As I get closer and closer to leaving for London to embark on my study abroad journey this semester, I cannot help, but to think about all the new experiences I am going to gain. My outlook on life is going to change and grow into something I could only imagine. I have lived my life in a big city before, but I have never been in a foreign country. I want to push myself out of my comfort zone and dive so deep into the culture I am about to live in. I do not want fear to stop me, I want it to push me to do the most and learn a whole new way of life.
My identity, being so open and willing to live, is only an advantage to me. I am open to all walks of life and different types of people, food, and culture. Being based in London, I am able to not only learn the lifestyle of a local Londoner, but I expect myself to immerse myself into other countries cultures as well. As a student at Rollins, we live in a little bubble that I love with all my heart, but it is time for me to see how the rest of the world works. A flaw that I have is that I take the United States for granted. I hope that this experience will make me realize some of the things I have in America that I underappreciate. As much as I know London will always be home to me, I want to return to the United States with a new outlook on the life I have always lived.
The people. I cannot wait to interact with the people of London and gain a plethora of new friendships. I am scared that people will be distant to get to know the foreigner just here for a visit, but I want Europeans to change their outlook on people like me. From my understanding and never being to Europe before, I feel as though people may not be as open in their identity as me, especially towards Americans. That is what I want to help change. I want us to be able to share our worlds and be able to appreciate the one they live in. With my identity being so willing and open minded, I want to do what the locals do and experience the most with them in order to get the most out of my opportunity. Fear will not stop me from reaching out and accomplishing what I know I can.