Today marks my last international flight until I fly back to America. Realizing that I have such little amount of time left abroad has made me appreciate my time even more. I’m trying my best to make every minute of these last two weeks count. I made a list of things I still want to do before I leave London and I intend to get to all of them while also finishing my internship, attending holiday parties, wrapping up my class assignments, and finishing finals. If I were to go back in time I would tell myself to push through the exhaustion and make an effort to explore a new area or see a new site every single day. With all of my travels and work, it is so easy to take my situation for granted.
This past weekend my parents, sister, aunt and I met up in Dublin, Ireland for Thanksgiving Day. It was so good to see them. I talk to my family at least once a week but it is not the same as talking face to face. I usually don’t see my family until Thanksgiving week at Rollins because I’m a two-hour flight from home but for some reason, the distance and time seemed longer. It was so good to see them and spend the American holiday with the people that I love most. I was dying to catch them up on my adventures and it made me realize how much I have grown since I last saw them. I also have a lot more confidence in myself now.
I have so many things to be appreciative for on this holiday and everyday. I have met so many great people here. I will have some very hard goodbyes in the next two weeks. I’m so happy that I took a chance and agreed to live with other students outside of the Rollins community. In my program, I have met people from all over the United States. My flat mates in London are some of my closest friends. I don’t believe I would have made these deep and meaningful connections as easily if I had stayed in my comfort zone and lived with people I already knew. It is so nice after some time away to come home to my flat mates and friends that live in my building and catch up on each other’s days or weekends. It will be really weird when we no longer live under the same roof and will be states apart. I am thankful for all of the people that have made this experience great. I am thankful for my family’s continuous love and support. I am thankful for my job in London and all of my amazing coworkers. But most of all, I am thankful for chicken katsu curry.