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Tips to Preserve Your Mental Health as a Study Abroad Student

Studying abroad is an incredibly unique experience. With it, comes many unforgettable opportunities that can be truly life-changing. Months spent in another country away from your loved ones, cultural norms, and what you’ve known your entire life inevitably leads you to grow as a person and test your limits. Honing in on your independence while you’re abroad can lead you to become a more capable person and can equip you with skills that you can use for the rest of your life. This exciting chapter of your life has countless plus sides to it. However, one thing to be aware of about studying abroad is that it can also be quite trying on your mental health. 

There can seemingly be so many different things to do all at once, and so much to juggle. Looking back on my experience, there have definitely been times when my mental health has waxed and waned. If you feel the same way during your own experience, you’re not alone. It’s only natural to experience this. Here are some tips to help preserve your mental health while studying abroad. 

Prepare yourself mentally beforehand

When about to undergo such an intense lifestyle change, it’s critical to mentally prepare yourself. One thing that made the move to London a bit smoother for me was that I did some research on the country you’ll be studying in and what to expect. It helped me a lot to talk to other students I know that did the same program as me or just people that have studied abroad in London. Gaining a basic understanding through conversations with those that have been through it already can help you anticipate what to expect and can help you mentally prepare for your study abroad experience.

Prioritise staying connected

A lot of what can add to poor mental health abroad is when you don’t feel as connected to your loved ones across the world. These people have been there for you your entire life, and it’s hard to come to terms with the fact that they’re so far away. One thing that has helped me is staying connected with family and friends back home. Maintaining these relationships has helped me feel less isolated and has provided a support system while I’m in London.

Engage in outside activities

I had the pleasure of living across the street from Hyde Park in South Kensington. A walk outside in the fresh air was sometimes all I needed for a mental health reset. It allowed me to connect with and take in the beauty of the city. It doesn’t necessarily have to even be a walk through a park, though. Exploring the streets of a new area of the city you study abroad in or taking up a recreational sport with locals can help you detach from the sometimes highly-stressful reality of being a study abroad student. The benefits of engaging with nature are endless and can ease the pressure of life abroad.

Studying abroad has undoubtedly been some of the best months of my life. I’ve had the privilege to be able to experience things I never thought possible. Despite the many–and I mean many–highlights of my time abroad, there have been parts of my experience that have been difficult for me mentally. Hopefully, these tips for those that are looking to study abroad are helpful. Although there will be both ups and downs, just remember that everything passes. And, make sure to take it all in while you can.

By: Maddy Adler

Music’s Powerful Impact on the Mind

There’s nothing quite like music. Sure, it’s fun to get into watching movies, TV shows, or sports, but nothing has caught my attention more than music has. It’s stayed so consistently present in my life, and has become a dependency for me–but a healthy one at that. I’m sure many can relate, but I listen to music when doing almost anything: there is rarely a time when I’m not wearing my AirPods. Because it is ever-present in my life, I wanted to look into why I have such a strong attachment to it and the impact it can have on the human mind.

Influence on mood
Music is a truly powerful thing. Studies have shown that music can actively boost the brain’s production of the hormone dopamine. This increased dopamine production helps relieve feelings of anxiety and depression.

It also has the ability to evoke some of the rawest emotions and can dictate your mood whether it be in a positive or negative way. I think that’s why so many people resonate with music: it makes them feel something more than just surface level. It can also influence the way you feel about yourself and others, and allow you to take on perspectives not considered before. Perhaps one of the best things about music, though, is it can flood you with so many senses of nostalgia. Some of those senses may hurt, some of those senses may make you smile, and some may leave you feeling empty. However, that’s what makes music so addicting. It has the power to make you really feel.

Influence on memory
The way in which music can transport you back to one single moment in time is something that has always intrigued me. Two recent studies–one in the United States and the other in Japan–conducted by Harvard Medical School found that music doesn’t just help us retrieve stored memories, it also helps us lay down new ones. In both studies, healthy elderly people scored better on tests of memory and reasoning after they had completed several weekly classes in which they did moderate physical exercise to musical accompaniment. Music taps into a part of your brain you didn’t realise you had. One strike of a chord and you can remember the very moment–or moments–in your life that you listened to that song.

