I have always wanted to study abroad in London, but it didn’t seem like an option until I became a Presidential Scholar. The study abroad component of the curriculum along with the financial support of the Watkins and Rose Scholarship made my dreams of a British experience into a reality. Yet, as excited as I was, I felt some trepidation at venturing so far from home without any one I knew. Now, though, I realize that studying abroad was the best decision I’ve ever made.
Because I am an English major, I was incredibly interested in learning about the literature that has come out of the city. Before departing, I read immense amounts about the city, studying its history and reading its literary greats. I thought I was prepared for what I’d find in London, but I was not prepared for the mind-blowing experience that was seeing Shakespeare performed in the Globe Theater, I was not prepared to do my grocery shopping in the shadows of Big Ben and Parliament, and I was not prepared to love the city the way that I now do.
The city was amazing. Each twisting, turning cobble stone street led me through a maze of new and old architecture. Each ride on the “tube” (the subway, for non-Londoners) took me on a new adventure. There were open-air markets, parks, palaces, and so many other places to explore. Every day, I met people from all over the globe, many of whom I formed close friendships with. Everywhere I looked there was a new experience to be had and a new culture in which to immerse myself.
The class that I took while abroad was an intensive look at London’s history through its museums. We studied the important people, places and events of the past while learning about different kinds of museums and the ways they tell their stories. Each day, the class traveled to a different historical landmark or museum within London. This learning experience was invaluable and will remain with me throughout my entire life.
Beyond the cultural and educational benefits, I learned a lot about my own capacity to thrive independently. I have always thought of myself as a capable and intelligent person, but testing my independence across an ocean from everything familiar to me confirmed this belief. I know now that I can succeed at whatever I put my mind to and in situations outside of my comfort zone.