Since January, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to live and work in Seattle through the BAFF Professional Internship Program. As an environmental engineer, this experience has allowed me to step into a completely new industry and gain firsthand experience in the construction sector while working for a large international company. It has been both exciting and challenging, and I’ve learned more than I could have imagined.
What has made this experience even more meaningful is the wonderful Latvian community in Seattle. I joined the Seattle Latvian choir and had the honor of serving as Chair of the Polling Station Committee during the Latvian Saeima elections, allowing me to stay connected to Latvia while living abroad.
At work, I have been fortunate to take on responsibilities beyond my day-to-day role. I helped organize an Earth Day volunteering event where colleagues worked together to remove invasive blackberry species, participated in a Youth in Construction outreach event where I spoke with students about the importance of sustainability in the construction industry, and organized a furniture repair event where we repaired and restored used furniture, promoting waste reduction and the principles of a circular economy.
Beyond professional growth, this journey has been filled with unforgettable adventures. I've been fortunate to explore so much of North America and check off several bucket-list experiences along the way, from visiting Hawaii and Canada to jet skiing around the Statue of Liberty in New York City. I also embarked on an unforgettable road trip through some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the United States, including the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Zion National Park, and Bryce Canyon. One of the highlights was celebrating my birthday in Las Vegas, making the occasion even more memorable. Attending a FIFA Club World Cup match in Seattle was another iconic experience that I'll never forget.
BAFF program has given me a unique opportunity to grow professionally, broaden my perspective, step outside my comfort zone, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
