THE past three months have been spent with late nights, navigating new cities, and making the best memories with friends. When I originally decided to attend Syracuse University, I knew they had great abroad programmes, but I was unsure if my unconventional major would allow me to study abroad.
From January until now, I can say this was the most transformative, pivotal moment in my life thus far. While I got to travel around Europe for the past three months, I also got to know myself and my friends better. I constantly tell my mom I am “adulting,” here in London, over basic errands, but the small moments have reassured me that I am where I am supposed to be.
Pursuing my degree in journalism, talking to people from varying backgrounds was one of the best aspects of being abroad. Each weekend, I met new people from different countries, engaged with their cultures, and gained a better understanding of international perspectives. I also had the unique experience of being abroad in the first 100 days of President Donald Trump’s second term – one that made quite an often discussion topic.
Having the opportunity to visit Lockerbie was also one that will always stand out: working with people from Pan Am 103, and seeing the everlasting connection with Syracuse University. Before the trip, I could not fathom anyone knowing what Syracuse was beyond the East Coast, seeing the community and sense of kindness towards us, especially as students, left me beyond grateful.
While I loved to travel, making a total of ten trips across the 14 weeks here, I savoured every second in London. During the weeks, I took interesting classes spanning from London culture to film, which very much reminded me I was here to study.
In between classes, though, getting the chance to write for the Annandale Herald was a highlight of my time abroad. My favourite part of journalism is meeting new people and having the chance to share their stories. Whether it be a political story, event coverage, or learning about a new band in town, I left every interview astonished. I even got the chance to visit Parliament, which made for some very cool stories to share back home.
The cool part about journalism is the fact that it allows you to take a deeper dive into the place that surrounds you. I always found that at Syracuse, I had a better understanding of the city because of that: whether it be people giving tips to a story, having contacts beyond university resources, or being someone people refer to as a news source. Now, coming to the UK, I find myself having a similar grasp of understanding. Even though I have been based in London, I have loved getting to talk with so many people across Dumfries and Galloway. One time, I even got a Gaelic lesson on Zoom, which people were quite envious of.
I also have my friends to thank, new and old, for making my time abroad so amazing. Being a woman in her 20s is an unpredictable time, but luckily, I have my friends by my side. Across the countries we have visited, we have made sure to meet locals, try traditional foods, and always have an activity planned, giving us plenty of memories and new friends. Even though going abroad is meant to try new things and meet new people, it is nice to have familiar faces while doing so.
Rounding out the past three months, I spent my weekends in coffee shops across London studying for finals. Sitting at the tables, doing homework, and spending time with friends is the best way to reflect on my time. It feels bittersweet as I have culminated my favourite parks and coffee spots, making me feel like a local, now knowing I have to leave it all behind.
Opening up my suitcase, I am not only packing way too many clothes, but I am also closing a chapter on my life. Hopefully, though, this will not be my last time to the UK as it exceeded my expectations.
