England: Ace Vela (A Home Away From Home in London)
Program: UW Global Launch in London
As I recall, after the trips we’ve taken as a group this year or even coming back from winter break, there was something so comforting about walking down the street of Gloucester Road and being back in London. Within a few months, none of us had any problem calling this city home or our second home. The adventures we go on are entirely new and will feel crazy when you first arrive, especially if you haven’t traveled before or left the country. There is something so comforting, however, about finding some of my favorite spots to study (like the Victoria and Albert Museum), going to my favorite shops (like in Camden Market where I made a friend with a vendor who gives me a special discount on all my dresses or the adorable Hello Kitty store in Soho), running around the city through the tubes, and discovering the beauty in every new experience that I get the chance to continue on with because I’ve been here for the whole school year.
Me in the Hello Kitty store.
The whole concept of being abroad was entirely new to me, but the difference between the girl who first got here alone and experienced walking down the streets like it was a maze and the girl who is now almost done with this year is quite insane to think about.
Adventures are a significant part of this program, and I feel like I’ve found peace in that and knowing that every day will bring me something new.
When I return to campus, there will be so much I miss about being here, from the familiar grocery stores that I frequent many times a week, the free museums I explore, the nightly walks, the view outside the kitchen window, and the connection I have made with this city.
I’ll have to find some new places for the side quests I like to go on, but I’m grateful to have had this opportunity in London where so much was available to me and I took advantage of it.
Ace Vela
Program Name: UW Global Launch in London
Major: Music and Education
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois