Looking Back

It might seem like I'm belaboring the fact that this trip has been life-changing, but truthfully, every time I look back to see where I was some nine weeks ago, it's shocking.

Our program director, Lee, said that 20% of the study abroad experience would be in the class room while 80% would be outside soaking up the culture.  This couldn't be more true.  The classes, although I am learning a lot (especially in my management class), are almost (but not really) a formality.  So much of what I have learned, absorbed and been exposed to has been purely because of my willingness to walk around and throw myself into situations. 

In my first reflection, many weeks ago, I mentioned how we shouldn't be worried about our mediocre living conditions, broken toilets or terrible disorganization at Regent's.  We're college students and it shouldn't matter that our wireless is terribly slow, unreliable and limits us to 2000 minutes a week. 

I was thinking the other day about my ability to adapt to changing situations and new living conditions. New flat mates, surroundings, classes, all of it has shown me that if you're willing to let yourself go and jump into new circumstances, it all eventually becomes "normal or commonplace." A small, cramped, gross bathroom becomes pretty decent if you live with it long enough and a small, purple bedroom doesn't even phase you after a month. 

Another struggle I had was wrapping my mind around the fact that people in the UK drive on the left side of the road.  Although at every crosswalk they write "Look Left" or "Look Right" in bold white letters, it was until I stopped thinking it was weird and eventually just accepted it that I got used to looking the correct direction.

Obviously none of this is unique to study abroad, college students or any one demographic, it's just something I've realized within myself since being here.  As humans, especially college students, we need very little to survive.  These are some of the greatest years of our lives because we can afford to live and thrive on next-to-nothing. 

Looking onward to my remaining time in London, it promises to bring many more great memories and good laughs.

This month of March certainly has been "madness," but not in the American sense.  With little time to regroup and wash clothes from spring break, we are off to Edinburgh for the weekend. The trip is organized by Regent's, so it will be wonderful to go with the flow and have nothing to worry about.  I can't wait to get a taste of Scotland and travel with a big group.

After Scotland, I will be in Paris over Easter and then things settle down dramatically.  Our last month in London will entail some site-seeing: Imperial War Rooms, Tower of London, Harrods and much more.

Also, look for a review of the chicken curry from Brick Lane soon..

Cheers!