England : Emily Swanson (A ‘We’re not in Madison Anymore’ Moment)

October 30, 2023

A ‘We’re not in Madison Anymore’ Moment

Emily sits in front of a river, where a bridge connects Emily's side to Big Ben, a giant clocktower, and a castle with spires. — Here is me posing with the iconic London Tower – the building where Big Ben (the bell) sits. Did you know there is a crack in the bell that causes it to be slightly off key?

Since coming to the United Kingdom less than a month ago, I have already gotten to see so much history. Whether that’s in London with buildings like the Palace of Westminster or in towns like Dover with its castle. It is crazy to think about these structures standing tall for hundreds of years, generation after generation both in the face of war and the celebrations of victory. This centuries old story of Great Britain cannot be compared to that of the United States whose story seems to have just barely started at only 250 years ago. Just thinking that Madison has only been around for about 200 years while London can be traced back to 50 CE makes our history seem miniscule when looking at the whole picture. For example, on a trip to Windsor Castle – a residence favored by Queen Elizabeth II before she passed last year – we were able to tour some of the state rooms within the castle. These rooms were filled with elaborate furniture and huge portraits filling expansive walls. As you walked through the rooms the paintings got older and older, going through the line of succession in England. You saw the time period expressed not only in the popular painting style of the time, but also the clothing of the monarch featured. It made me realize just how carefully documented the monarch’s history is. While, for me, my family lineage is something I know a small fraction of.

A large, circular castle sits on top of a hill as the sun shines next to it. — This is the round tower, the oldest part of Windsor Castle that dates back to the 12th century.

Being in London has pushed me to learn more about European history as well as given me the desire to uncover more about my own family legacy. America is a ‘melting pot’ of cultures, beliefs, and experiences; however, sometimes it can feel like our past is abandoned when we look to the future in hopes of new opportunities. So, I find it necessary to go back in time and turn to the people who have come before us and allowed us to be in this exact spot today. I’m excited to get started in my ancestry research!

Emily smiles in front of a wall with gray and different shades of red stripes.

Emily Swanson

Major: Business – Marketing; Certificate in Graphic Design

Hometown: Kiel, Wisconsin

Program: IES Direct Enrollment – City St George’s, University of London