My time in London is slowly coming to an end with me only having eight days left. As I reflect, I can truly say I have enjoyed ALL my time here in London. I still remember getting off the plane and being so shocked to be in an entirely different world back in September. Here are some of the fond memories I will be leaving London with.
For starters I know I will miss my friends here in London. I have met some really cool people at my school and at my internship. At work, I was blessed to be around a diverse group of people who were so different then me. Drinking tea 5 times a day, discussing Donald Trump, and American lingo became the norm at work and honestly it was so funny looking back. Everyday I would get asked so many questions about the states, and for me it was truly cool to see how they viewed America. A lot of former co-workers have not been to America and the ones that have, have only been up north. Collectively they view America has this gigantic dangerous place, filled with great but unhealthy food. I am not kidding the food is something we always discuss! Working abroad however, has really given me a different perspective on life to be honest. I really was able to understand how people think, how they view life, and new cultural norms. These things were so cool to see first-hand because it allows me to appreciate the differences that people have.
After studying abroad, I believe even more that your identity 100000% affects how you view the world. When you are a raised a certain way, that certain way becomes your “norm”. I have realized a lot of people don’t question their norm; it just is what it is. A big question I always ask is why people do what they do and can their “norm” be wrong. What I have found is people hate thinking like this. The thought of thinking or doing something outside of their comfort zone absolutely terrifies people which honestly is understandable. I think fear and comfortability are big things that keeps people in their routine ways of living. I don’t think it’s a bad thing just a solid observation I have really made. Fear is a huge inhibitor in our world. For me these conclusions came from just talking to people daily. Conversations on life, politics, health, faith, and fun have been so helpful and just understanding and loving people. Just simply talking to any and everyone is something I am grateful I did while abroad.
As much as I have learned about the world, I have also learned about myself! While being abroad I was away from my friends and family, which really gave me a lot of time to think, learn and reflect. I truly became aware of my likes and dislikes, insecurities, strengths, weaknesses and so much more. I got to spend a lot of time with God and truly understand myself. This season in my life was truly a fun one. I loved traveling across Europe to places like France, Greece, and Belgium. I loved trying new foods such as snail, duck, and rabbit. I enjoyed watching dozens of British films, and just being submersed in the British culture. London has been truly good to me and I am forever grateful for the experience! However, I am excited to start my next chapter of life back in America!!!!!
London it has been real 😊
Farwell,
Joshua