That is why I choose to organise my music by monthly playlists, and why you should too. The other day, I was a bit bored with my usual rotation. For some reason, I had an urge to scroll all the way back to some of my first playlists, just to see what I was listening to back then. The first monthly playlist I created dates back to April of 2018, which was made during the spring of my sophomore year of high school. I couldn’t believe the number of songs I had completely forgotten about but remember absolutely loving at the time. Listening to these tunes that once blasted throughout my car as I drove to high school was all a rush of nostalgia.

Listening back to those times made me reflect on my past self and assess how much–and in what ways–I’ve changed. It also actively reminds me of the great times I’d be listening to that exact chorus with people I may not even talk to anymore or in places I no longer frequent. Although it may seem like it stings, it’s only a reminder of how much I’ve grown. Music has become my favourite outlet for reflection and will be in my life forever.

Although you may not realise it, music’s impact on the mind is significant. It can go as far as to alter the chemicals in your brain, manifesting itself in the way your mood can fluctuate or the things you can remember. Don’t underestimate the power of music: it can undoubtedly change your life.

By: Maddy Adler

Why Self-Care is Essential for Mental Health

Self-care is a term that has gained popularity in recent years and for good reason. Taking care of oneself is essential for maintaining good mental health. Self-care involves engaging in activities and practices that promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It’s very easy to get caught up in the demands of work, school, and life in general. Because of this, it’s essential to carve out time for things that add to your happiness.

However, despite the good that self-care can do for a person, there are many misconceptions  that can get in the way of following through with it. One is the hesitance to prioritise your own needs over others. The desire to please others and always show up for them despite needing time for yourself can hinder practicing self-care. It’s critical to understand that implementing self-care will improve many aspects of your life and your well-being as a whole. The guilt that many feel about self-care is incredibly unfortunate because it’s not a selfish act in any capacity.

Reduces stress and anxiety

In a study examining the effects of self-care practice on stress levels of medical students, it was scientifically proven that the more self-care a student engaged in, the higher the quality of life was experienced. Stress and anxiety are common mental health problems that can have a significant impact on one’s quality of life. Self-care practices such as exercise, meditation, and spending time in nature can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. When stress and anxiety are reduced, it becomes easier to manage daily life and cope with challenging situations.

Improves self-esteem

Self-care involves doing things that make you feel good about yourself. Whether it’s taking a relaxing night in or practicing yoga, engaging in self-care practices can aid in boosting self-esteem. When you feel good about yourself, you are more likely to take care of yourself, both physically and mentally.

Enhances relationships

Many times when my head is not in the right place, I find my relationships are the first to suffer. Taking care of oneself is not only beneficial for personal well-being but can also improve relationships. When you are happy and healthy, you are more likely to have positive interactions with others. Additionally, engaging in self-care practices such as spending time with loved ones or practicing gratitude can improve relationships and increase feelings of social support. 

Boosts energy levels

Self-care practices such as exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep can improve energy levels. When you have more energy, you are better equipped to handle the demands of daily life. Additionally, increased energy levels can improve mood and overall well-being.

Promotes self-awareness

Self-care practices such as journaling or therapy can promote self-awareness. When you take the time to reflect on your thoughts and emotions, you gain a better understanding of yourself. Journaling as a self-care activity actively helps to decrease stress, cope with depression, and manage anxiety. Self-awareness is essential for personal growth and can help you identify areas of your life that may need attention.

Prevents burnout

When you are constantly working or caring for others without taking time for yourself, it can lead to burnout. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that can have serious consequences on one’s well-being. Engaging in self-care practices can prevent burnout and promote a healthy work-life balance.

Overall, self-care is essential for mental health. From my experience being abroad as a student and intern, I’ve come to realise how necessary practicing self-care is. Between my travels and classes, nothing has grounded me more than self-care and taking time to do things that improve my mindset. Engaging in activities that promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being has reduced my stress and anxiety, improved my self-esteem, boosted my energy levels, promoted self-awareness, enhanced my relationships, and prevented burnout. Prioritising your own self-care is not selfish, but rather necessary for maintaining good mental health. It’s important to remember that self-care looks different for everyone and it’s essential to find what works best for you.

By: Maddy Adler

Capsule Wardrobes and How They Help the Environment

A capsule wardrobe is a collection of essential, versatile, and timeless clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create various outfits. By building a capsule wardrobe, you can reduce the number of clothing items you own while still having enough options to dress for any occasion. Because a typical capsule wardrobe consists of primarily neutral colors, it’s difficult to get sick of them very quickly.

