Since middle school, every history class I have taken has included a unit or lesson on World War II, whether it focused on its impact on the United States, the events that triggered the conflict, or its overall history. I have always been taught that we study history to prevent its repetition, and World War II is an event we should strive never to endure again. I have consistently understood how and why the U.S. became involved and recognized its essential role in the war's history. However, most of my classes have yet to delve into its impact on European countries. During my time abroad, I visited Munich, Germany, where I explored the city, visited historic churches and palaces, and gained a deeper understanding of the global implications of historical events. My global learning experiences have enabled me to reflect on the importance of learning about the history of our world, both the positive and negative aspects. As a future public relations professional, I recognize the need to understand crises, learn from mistakes, and contribute to rebuilding efforts.

          Studying abroad and traveling to numerous countries gave me a new perspective on places I had never dreamed of visiting. In my sophomore year of high school, I befriended a foreign exchange student from Munich who spoke highly of his country. Because of him, during my last weeks in Italy, I planned to visit Germany and experience a country about which I had heard so much. I felt compelled to visit a concentration camp, and on my last day in Munich, I toured Dachau unprepared for what I would see. Artifact 1, attached below, details my firsthand experience during this tour. We explored the exhibition center and former compound, learned about the history of Dachau, and witnessed the camp gate and reconstructed barracks, cells, guard houses, and other buildings. The entire tour was one of the most challenging experiences I have faced, and witnessing this place firsthand reshaped my understanding of everything I had learned over the years. We concluded by paying our respects at the international and religious memorials, and I could not hold back tears.

          My tour experience revealed that Germany and other European countries were not erasing their pasts but taking responsibility and learning from them. This aligns with my JOUR 201: Principles of Public Relations class at the University of South Carolina, which emphasizes relationship management, global public relations, and crisis handling. I learned the importance of meaningful rebuilding and maintaining positive relationships, particularly during crises or situations reflecting poorly on an entity. Artifact #2, a combined PowerPoint from three lectures in JOUR 203: Principles of Public Relations, furthered my understanding. One lecture discussed issues and crisis management, detailing steps such as monitoring, identifying, prioritizing, and analyzing issues alongside strategic planning and evaluation. I learned crisis response strategies like denial, diminishment, rebuilding, reinforcement, and practical crisis communication steps. Another lecture focused on Global Public Relations, providing insights into cultural competence, the interplay between public relations and culture, and understanding cultural dimensions and intelligence. I also explored public diplomacy's influence on international relations. The third lecture emphasized relationship management, highlighting the importance of nurturing relationships, understanding key outcomes, and fostering a positive organizational culture. Topics included internal communication policies, public relations' role in shaping organizational culture, and the dynamics of issues-driven relationships. Understanding these principles from Artifact #2 has deepened my grasp of public relations complexities, especially in managing conflicts, navigating cultural differences, and fostering positive relationships. This underscores the importance of considering internal and external factors and adopting effective response strategies, especially when perception significantly impacts an entity's reputation, as seen in events like WWII and Germany's role.

          I could not understand how a country responsible for so much pain could rebuild and have its people, like my friend, take pride in their homeland. Reflecting on this experience, I now understand the importance of Germany's rebuilding and rebranding efforts in changing the world's perception from a public relations perspective.          My experience in Germany and witnessing how the country continues to work towards rebuilding its image and taking ownership of major mistakes provides valuable insights into my growth as a public relations professional. It opened my eyes to the importance of stepping back and examining tragedies from an unbiased viewpoint.

          These lessons will be applied to my future career in public relations, emphasizing the significance of owning one's mistakes, even when it is challenging. Regardless of personal passion or emotions, one must look back and view a situation from a different, unbiased perspective. Undoubtedly, I will encounter a crisis at some point in my career, and my experiences abroad will offer a fresh perspective on handling it in the best possible way.

          Thanks to my experiences at the University of South Carolina and in Germany, I have developed a new appreciation for rebuilding relationships, understanding when one is wrong, and taking responsibility for mistakes. As I progress as a public relations professional, I will carry the experiences and knowledge gained during my time in Munich and at Dachau. Taking a step back and reflecting is sometimes the best solution to move forward. The things I witnessed during that tour will stay with me forever, providing a fundamental understanding of the importance of learning from history and mistakes to prevent their repetition.