As I prepare to leave Illinois, I find myself reflecting not only on what I learned, but also on the people who made this experience so meaningful.

Over the past three and a half weeks, I had the privilege of experiencing the cultures of eight other countries through my fellow participants: Bulgaria, India, Ghana, Japan, Kenya, South Korea, Spain, and Qatar, while I had the opportunity to represent the Caribbean as a Jamaican living and working in Trinidad and Tobago.

We shared our food, our languages, our histories, and our professional stories. We exchanged music recommendations, laughed together, broke bread together, and learned from one another. We came from different walks of life and different corners of the world, yet we were brought together for a common purpose.

In many ways, our cohort reminded me of a library collection.

A collection is made up of different formats, genres, perspectives, and stories, each carefully selected and thoughtfully arranged to ensure access and understanding. Individually, each item has value, but together they create something richer and more meaningful. Over these three and a half weeks, we became our own collection of stories and experiences.

We learned about data, evolving and emerging technologies, leadership, innovation, and assessment. We were challenged to think bigger, to see farther, to be strategic, and to consider both the stories we want to tell and the users we serve. Yet, my biggest lesson was one of humanity. Not in a grand way, but in the simplest ways. It was in the way we looked out for one another, checked in on each other, shared pieces of home, and created a sense of community despite our differences.

The Mortenson programme reminded me that libraries are ultimately about people. They are places where different stories meet, where diverse voices are preserved and shared, and where communities are built. If libraries are collections of stories, then this cohort became a living collection itself, one that I will carry with me long after this journey ends.

I wish to express my sincere appreciation to everyone who made this experience so meaningful, especially my fellow participants, the Mortenson Center team, Library Buddies, and all the libraries and professionals who generously shared their knowledge and experiences with us.

Special thanks to the Mortenson Center for this incredible opportunity. It has been a privilege to learn, grow, and connect with colleagues from around the world. While this chapter may be ending, the stories, relationships, and lessons from this journey will continue to evolve long after we leave Illinois.