One reason why capsule wardrobes are so great is that when you have a smaller wardrobe, you are less likely to buy clothing items impulsively or wear them only once or twice before discarding them. This reduces the amount of clothing waste that ends up in landfills, which is a significant environmental problem.

Another way these wardrobes help the environment is by lessening carbon emissions. Unfortunately, the fashion industry is responsible for a considerable amount of carbon emissions, mainly due to the production and transportation of clothing items. It was found that 10% of our annual global carbon emissions were due to the fashion industry. A frightening figure states that if this pace is maintained, the fashion industry’s greenhouse gas emissions will surge more than 50 percent by 2030. By buying fewer clothes and opting for timeless and high-quality pieces, you can reduce your carbon footprint.

As I follow the fashion trends I see on social media, I’ve noticed a large shift in what’s “in” recently. Many influencers–and their fan bases–have looked to the “capsule wardrobe” blueprint as a new strategy for picking out clothing for their closet. Matilda Djerf, a Swedish fashion and lifestyle influencer I’ve been following for years, has unwaveringly been my primary source of inspiration for my fashion choices. Her looks never fail to feel effortless and beautifully curated, no matter what occasion. Djerf’s outfits often feature timeless, neutral pieces throwing in a tasteful pop of color here and there. She has shown me the guidelines for maintaining a capsule wardrobe and the beauty in basics. The influencer leans into simplicity when it comes to style, and shows that a closet can be built on things that can last a lifetime rather than what is trending currently.

Despite the capsule wardrobe being beneficial to the environment, a large barrier to more people using it is that sustainable clothing options can often be quite expensive. Unfortunately, the prices of sustainable fabrics are, on average, two and a half to four times more expensive in comparison to more commonly used fabrics. This discrepancy is partly because they cost more for the manufacturers to produce, thus the increase in price. These sustainable–and pricey–options are then significantly less accessible to the general population.

To combat this, I suggest integrating sustainable pieces into your wardrobe slowly and one by one. It’s unrealistic to think that you can form a capsule wardrobe overnight, as buying many expensive pieces at a time is not financially feasible for most people. Another way to make a capsule wardrobe easier to achieve is to sell old and outdated clothes on social e-commerce apps such as Depop or Poshmark, and then use that money towards buying timeless sustainable pieces.

No matter what you choose to do with your wardrobe, there are so many styles out there–colorful and bright, or not–that are beautiful. If you are one to love color and can’t live without it, keep wearing it! But if you would like to change it up, creating a capsule wardrobe for yourself is a great and stylish option. One important thing, though, is to note how your wardrobe choices may impact the environment. In the modern day, with social media being so prevalent in our lives, we’re exposed to thousands of products or services to buy in a day. Many of these products are pushed out through trends and are not meant to last you, perpetuating a vicious cycle of consumerism that is only damaging the planet.

By: Maddy Adler

Back To The Future Review

When I was young, my family and I would have family movie nights semi-frequently. One night, my dad decided we should watch Back to the Future. My siblings and I excitedly made popcorn from a makeshift machine, soaked it in butter and fought over who got to sit where on the couch. Once we settled down and watched the movie, it quickly became one of my favourite films. 

Flash forward ten years, to the present day. I found myself walking through tube stations while being bombarded with advertisements for the West End theatre production of Back to the Future. I instantly knew I needed to see it. I dragged my new friends to come with me. 

When my friends and I got to the theatre, I made us wait in line for very overpriced popcorn, mainly for nostalgia. We quickly located our seats and had a fantastic view of the stage. The staff was friendly and helpful. The theatre was lovely. There were a bunch of Back to the Future decorations and puns. 

The show’s basic premise is as follows: Marty McFly, played by Ben Joyce, finds himself in a quirky friendship with Doc Brown, played by Roger Bart. Doc invented the time machine in his automobile. He was showing it off to Marty, when Doc quickly needed to be transported to the hospital. Marty revved up the engine to 88 miles per hour, the exact speed which triggered the time machine mechanism. Before he knew it, Marty found himself back in 1955 and spent the show trying his hardest not to cause too much trouble and find his way back to 1985. 

The casting of Doc Brown was undoubtedly one of the show’s highlights. Roger Bart gave an outstanding performance. He had the entire audience laughing hysterically. You could feel the emotion and passion with every word he acted out. Ben Joyce and Robert Bart had amazing on-stage chemistry. The banter between their characters was hilarious. 

