To Jena to do my internship  

Who does not know the city of Friedrich-Schiller?

Who does not know the city of Carl Zeiss?

Well, I want to say honestly that I did not know Jena perfectly until I knew those great persons and the other amazing structural components in this city: the ancient architectural infrastructure that narrates a profound history that this city has passed through, industrious sites that created the legendary Carl Zeiss as one of the most known optical industries not only in Jena or Germany but also in the world over. 

With so much to explore, I can't wait to immerse myself in this city for the next three months. My anticipation is further fueled by the prospect of interning at Friedrich-Schiller University -Jena Reconciliation Center, a prestigious institution founded in 1558.

Transitioning from Albert-Ludwigs University Freiburg to this internship, I am optimistic about the potential for new knowledge, academic friendships, and understanding within the local community.

Jentower - Jena/ Private

The city is beautiful and charming not only by its nature but also by the historical fingerprints created since the eve of the Industrial Revolution in Europe in the 18th century. Many stages this city passed through to reach this very sophisticated era in almost all fields, especially the scientific and industrious Friedrich-Schiller University, has contributed to significantly building this platform by generating scientists and professionals in all fields who have done their best to make Jena great again in its bright facets that I can see.

What truly astounds me is the remarkable resilience of this city. Despite enduring the devastating traumas of WWII, including bombings by the British and the U.S. Allied Forces, and the subsequent Soviet Occupation, Jena has managed to rise from the ashes. The collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s marked a new beginning for the city, a testament to its unwavering spirit. This city was experiencing a chronic recession that affected its scientific institutions, such as Friedrich-Schiller University. Therefore, scientific development declined relatively, and much of its productivity was lost.

Apart from that, I can imagine that in this colorful experience, which I can categorize into three phases as mentioned, the people finally managed to coexist with the new reality after more than four decades under the Soviet Occupation. It's imaginable the socio-cultural and even psychological change that the people here went through, especially when they found themselves open to West Germany.

But, at first glance, I did not touch upon the difference. Maybe being here in 2020 makes the difference blurry or unclear anymore. This can not be uncovered unless I talk to people, but I assume the current generation, under this technological openness, crashed this difference. 

Anyway, I am fully inspired by the city and the academic, scientific, marketing, and hustling-bustling components that embellished it in each corner, which I will explore. I can not wait to enjoy this experience even though we are still challenged by this pandemic, COVID-19. It makes the situation precarious, and it might come at any moment. Hopefully, the situation will be better, as I see the city right now is stable, and not many people are infected.