London Introductions

Before coming abroad, I predicted what my biggest challenges would be. I projected things like social anxiety and academics, the big things; but those are far from my mind at this point. I have met maybe 20 new people in the past 3 days, and I can feel myself building relationships with all of them. It only takes a few trips to get accustomed to public transport, which was a big worry before I left. Classes start tomorrow, and I am beyond excited. It seems that I am finally doing what I came here to do, study literature in the home of some of the most famous writers in history. Those are the big things.

It’s the little things that are more difficult. It is impossible to do enough research to be prepared for everything. I’ve certainly had some moments of confusion when I didn’t know what to do. Who knew that the grocery store checkout has a section for baskets and a section for carts? Or that practically every store closes at 5 or 6? Not me. I don’t want to stick out as a foreigner, but it is inevitable. I am comforted by the fact that London has many foreigners. The locals are used to it. An underrated skill that I think everyone should have is the ability to ask questions without worrying about how they will look. When I don’t know the answer to something, I really have nothing to lose and everything to gain by asking.

At the end of my experience, I will know it was worth it if I had fun. I am sure it will be something I will remember fondly for the rest of my life. Even in the first 3 days, it has been a whirlwind of new friends and new experiences. My 5 flatmates are all study abroad students, and we hit it off right away. We have eaten amazing food, seen amazing sights, and enjoyed taking on one of the most culturally rich cities in the world as our personal playground. I am beginning to think that I should have been a bit more ambitious in my definition of success.

I will now create a new definition. I want to be challenged. I want to fail; not a class, that’s a bit too far, but I want to feel that I have not succeeded at something. When I told my flatmates that I had just turned 19, they remarked that I was brave. I was taken aback. I don’t feel brave. I moved to a new city for a semester by myself for 5 months. What’s brave about that? The possibility. It could go perfectly with not even a little hiccup. However, more than likely, something will go wrong. I might feel like I can’t do it, or like I want to go back to when everything was easier. The brave thing is continuing after that point. That is where growth happens. After I conquer this experience, I feel that I will be able to do anything.