Also, the special effects were among the best I have ever seen. When Marty was transported back in time, the car appeared to float above the crowd and flip in circles. It looked like magic. The entire theatre was flashing lights, which made the audience feel they were travelling through time. 

My only complaint would be that the theatre was excessively loud. Due to this, the audience’s ability to fully understand the pronunciation of some songs was hindered. Nonetheless, this did not diminish our capacity to enjoy the outstanding vocals or to understand the plot. Yet, some of the best lines in the programme come from song lyrics, and I wish I could have understood them better at the moment.  

With all that said, the foundation of good art, in my opinion, appeals to people of all ages. Someone as young as five years old can enjoy it just as much as someone as old as fifty or ninety years old. This production was timeless and appropriate for all audiences. 

My friends were ultimately grateful I dragged them out, as they thoroughly enjoyed it as well. One of my friends, Marissa, is a self-proclaimed “theatre geek”. She goes to a different show on the West End every weekend and says this was her favourite show she has seen in London so far.

By: Jenna Goldberg

Photograph: Sean Ebsworth Barnes

London’s Sustainability Efforts Through the Eyes of an American

If I’ve learned anything since being in London so far, it’s how much more European countries care about sustainability than the United States. In terms of their differing approaches to climate change, England has significantly more sweeping measures put into place while America’s measures to combat climate change are much more fragmented. Instead of widespread acts like England has, such as the Climate Change Act and the Clean Air Act, America’s regulations are implemented by states and cities on their own.

Another apparent disparity I’ve noticed between the two countries’ outlooks on the environment is how it is viewed by the general public. In America, climate change is a heavily political issue and inextricably linked to politics. Inversely, England’s general public has a much greater awareness of the need for sustainability and a higher level of public engagement on environmental issues. There is no crippling division in terms of their views on climate change. As an American, I was fascinated to hear this and experience it for myself. It’s interesting to see another highly-functioning world power that is not as polarized on specific issues as the United States is. It’s incredibly difficult to usher in change when a nation is consumed with how decisions affect politics, rather than its people directly.

Much of the content in the classes that I’ve taken in London has been geared toward sustainability and the steps London takes to protect the health of the environment. On a class field trip this semester, we visited Covent Garden. Here, we learned a lot about the sustainability efforts made by businesses in London.

Weaving through the bustling streets of Covent Garden with our tour guide, there was almost too much to marvel at. Polished, futuristic stores lined the streets, stunning eateries sat on every corner, and architecture with character and a modern spin graced the skyline. In a place with such an abundance of establishments to offer, I was surprised to find just how sustainable the area was that surrounded me. Before this tour, I often associated consumption with having a negative effect on the health of our environment. So, I was amazed to hear how the stores around me were making conscious efforts towards sustainability in unique ways.

Although I was quite impressed by Covent Garden’s efforts in sustainability, there was one thing in the back of my head that I could not stop thinking about: the hefty price tag that unfortunately comes along with it. Many of the stores and restaurants we were passing were state-of-the-art and amazing, but their products were nowhere near cheap. Despite being backed by such a valuable mission, I found it to be quickly soured by how expensive these places were.

It was interesting how such a cutting-edge, beautiful area is masking the most prominent problem at hand here when dealing with the climate crisis: how expensive it is to be able to afford things that are beneficial to the health of the environment.

It’s upsetting to come to terms with the current situation that contributing to the environment requires a significant amount of wealth. Although there is a widespread civil interest to protect the environment–no matter how rich or how poor–it has become a luxury to be able to support businesses and companies pursuing environmental missions. We are undoubtedly making strides in the right direction, and any positive efforts toward sustainability should not go unnoticed. What is important, though, is identifying ways in which we can make options that benefit the planet more financially accessible to those that may be underprivileged or marginalized in society.

By: Maddy Adler

Imposter Syndrome

According to the New Yorker, Imposter syndrome can best be defined as the nagging sense of self-doubt and fraudulence despite one’s accomplishments. Even if you accomplish something amazing, you are likely to dismiss it as luck or question what you did to deserve it. Imposter syndrome is especially prevalent in minority groups or anyone who is experiencing a “first”. 

