I can’t believe it’s only two weeks until I depart for London for a full semester!
When I was asked about my identity in my application to study abroad, what I thought would be a quick process turned into a long contemplation about what my identity really was and what it could be. I returned home this summer to work — back to the same identity that I had my entire life growing up. Yet, I returned to outgrown relationships and things I once loved seemed more like burdens.
But returning to the identity I outgrew only made me more excited for what’s to come! I can’t help but feel a little sadness knowing I won’t be at Rollins this semester, but I’m grateful that I get to explore Europe with a group of close friends.
London is one of the most diverse cities in the world. People travel from all over to learn its history, and not many leave disappointed in their stay. I’m interested to see the identities of the people who live there, though. Many of the people who live in London are foreign born, having traveled to the city for career purposes. In a way, the city is like the U.S. — a melting pot for all people.
I won’t be alone in London. I’m fortunate enough to travel with about ten friends, and a friend who graduated from Rollins in 2018 currently resides in London. I also just learned that a family member will be living in London for about six months while I’m there for work purposes. And while I have a great support system around me, I’m most excited to meet new people from places I’ve never dreamed of going.
I’ll have an advantage in London because I’ve traveled there before — navigating the tube won’t be as shocking. However, the disadvantage to this is that I won’t be pushing myself to try new things. I’m hoping that I meet some locals who are willing to take me out of my comfort zone. Everyone experiences traveling differently. I’ve been able to travel to a few European countries, so I know some of the do’s and don’ts. Others may be European connoisseurs while others have never traveled outside of the U.S. I’m most excited to live in a completely new place, even if it’s only for a few months.