I’ve yet to get over how refreshing it is to walk into a restaurant and see not just one salad in the vegetarian category, but actual, filling meals. The food in Seattle is just fantastic--usually local, organic, and scratch-made, and always delicious. There is fantastic coffee on every corner, and farmers markets pop up every weekend (and sometimes on weekdays) to supply city-dwellers with fresh produce. While the food is often expensive, it’s also healthy, and has been quite the treat for us this summer.
Working in an office setting, we’ve gotten to experience the work culture of Seattle first hand. In generals, there is a much greater emphasis on work-life balance here. Offices offer flexible work hours and ample time off to full-time employees. My supervisors treat me like a person, not just an intern. It’s been refreshing compared to Duke, where often assignments are piled on with little regard for students’ well-being, that my co-workers check in to make sure I’m not overworked or stressed out.
DukeEngage, for me, has been made a more fulfilling experience because Seattle has been such a refreshing place to live and work. The support of my fellow students and my co-workers have really pulled me through, and for that I’m immeasurably grateful.