I had my first bout of imposter syndrome in high school. I had just qualified for Nike Cross Nationals and Footlocker Nationals, the two most prestigious cross country invitationals in America. I was toeing the line next to all these other big names in the running world, and I couldn’t help but feel so ordinary, like there was a mix up which resulted with me on this stage. There was an immense power of rewiring my brain through simple yet powerful affirmations, such as, “I belong,” or “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t earn it.” I went on to earn all-american titles. 

It is not uncommon to feel unworthy of an academic accomplishment or a job title you just earned. My theory behind why this occurs is that as we take the next step up the ladder, we suddenly step into unknown territory. We are inevitably doing something new, and our brains are apprehensive of the uncertainty that comes with. 

I asked my parents for their take and experiences with imposter syndrome. My mother recently started a new job as a therapist and she reports she experiences imposter syndrome “all the time!” She says powerful affirmations help her as well. (The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!)

Even big-time celebrities report experiencing imposter syndrome. Tom Hanks, an actor who has won an Academy Award, said in an interview with NPR, “No matter what we’ve done, there comes a point where you think, ‘How did I get here? When are they going to discover that I am, in fact, a fraud and take everything away from me?’” 

The first step to overcoming imposter syndrome is to recognize and challenge your own anxieties. It would probably be difficult and not very successful to fool everyone around you of your skills, especially when dealing with hard numbers, data, and other success measurement tactics. 

My mother and I both find a great help in saying positive affirmations to rewire our thinking patterns. You may also try making a list of all your achievements along with the positive traits that you possess that contributed to them. 

Creating an alter ego is another of my favourite techniques. The most fearless, astute, and successful version of oneself is this alter ego. Your alter ego has whatever you desire. Ask yourself, then do, what they would do. Practice stepping into their body and mind. 

If anything, remember that you are not alone, that you are capable of doing everything you set your mind to.

You Press Rewind

You Press Rewind was a celebration of the You Press community and our accomplishments in 2022. Being a new intern, attending You Press Rewind was a fantastic, immersive experience. I was able to actively learn about 2022’s amazing accomplishments and programmes, as well as speak with some of our partners, freelancers, and clients. The guests were greeted with a lovely pastry and refreshments display. 

2022 was truly a year of expansion for You Press. The highlights include the Design thinking video, Theory of Change video, Truth on the Roof video, ScribersHive Europe, Functional Learning Program, Creative Connect Events, and our 10+ year anniversary. 

The Good Hotel in Newham, London hosted You Press Rewind. This hotel was particularly impressive to me because it was situated on the water (literally, it floats). The panoramic views of the lake were the cherry on top. A representative from the Good Hotel spoke briefly, explaining how the hotel was previously an old abandoned accommodation platform that Marten Dresen purchased and floated across from Amsterdam to its current site.

A key feature of You Press Rewind was Namuga’s performance. Namuga is an alumni from The Collective and sang a few of her original songs, my favorite being Temporary Love. Her music brought the ideal ambiance to carry over the rest of the event because it was evidently passionate, lively, yet still relaxing. When I looked around the room, I saw most people tapping their feet or bobbing their heads to the beat. You can find her on Instagram and Spotify @ Namugaamusic

What really stood out to me was everyone’s altruistic nature towards supporting their local, cohesive communities. Community, as defined by You Press founder and director Farah Mohumand, meant “common unity.” Farah used this definition to emphasize how the major accomplishments of 2022 would not have been possible without the assistance of partners and the community that our workshops have fostered. 

 Farah gave the audience members a chance to speak on behalf of their organizations and discuss how we can support them in achieving their objectives in 2023. This was truly additive to the “common unity” theme of the morning. As a new intern, it was really neat to hear people take the time to publicly announce how You Press has positively impacted their respective businesses and communities. 

As the event was coming to an end and was giving his final message, Farah stated “this isn’t a final message, but this is the beginning.” I thoroughly appreciated You Press Rewind because often, as people, we get so caught up in progress that we forget to recognise how far we have already come or to pause and ask for support from our communities.

By: Jenna Goldberg

Natural Hair in London

As an African American woman, I was worried about what to do with my hair while abroad in London. Before I left, I decided to get knotless braids in my hair. I could keep the braids in my hair for three months at most. But, my study abroad experience was about four months long. Therefore, I didn’t have a concrete plan for what to do with my hair after the braids. I could have done my hair naturally, but I had heat damage, which means some of my hair would not curl when wet. So, my hair didn’t look right when done at home. This problem had to get fixed professionally. 

