England: Taite Miller (Discoveries and Reflections)

I arrived in London two weeks ago today and my assumptions and dreams of what it was like have been surpassed. The weather is absolutely perfect. It’s slightly rainy, melancholy, frigid, and comforting. When I walk the cobblestone streets and alleys at night, I feel safe. My favorite spot that I have been to so far is on brick lane over in south London. It’s a large collection of 1800s buildings dated pre-America that have been transformed into vintage shops, DIY projects, art installations, and underground entertainment venues. I hear all different types of alternative music playing and people walking the streets wearing the most unique and beautiful outfits. It inspires me to be myself and not worry about what others think about me as well as making me feel less foreign. I can wear whatever interesting outfit I like and get praised for it, rather than in Madison where I often find myself alienated or called out for wearing something unconventional. The culture in London is extremely welcoming and refreshing. Everyone is respectful and mindful in public spaces like the tube and the royal parks. One occasion that I encountered the generosity of London folk is when I was walking alone near Buckingham and an older gentleman not only complemented my shoes (new rock platforms) but he offered me to sit with him while he shared his bird feed. So, I sat next to this older gentleman for an hour with his three dogs while chatting about my thoughts on London, his daughter, his dogs, and my life in university while feeding a variety of beautiful birds which live in the palace gardens. Something surprising about this city is its sheer size! I’m so used to walking to class and just casually meeting up with friends that live across Madison but here I need to plan everything out because of how long it takes to get places. Thankfully the London tube system is amazing so I can get everywhere I need to be within an hour but still, it’s difficult because I would want to go meet up with a friend, but they live 11 miles away and the buses close at midnight. So that has been a little difficult to navigate but overall, I’m having a wonderful time in the city of lights.

Taite Miller

Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Major: Information Science, Communication Science

Program: University of Westminster

I chose this program because of all of the great reviews and their expertise in my majors. One personal goal I have is to truly immerse myself into British culture and make international friends!