University of Wisconsin–Madison

England: Kayla Buth (Cultural Connections & Observations)

Cultural Connections and Observations: My “We’re not in Madison Anymore” Moment

A building with a domed ceiling, where storefronts with arched doorways surround the dome.
Photos from the Leeds City Market and Leeds Corn Exchange. Both places have local vendors that sell things from produce to jewelry. I have been numerous times since arriving in Leeds and the vendors each reflect the kind and generous culture that is present here in Leeds.

Among the many remarkable aspects of my experience so far in Leeds, the most striking has been the unhurried pace of life and the heartfelt sincerity displayed by every local I’ve encountered. Life moves much slower here, in the best way possible. I’ve been continuously touched by the genuine interest locals show in getting to know me – remembering my name, inquiring about my well-being, and offering assistance as a newcomer to England. However, I can tell that they ask these things truly out of kindness, not just as a customary norm. Their gestures of kindness feel deeply authentic and stem from true kindness.

A building with a glass ceiling is filled with fruits and flowers on displays.

The first time this remarkable kindness struck me was when I boarded a coach bus for an excursion outside Leeds. The driver took the time to learn each of our names, even jotting them down. He asked us how we were doing, inquired about where we were going, asked if we needed any help/ suggestions for our excursion, and more. I could tell that he was doing this out of his own genuine kindness, not because he was required to. When we started on our journey out of the city, over the speaker, he addressed each of us by name and delivered what he called his daily affirmation. Though I couldn’t capture his entire speech, I recorded fragments in my journal. He told us, “Just in case nobody has told you today, you are all wonderful people. You are all loved beyond measure just as you are. You are all precious and invaluable.” He concluded with, “All of your dreams will come true if you believe in yourself because I am going to believe in you and your abilities.” This speech brought tears to my eyes on the bus, simply because I could tell he truly believed each thing he said and meant it from the bottom of his heart.

To my surprise, encountering locals who treat me with such kindness and grace has become a common occurrence. This generosity has been particularly invaluable as I navigate the ins and outs of daily life. Each person I’ve encountered here in Leeds has embraced me wholeheartedly, from taxi drivers and waiters to my professors. Not a single interaction has left me feeling unwelcome. It’s truly remarkable to see the profound impact of a society where individuals genuinely look out for one another instead of constantly rushing about. The people here have taught me to slow down, cherish the people around me, and live in the moment. The future is not going anywhere, we have time to enjoy our daily life while we live in it!

Kayla smiles in front of the "Wisconsin School of Business: Grainger Hall" sign.

Kayla Buth

Major: Legal Studies, Political Science, and Gender and Women’s Studies

Hometown: Anoka, Minnesota

Program: England- University of Leeds Exchange

Being a recipient of the Global Gateway Fellowship will allow me to explore my interests regarding the legal institutions and procedures that are present in England. The criminal justice system in the United States was developed in reflection of such institutions, thus allowing me to examine how England has reformed their system in ways that the United States has not. Therefore, this fellowship is extremely meaningful to me as it will allow me to explore my interests while having the opportunity to bring my gained experiences back to the United States and share what I have learned.

My most predominant professional goal is to become an attorney operating in the fields of human and civil rights. Thus, I have an immense interest and goal of becoming well educated and experiencing the many ways institutions and societal systems have negatively impacted the everyday lives of different communities and people throughout history. The University of Leeds Exchange program offers many opportunities for me to immerse myself in a new culture while learning about how injustices have operated in a location other than the United States.

I am looking forward to learning how individuals live their day-to-day lives in the city of Leeds. I have never had the opportunity to spend such an extended amount of time in a different location/ culture, so I am interested in discovering the ways in which the daily lives of other students and community members in Leeds differ from those going to school and living in Madison, WI.