Not a Bitter “Goodbye” but a Sweet “See you Later”!
Workday: 30/05/2025
The final Friday at the Château arrived with a bittersweet feeling that lingered throughout the day. Most of the morning was spent in my room, packing my belongings and putting the finishing touches on my DPS report due the following Monday. It was a surreal experience — the act of packing making everything feel so real, as I reflected deeply on the journey I had been on. The gap between theory and reality, which I had been bridging through my writing, suddenly felt tangible. It was a moment of quiet contemplation on everything I had learned and accomplished during my internship.
That evening, the French team organised a cocktail celebration dedicated to my time at the Château, and the gesture truly touched me. The very act of arranging such an event highlighted the strong bonds of communication and connection we had built together. As a return gesture, I composed and read a speech mentioning each member of the staff. It was a speech that highlighted all their enriching tributes and the warm memories we shared together to highlight that it was the people who made the Château timeless, welcoming and feel like home.
It wasn’t a farewell but rather a heartfelt ‘see you later’. I was honoured to be invited back in August for a month to assist with the redesign of the other gardens, a wonderful confirmation of my commitment to this special place and its mission.
As parting gifts, they gave me a beautiful pair of earrings and a handwritten card filled with kind words, reminding me of the people who made this experience so memorable. Beyond the design skills and critical insights I gained into the industry, what made this year truly rewarding was the human side of it all. The gratitude I received from artists, colleagues, children, and visitors alike came in many forms: a thank-you newsletter, a note, a smile, shared laughter, or even a child’s drawing pressed gently into my hand. No matter how big or small, each gesture was a powerful reminder that design is ultimately about connection.
As we all lined up on the famous photo shoot stairs to take a final team photo, I felt a deep swell of emotion knowing that my time at the Château may have come to an end for now. In that moment, surrounded by faces that had become so familiar and dear, I realised that what I was really saying goodbye to was not just a place or a role, but a community that had welcomed me wholeheartedly. It was a family bound not by blood but by shared passion, creativity, and kindness.