Mr. Zhong  Location:TX 

July Fourth stands among America's most vital national holidays as Independence Day, commemorating the nation's declaration of freedom from British colonial rule in 1776. Each year on this date, diverse and spirited celebrations unfold across the country that reflect how deeply Americans cherish liberty, independence, and patriotic pride.

Here in culturally vibrant Texas, festive energy runs especially high. When my colleague Sebastian told me excitedly during our morning shift, "You can't miss the huge fireworks show at the beach tonight!". His enthusiasm swept me along so completely that I gathered friends immediately to experience this authentic American tradition.

That evening we arrived at the beach while daylight still lingered, but crowds had already filled the shore and nearby roads. Families clustered in small groups with tents, lounge chairs, drinks and grills, their red-white-blue outfits radiating festive energy. Around 9pm, fireworks exploded overhead. Vibrant blooms exploded across the night sky while their reflections danced simultaneously on the dark water below. Breathless gasps mixed with cheers as children darted through the sand while adults snapped photos and laughed with friends, creating a scene buzzing with warmth.

Later I asked Sebastian about traditions as sparks faded. He explained that barbecue is an essential ritual for Texas families who grill burgers, steaks and sausages while enjoying cool drinks and watermelon with loved ones. What’s more, communities also host parades and games that blend excitement with family warmth.

As we left, a small parade crossed our path—complete with floats, marching bands, kids on decorated bikes, and costumed performers tossing candy into the cheering crowd.

Earlier that afternoon my bike commute met unexpected gridlock because roads were closed for celebrations which caused the heaviest traffic I've ever seen since arriving.

This immersion taught me how community bonds and family values shape American celebrations, making my participation as an intern an unforgettable cultural lesson.

Miss Xie  Location: New Mexico

My new bike made this week wonderful! On delivery day our general manager Michele (who's over 50 but outlasts us all) cycled with my roommate and me, urging "Faster!" even when I gasped for breath.

But on the first day I rode it to work, there was a huge downpour—I ended up completely soaked, like a drowned rat! Even though I looked a total mess, it was actually a pretty fun experience.

Another milestone came when my roommate cooked fried eggs for me—astonishing since she avoids kitchens—so I'm noting this in my journal. And I received my paycheck, capped the week perfectly!

Mr. Huang  Location: WI

    This week, the pool was packed nonstop with summer campers and walk-ins, so the shallow end was as crowded as sardines in a can. During my shift when I was monitoring the kids' zone, I issued three whistle warnings to two boys who were chasing each other near the edge. When they ignored my repeated alerts, I called their parents to intervene and finally put an end to their horseplay.

    The critical moment came at 3:15pm when a woman cramped in deep water. After throwing a rescue tube I pulled her to the wall where she kept murmuring "I thought I was fine..." while I massaged her calf, proving even experienced swimmers need monitoring.

    Later we adjusted chemicals when pH levels rose before closing. During debrief, my team lead praised my rescue execution but urged: "Next time, don’t hesitate before jumping—even one second could miss the golden window for drowning response."

Mr. Wu  Location: VA

    Another week’s come and gone—crazy to think it’s already been over a month since I got here! This week had its own little adventures, too. July 4th is Independence Day in the U.S., so a bunch of us Chinese students figured we’d head to D.C. to check out the vibe. With Friday night marking the start of the weekend, streets were already swarming with crowds gathering early for the night’s fireworks. The spectacle lit up the sky for over an hour, its beauty leaving us spellbound.

    Compared to festivals back home, it might not be quite as lively, but it was still a cool experience—everyone was so laid-back. The day after the holiday, our employer sent me to work as a lifeguard on the beach. Later we learned this assignment was designed to immerse us in the holiday vibe, give that there was a party happening there that day.

    The party offered free food and drinks, but my highlight was meeting a veteran DJ with 20 years' experience. Using minimal equipment, he filled the crowd with joy. We've become friends as he now mentors me in his craft.

Miss. Yang  Location: VA

    Week five of my internship at the Destin surf shop has flown by, with a relaxed and fun vibe thanks to the energetic surf culture. My main tasks are greeting customers and introducing products. Since peak season just started, we’ve had plenty of visitors and local surfers stopping by every day—so learning to tell apart the features of different surfboards, wetsuits, and accessories has become my top priority.

    Wednesday stood out when I helped a beginner select his first longboard. Guided by our manager, I matched his build to the perfect board—he even bought matching sunscreen! Later, testing e-surfboards post-shift with colleagues boosted both teamwork and product knowledge. Though I sometimes stumble over words, I'm adapting quickly while preparing to master advanced sales!