A person’s hair is a part of their identity. As a child, I did not like my naturally curly hair. It made me feel out of place, especially around my white friends. It wasn’t until recently that I became comfortable with my natural hair. I could tell how it boosted my confidence. I felt more like my authentic self. 

It can be a struggle for African Americans to do their hair while traveling. Our hair requires a lot of products and space to work. In addition, the process can be rather messy. This would be especially troubling for me because, in my apartment, I share my room with one roommate and a bathroom with three people. Luckily, my friend studied abroad in London the semester before me, and she found a place that did natural hair. She said they did great. So I decided to give it a try. 

For approximately three months of my abroad experience, I wore my braids. The day before my appointment, I took them out myself. About 300 braids later, I finished. It took me all day. The next day I went to Curl Talk in Brick Lane. The minute I walked into the shop, I knew I made the right choice. They started my hair right on time. First, my stylist did a short consultation. Then she washed and conditioned my hair. While washing my hair, she told me what products she was using. She also said she would show me all the products she used in my hair after the appointment. Then, she gave me a hydration mist treatment which took about 10 minutes. Afterward, the stylist rinsed and further conditioned my hair. Then she styled my hair. For this part of the process, she reclined the seat I was sitting in and did my hair while I was horizontal. This part of the process took approximately an hour. But it was amazing. She gave me a mirror to watch the process and explained what she was doing. I felt like I was in a hair training session. At the end of the session, she even allowed me to add a trim to my appointment. Once I paid, I was shown all the products used in my hair and was allowed to take pictures. She even took pictures of my hair with the ring light. Overall my hair looked great, and the experience was more than satisfactory. I booked another appointment for my last week here. 

Before coming to London, I didn’t know of a shop like Curl Talk in my area back home. Therefore, I was not sure how hard it would be to find one in London. “A study by Habia revealed that there are over 35,000 beauty salons in the UK, but somehow only 302 are Afro-Caribbean hair specialist registered salons,” (Mamona, 2021). I am thankful I found this salon in London to do my hair. They were even able to help me find a similar salon near my hometown.

By: Chloe Franklin

Wicked

On September 27, 2006, Wicked debuted in London, United Kingdom. And on March 29, 2023, I saw the play for the first time at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in London. In addition, this was the first show I had seen since beginning my study abroad experience in January. I secured tickets through my host program, FIE, for only 25 pounds. And we had good seats. Overall the performance was amazing. 

The show lasted for approximately 3 hours with a 10-minute intermission. But it didn’t feel that long. In a way, it felt like I was at a movie theatre. We could scan a QR code and order food on our phones. Once the order was processed, someone would bring your order to your seat. That enhanced the experience. I did not have to wait in line at concessions to buy refreshments. In addition, the workers were fast. The theatre brought my order to my seat in under five minutes. I ordered sweet and salty popcorn and water. The popcorn was so good that I couldn’t put it down. The seats were comfortable, and my view was great because I sat beside the aisle.

While waiting for the show to start, I took note of the set. And of course, I took a couple of pictures. The stage was extravagant and intricate. There was a dragon at the top of the ceiling. But, I did not expect the effects I would see throughout the show. There was fog, lightning, people suspended in the air, and the dragon on the ceiling could move. The most impressive effect was the Wizard of Oz. A massive head was suspended over a chair that could move and talk. It would light up and have a booming voice. I was impressed. It left me wondering how someone built something so impressive and complicated. 

Throughout the show, I was captivated. The performers were good at acting and singing. The performer who played Glinda had a powerful and commanding voice. When she sang, you couldn’t help but pay attention. She also hit opera notes which made her performance even more impressive. In my opinion, she was the strongest singer. A close second would be the actress who played Elphaba. Her runs and high notes were breathtaking. She had a way of conveying so much emotion through her singing. Beyond that, her acting was spot-on. She was supposed to be snarky and evil, and she played the part perfectly. I thought her acting performance was the best. The storyline was also captivating. Since I had no previous experience with Wicked, I didn’t know how the story would progress. The entire time, I wondered how it would end. I watched The Wizard of Oz as a child but Wicked provided the backstory I was missing. 

At the end of the performance, everyone was on their feet giving the performers a round of applause. Seeing this show made me want to see more shows while in London.

By: Chloe Franklin