I'm glad we had the times together just to laugh and sing a song, seems like we just got started and then before you know it, the times we had together were gone.
(Dr. Seuss)
“Learning by doing” is the phrase I think of when I think of our Global Leadership Scholars experience. Whether that means being knocked down from standing on the left side of the escalators or taste testing a different peanut butters to make London feel like home, it’s funny to admit that we’ve all brought a little piece of our culture to London. By far, I’m most impressed with each of our personal growth. I am proud to say I can now make travel arrangements like my Dad AND actually get us beyond the confines of the airport! The majority of us have averaged about six trips during our short four months here. We have expanded our horizons through cultural submersions and it’s definitely something I’m going to miss.
Secondly, the culture of independent living in London is something worth missing. We’ve planned, we’ve discovered, and we’ve lived the great adventures of everyday Londoners. Whether it be the food stalls of the Borough Market or the soccer fields of Regent’s Park, I’m proud to say I’ve checked off the majority of sites on my “to-do” list.
In our last month of April, we started off the first weekend touring the Olympic Site and riding atop the London Eye. How amazing it was to see London in a whole new perspective! This past weekend, Thien and I took one last adventure to see beautiful Stockholm, Sweden! It was a great way to end our traveling seeing Kungliga Slottet royal palace, Stadshusset city hall, eating delicious Tunnbrodsrull! Being so close to the end of our adventures in London, it was easy to admit that we missed our friends back in London already!
I’m not going to lie, I’ve definitely been thinking about all the little things I miss about home (not to mention, all of the talk about Chik-fil-A makes me believe that everyone else agrees with me). Looking back, this has been the most wonderful learning experience I have ever had. I am going to miss so much of London, and I can only hope that one day I’ll be able to return and reminisce.
Reflecting on one of the best things about this experience is being the fact that I have been graced by the presence of twenty-seven wonderful friends just within the confines of the building. The bond we have made with each other is the most unforgettable part of this journey. Little did I know getting on a plane alone four months ago I’d have so many learning experiences with friends that have been there with me through it all.
I don’t think I’m the only one who’ll admit that we’re all going to be a little lonely without each other. For the past four months we’ve been rubbing off on each other and I’m happy to admit that a little piece of GLS greatness will be left in London. It’s hard to believe that in one week we’ll all be back to Blackberry messaging, homemade meals, and having dishwashers…well, maybe it won’t be so bad after all!
This experience has taught me a lot about myself and building relationships with others. I have learned that without the amazing friends I have been surrounded with, this experience would not be the same. London is a wonderful place worth exploring and through our explorations, I have learned so much more than I could ever imagine.
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