England: Jackie Beck (Participant-Observation)

Participant-Observation

During my time in London, I have been exploring Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. The parks cover a lot of area, but my favorite place to go is by the water. They have benches where I like to read or just sit and watch the swans in the water. It brings me a lot of calm to watch the water move, especially in an area with so much greenspace, since it adds scenery. It is a very popular park, but there isn’t much sound from pedestrians, due to the large size. Instead, you can hear the animals and listen to the sound of water flow. The benches are large and wooden, so sitting for a long time is easy. I often stop and get a coffee, so I drink it while I sit there. During my time sitting, it really gives me time to contemplate my time here. Being in a new country as an 18 year old is definitely a new experience, and having quiet time to think makes me feel a lot calmer and more contemplative. In all, the gardens have really become a safe space for me. It allows me to think about my time in London, and destress in a comfortable place. I highly recommend going, especially if you need a place to be calm.

Jackie Beck 

Major: Undecided

Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Currently, I am undecided for my major. I hope that London will allow me to better develop my interests, and gain skills and knowledge that can guide me to a major that is suited to my future and interests.

What do you most look forward to learning about London?

I am really looking forward to exploring all of the museums and parks. London has some of the most incredible museums in the world, and the parks are extremely beautiful. Additionally, I am looking forward to learning a lot about culture and diversity.