Week Ten: From Lost to Found: My Final Week in Sweden

Hi everyone!

Just like that, we've reached the end. It feels like only yesterday I arrived in Sweden: tired, lost in the airport, trying to figure out how the metro worked while dragging my luggage around like a confused tourist. Now, somehow, I know exactly which metro line to take to get back to the airport, and I’m heading home.

This final week has been filled with some hard emotions. It’s always bittersweet to say goodbye, especially to the amazing friends and mentors I’ve had the privilege of working with this summer. But I know we’ll stay in touch, and I’ll carry everything I’ve learned from them with me as I head into this next chapter.

During this last stretch, I finished up my handover document for the next interns, wrapped up my final projects, and even wrote a piece that will be featured in International IDEA’s 2025 Annual Review, with my name on it! That still hasn’t quite sunk in, but I’m so proud of it. I handed in my keys, logged out for the last time, and tried not to get too emotional while doing it.

This experience has meant so much to me. Sweden has become such a big part of my life these past ten weeks, more than I expected, honestly. From the late-night sun and the endless city walks to the people who made every day better, this country and this internship will always hold a special place in my heart. Hopefully, I’ll get the chance to come back one day!

But for now, it’s time to board my eight-and-a-half hour flight, survive a nine-hour layover, and finally make it home (where I will absolutely be sleeping for a very long time, of course that is, before I start school in a few days and take the MPRE).

Thank you so much for following along with my journey this summer. I’ve loved sharing it with you, and I hope you’ve enjoyed reading these posts as much as I’ve enjoyed living, and writing, them.

Until next time and if you want another perspective, hop on over to my classmate and friend and fellow intern Hank Blackburn's page!