Grateful for Continual Learning

Wow. It is February already. Oh how the time flies! I will be leaving for Copenhagen in T-minus 14 days. But let’s not talk about that yet…

This week we toured St. Paul’s Cathedral and walked all 528 steps to the top of the dome to see the cityscape. We walked around Harrods, a famous and very expensive department store. We strolled through Hyde Park, explored several museums to see some Van Goghs and Monets. For a class field trip, we visited the International Maritime Organization (IMO), an institution of the United Nations. This past week was all about getting to know the city better.

I thought I would share some things that I have learned in my four short weeks in London. Things from class, things from living abroad. Some things were suggested to me before my trip, some things I’ve learned from experience.

1. I need to workout more - I am way too out of shape for St. Paul’s 528 stairs. After coming down from the viewing roof, my legs were jelly (or jam… as the British call it).

2. Stick to a budget - It was suggested that I create a budget for my time abroad, and thank the Lord I did, because it has helped me keep track of my life. Talking with others in my program who do not have a set budget, I am thankful that 1) I worked really hard to finance my trip myself and 2) I came into the trip with realistic spending expectations.

3. Always follow your gut - This is something I was taught many a times from my parents growing up. “Always listen to your gut, Olivia. If you feel like something is wrong then leave the situation.” This sentiment has been solidified in me while I have been here. People are weird, especially drunk people. It hasn’t happened many times, but nonetheless, it has happened. So thanks, Mom and Dad, for teaching me your wisdom… it has certainly come in handy.

4. The “party scene” is a little overrated… in my humble opinion - I did go out a few times this week. Simply put: I’ve learned I don’t need to go out all the time to have fun. I think I am much more of a dinner party kinda gal.

5. The world could be changing… soon - In my classes, we learn about an array of things that could have dangerous worldwide consequences in the near future. We talk about war, conflict, nuclear weapons, climate change, rising sea levels, polluted air and water… the list goes on and on. The United Nations recently published a study that says the world has 12 years to limit our impact on the climate before it will be “too late”. This past week, both The United States and Russia withdrew from the INF Treaty, a Cold War era agreement to restrict the use of short/mid-range nuclear missiles. My classes continue to give me a pessimistic view of the near future, but I’ve realized that I am learning a lot about significant things that impact everyone (things like international relations, foreign policy, the environment, world history) and I think that is pretty awesome.

6. People are trying to make the world a better place - Even though there are many threats to our current way of life, organizations like the United Nations, NGOs, IGOs, and nonprofit groups do good work in order to fix global problems. Whether that be fighting climate change, working towards global peace and stability, or lobbying for greater change… there are people out there trying to make the world a better place. And I want to do that too. Who knows, maybe a career in government or the nonprofit sector is in my future.

7. I really am thankful - This afternoon, walking to class in the rain, I was thinking about just how cool it is that I am in London. I never would have had these learning opportunities or adventures if I did not want to leave my comfort zone to study abroad. It is truly amazing to me that with one decision, I am able to have this great experience, take classes I never would have taken at Gustavus, and see myself and the world from another perspective. And to me, that is what studying abroad is all about.

Until next week,

Olivia

Pictures: River Thames, my class at the IMO, a nature walk through Hyde Park, Harrods, a tube station I pass on my way to class, some instagram worthy phone booths, and the city view from St. Paul’s Cathedral.