Thoughts on Leaving

You would never know that Death-Eaters destroyed this bridge!

A little over four months ago, I wrote my first blog post. I wrote about my apprehension and excitement for spending a semester in London. Since that first blog post, a lot has changed in my life. I've become much more independent, mature, and self-aware since coming here. This experience was not exactly what I expected it to be, but I have loved almost every moment of it, and, though I am sad to say goodbye to London, I am ready to immerse myself in the Skidmore community.

Let's not forget that this is still in Zone 1

It was much harder to be away from my family than I had expected. I did not miss them every day, in fact sometimes a week would pass before I remembered I couldn't hug my sister or tease my parents (sorry mom you know I love you). There were days, however, when listening to a song would remind me of the people missing from my life and I would be sad for a little while. But, London was always there to make me feel better and to give me something to do. Seeing my sister give me the middle finger when she means to say 'I love you' in person is something I'm really looking forward to. As is laughing with my dad and just talking with my mom.

Look at that blue London sky!

As much as I look forward to going home and seeing loved ones, I have no desire to leave London. I am going to miss the noise, the lights, the walks, the food, the markets, and the adventure. Little Bath, Maine is a nice town, but it is nothing compared to my new normal. I realized when I went to Scotland that I had become used to falling asleep to the sounds of a city. People talking outside, cars speeding along Pentonville Rd, sirens blaring, have become a sort of lullaby. Maybe I like the noise because it's a nice reminder that I am surrounded by human life. It will be very strange sleeping in my quiet, dark, room in my parents' basement.

Ah mismatched London architecture

Although I have loved my time here, I am very excited to become a part of Skidmore. I knew that I was going to chose Skidmore before I decided to come to London because I had been in love with the school since I toured it junior year. I have missed music almost as much as I've missed my family. I had to buy myself a ukulele so I could release musical energy, but I am ready to join vocal ensembles at Skidmore. I am excited to take music theory classes, gender studies classes, and really explore my academic interests. I'm almost overwhelmed with how many activities I want to get involved with, but I'm more excited than anything else.

Tower bridge is better than every bridge in Maine

Last week, the thought of leaving London devastated me, but now that Dec. 11th is coming closer, I am becoming more and more okay with it. I am going to miss seeing all my fellow Skid Kids and my awesome roommate(s), and I'm going to miss the faculty involved with this program, but I know that I will see my friends back at Skidmore in January. Hopefully I will be able to stay in contact with the faculty. I feel like this week I've had a lot of closure, and I'm going to continue having fun in London until the bus arrives on Sunday morning at 5:45am to take me to Heathrow Airport.

Seen in the wild at Holland Park, not at a zoo

Cheers!