I can not believe that almost a month has gone by since I arrived in London! It feels like I only just got here. I am beginning to adjust to the city and my new learning environment. Having a class only once a week for over three hours has definitely taken some getting used to. However, the small class setting has helped me to continue paying attention throughout the class. The professor’s lectures somehow feel more personal and engaging when there are only fifteen of us compared to the fifty that I am used to.
Aside from two business related classes, I am taking two other classes that I don’t think I would have gotten to experience back at Pitt. One of them, a creative writing class, is already pushing me out of my comfort zone. I can’t recall having to write a creative essay since high school, so I am trying to enjoy using those skills again. The best part about that class and all of the classes I am taking is all the small field trips we get to take. Since the classes are long, we have plenty of time to explore the city through an educational lens; I get to learn so much about the history and culture of London as it relates to our class.
On my most recent field trip along the Thames, I got to learn about different wildlife that adapted to living by the river even if they weren’t originally found there. I found that really interesting since it’s not something I typically see back home!
Adaptability, consistency, responsibility, and positivity are some of the Clifton Strengths that have definitely been useful in going through this experience. There are always new places, people, and things around me and having to adapt quickly to them sometimes has me feeling unlike myself at the end of the day. I have learned that keeping somewhat of a consistent routine like doing the same things before and after class has given me a sense of comfort in this new city. Staying on top of my work for class has also helped me in establishing a routine, although I definitely have much more free time here. I have realized I enjoy having less pressure on exams; it makes learning the material less stressful and I can focus on the class rather than worrying about an upcoming exam. Overall, I am looking forward to learning more and going on more field trips!