Three and a half months ago, I landed in London, unsure of what to expect but ready to take the biggest leap of my college experience. A year ago, as a sophomore at Elon University, I was living the typical college life. I was the house manager of my fraternity, surrounded by my best friends, enjoying everything from parties to late night food runs. It was fun—exactly what I imagined college to be. But something inside me wanted more. I did not just want a "typical" college experience, I wanted something that would challenge me, push me out of my comfort zone, and give me memories I would have for a lifetime.
That is when the idea of studying abroad started to stick. Elon has the number one study abroad program in the U.S., and as I watched older friends post about their experiences, especially those in London, I knew this was my chance. At first, I tried convincing my fraternity brothers to join me, but no one wanted to miss out on the semester back home. I realized I would have to do this on my own. That was scary, but I wasn’t going to let fear hold me back.
Fast forward to today, and I could not be more grateful that I took that chance. Moving into my flat, I did not know my roommates or how things would unfold, but I lucked out. My two roommates quickly became close friends, and we also became close friends with the group living next door. Before we knew it, we were planning trips across Europe together. In just a few months, I have traveled to Dublin, Munich, Budapest, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Vienna, Prague, and Paris. Each city was unique, offering new sights, foods, and experiences. Booking trips with people I had only just met seemed crazy at first, but that’s the beauty of studying abroad, you dive in headfirst, and the world opens up.
Back in London, I fell in love with the city through my classes. I studied Music in Britain in the 20th Century, Harry Potter: Magic, Myth, and Meaning, and British Life and Cultures. Each course gave me a deeper appreciation for the UK, whether through learning about iconic bands like The Beatles, revisiting my childhood love of Harry Potter, or understanding the nuances of British culture.
The second half of the semester brought a new adventure: an internship with You Press. Working in London was an experience I will never forget. I ran social media, attended events like Healing Voices, and documented recording sessions with artists. It was surreal to be part of a creative organization in such a vibrant city.
Now, as my time here comes to an end, I cannot believe how fast it has gone. Saying goodbye to London and the friends I’ve made feels bittersweet. But I am so proud of myself for taking this leap. This semester has been the experience of a lifetime, filled with travel, learning, and growth. I know I will look back on these months as some of the most impactful and exciting of my life. If you are ever debating whether to take a risk, let this be your sign - go for it. You will not regret it.
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