University of Wisconsin–Madison

England: Gwendolyn (Gwenna) Mlsna (Places: Routine & Favorite)

Places: Routine & Favorite 

As I settled into life in London, I found it beneficial to dedicate one special place to being productive. While I enjoy studying from the comfort of my own room, I always find myself extra motivated by a change of scenery. Plus, who doesn’t love an excuse to go to a coffee shop?

A laptop next to a cup of coffee in front of a maroon cushioned booth.
This is how my setup usually looks at Cafe Nero

The atmosphere of Cafe Nero is quiet, cozy, and only a 13 minute walk from my room. Inside, there are more cushy sofas and plush couches than actual chairs. The pine wood, brass decor, and blackboard menu give it a very homey quality. I love it because it is always frequented by locals who want to sit down and relax, not busy commuters. I almost always find an open table where I hunker down to get my assignments done. By now, the baristas (whom I know by name) have my coffee order memorized: “One large oat milk cappuccino with vanilla, please!”

There is one elderly British man who is at Cafe Nero before me everyday. He sits on a chair adjacent to me with his cinnamon roll and cup of black coffee. I look forward to the day that I get to talk to him, and learn what brings him to this cafe. For now, I just think it’s beautiful that we all have lived very different lives, yet our paths intersect briefly at this one cafe, and for just a few hours we can share a love of coffee and ambiance.

An outdoor stand filled with black containers of fruit, with leafy greens placed sporadically around the displays.
This was one of many fruit mountains at Borough Market

On a different note, my favorite place in London so far has been the Borough Market, which is a giant farmer’s market dating back to the 12th century. There are mountains of vibrant fresh fruits and vegetables, racks of fragrant spices, jams, and spreads, fresh loaves of crusty bread, walls of infused olive oils, tables of handmade sweets, and so much more! Cooking is such an important part of my life. I cook every single day. This market has given me access to such a diverse range of ingredients and foods. It has opened my eyes to cuisines that I never knew about, and I am grateful for this opportunity to have expanded upon my knowledge of the culinary landscape.

Gwendolyn smiles in a brightly lit kitchen.

Gwendolyn (Gwenna) Mlsna    

Major (or intended major): Psychology and Spanish

Hometown: Mount Horeb, Wisconsin

I look forward to challenging myself as an independent adult for the first time and learning in a completely new and busy environment. My goal is to incorporate the life lessons and skills that I acquire during this program into the way I treat the rest of my undergrad years. I believe that this program is going to reshape the way I approach education by keeping me focused, on my toes, and will set me up for a successful college experience with an added global perspective.

What do you most look forward to learning about London?

I am fascinated by the prospect of learning the “other side of the story”. Since I grew up reading American literature and learning history from the American perspective, it will be an amazing opportunity to learn British history from within the cultural and social heart of the UK. I am very excited to experience the rich cultural diversity of such an international city!