Time has been flying by, and I can’t believe that I have only a couple weeks left in London! Reflecting on how I felt in early January, I remember being so scared of leaving the places, routines, and people that I have spent all my time with. Being from Pittsburgh, college never was a stark transition for me as I knew that I had my family a short drive away. I also have three wonderful roommates and many friends on campus, and every moment leading up to leaving for this experience was a difficult goodbye for me—knowing that I would not get to see them for four months. Despite all my fears I had at the start of the program, I can say with certainty that I am so glad I came here. From living alone to figuring out public transport in each city, London has transformed me in so many ways. England is a country rich with history intertwined with many other cultures, and I have become a more global-minded person through meeting people from all over the world and experiencing the melting pot that is London. Life in Pittsburgh has been a constant for me for sixteen years of my life, but I am so glad I got to step out of my comfort zone and see more of what the world has to offer.
From a business perspective, there are a few skills that I was able to take away from this program. The most obvious being the fact that most firms are global-minded, working with clients or other businesses all over the world and London is a global hub for many financial firms which may be important for me in the future. Additionally, business is all about adaptability and problem-solving. From communicating with locals and understanding the manners in many different countries to learning within a different school system, I have refined my problem solving skills and creativity by paying more attention to the smallest of details. I have also had the privilege of meeting so many new people, which has helped me become a better conversationalist and learn more about diverse backgrounds. Overall, study abroad has been a life changing experience. I have learned so much about myself and the world around me, and I have so many new memories, places, and people that define who I am and how I will approach the world both personally and professionally!
