I’m now back in the States, and I feel like the past 6 months were a dream. I feel so fortunate to have been able to study abroad in one of the greatest cities in the world, and London really is my home now.
When I wrote my first blog post, I talked about having to be extra cautious and polite to people because of my identity as a Muslim. However, I felt welcome in London and wasn’t alienated by anyone. I was comfortable in my own skin and enjoyed interacting with locals and other international students. London was inviting and despite the attacks that happened while I was there, the city seemed to unite rather than divide. My identity has had a huge influence on how I see the world, but I’ve begun to use it as a positive way to interact with others and see the unique qualities in myself. I was afraid of feeling like an outsider, but that wasn’t the case at all. The diverse, fast-paced nature of London made it an exciting place to be.
I wouldn’t trade my experience for anything in the world. Even when it got difficult, the time I spent abroad was truly rewarding. It was one of my greatest adventures so far, and I would recommend it to any and everyone.