Reflecting as an American Intern Living in London
My name is Maddy Adler and I’m a 20-year-old college student born and raised in New York. This semester, I chose to study abroad in London to immerse myself in a culture significantly different from what I have grown accustomed to since childhood. I saw this as a chance to push myself to experience new things and grow my independence as my college career starts to come to a close.
Although graduation is still a year away, it’s only a matter of time before I’m thrown into a new reality of my adult life. It’s been hard to come to terms with the fact that I can no longer have the comfort of college as a transitionary period and will soon be entirely independent. Living in London has undoubtedly been one of the most exciting things I have experienced. So far, it has been a pleasure getting to know the intricacies of British culture, and will remain a pivotal part of my adulthood.
As a political science student, I have learned a lot about the current and historical political climate in the United States. With a large emphasis on reading, writing, analytical thought, and critical thinking in my classes, I hope to take these skills I’ve learned from my studies in undergrad and put them to use in law school and an eventual career in the legal field. Although my interests within types of law vary and I’m unsure of exactly which one I’d like to go into, entertainment, copyright, and immigration law are all at the forefront of my mind. I see the chance to intern at You Press as a way to sharpen my professional skills and gain familiarity with work environments which can help pave the way for my future career endeavors.
Aside from my studies, much of what I’m passionate about has been related to the arts and writing. I have had a strong affinity with photography for much of my childhood and teenage years, and have attended programs that have versed me in both digital and film photography. This has led me to work with many different cameras and equipment. I, too, have had an interest in graphic design and layout work and enjoy tapping into my creative side when I have the opportunity. I have also done a lot of writing during my college years at HerCampus, a female-owned and operated publication where I curate articles on current events, lifestyle, and wellness. I have since been promoted to section editor there, where I manage the progression of staff articles from submission to publication.
Many of my passions–both academic and personal–align with my idea of You Press and its mission as a social enterprise, which is what I believe makes me a great fit for interning here. I can resonate deeply with its emphasis on giving young creatives a platform, as there can often be a gap in connecting youth talent with an audience. It’s wonderful to be able to pinpoint a passion for the arts, but discouraging when you feel like your talent isn’t reaching its potential. You Press gives people a vessel to be heard: a thing that everyone deserves.
