The week after finals, I had the opportunity to visit Panama City, Panama along with other Regents Scholars. When we first arrived, I was shocked seeing the city firsthand and how fast you can get all around Panama. This trip consisted of business visits and learning about Panamanian culture. We had the opportunity to meet with a variety of business owners and discuss logistics and international business. Some businesses we got to visit and talk to was Norfolk Financial Group, Panama American Chamber of Commerce, and also the Director of Global Cargo Panama. Seeing how the Panama Canal was working up close was very interesting. We got to see the different locks open and closed and there were many other tourists there getting to witness one of the world’s essential trades across the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Our tour guide, Juan was very informative as we privately coached to the different areas around Panama giving us the history behind the culture and different buildings that still stand. With my time abroad, I got a firsthand look at how the business sector operates and got to ask many questions on how they are growing and their plans for the next 10 years. Many businesses were so excited to talk to many young business students and were happy to answer our many questions. I am so grateful for this opportunity because I was able to see things from a new angle, hear new ideas, and see these ideas put into action. With that being said, I?m so appreciative for this opportunity to build lifelong friendships with my fellow peers and being able to witness life elsewhere than the United States. My main takeaway from this trip is having the option to perceive how appreciative the entrepreneurs were for the work that they have accomplished and grown throughout the years, and I am grateful to such an extent that I chose to take part in this opportunity.
