderation. I know it sounds a bit weird. What I am trying to say is don’t be afraid to share but don’t overshare. If you share your ideas or plans with the right group of people, they can suggest you something and, as I said earlier, help you or introduce you to the people who can help you elevate and level up.
Another thing is that very different from Europe is how Americans see failure. There it’s an experience, a chance to learn something new, to build another company, or to develop a new project. However, in Europe (in general, do I even have to say that?), if you fail, you automatically become a loser. You need to find a “normal” job and/or forget about your childish “dreams”. I really admire the American way of thinking. I am someone who tries to do something a hundred times before I can finally give up.
Also, I loved our visit to the University of San Francisco. It was very interesting to see the differences between the American and the Belgian students. Americans were loud, active, very confident, they wanted to answer the questions and to share their experiences. They are unapologetic in a way. I am not saying that our students aren’t, but there was something about those American students that I thought “wow, we really have to push ourselves out of the comfort zone“.
I really love how we can look at the different cultures, reflect back on where we are from and where we live, and learn from people around us.
The most important thing that I’ve learned is that everything is possible. Just be your authentic self, don’t be afraid to make a mistake, go after your dreams and have fun.
Last but not least, they have amazing districts with very cool thrift stores. One of them is Haight-Ashbury – an iconic district where a witch named Lily, from Juliet Blackwell’s books, lives. Now I understand why Sophia Amoruso decided to start Nasty Gal.
San Francisco is a very nice city with colorful murals, beautiful buildings, and interesting people. It can definitely inspire you in various ways. It’s a good city not only for tech lovers or entrepreneurs but also for artists or fashion-lovers. If you ever go there, enjoy your every day there!
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