Chapter 4: The Simple Things

“Only boring people get bored.” – Sofi Byrum These are words that I have been trying to live by throughout this semester. Sometimes it is really easy to get stuck in the routine of the week, and only live for the weekends. A typical week for me looks like Monday- Thursday working at my social …

The Little Things

Sunny days are a rarity in London, especially now that the sun sets at around 5pm. So, with my morning class canceled and the sun shining bright and warm, I went to the park. My friend Keena and I decided to go on a morning adventure to Hampstead Heath and we went on a lonely …

Navigating through Homesickness

I did not expect the homesickness caused by not being surrounded by the people who ground you while studying abroad. I knew I would feel some sort of homesickness from being so far away from the familiar. However, I didn’t realize I was in this liminal space until I met up with a friend from …

A Change of Pace

Just like that, my classes are done! In the blink of an eye, ten weeks flew by and I am stepping into the next phase of my program: research! A unique part of all SIT programs is the transformation of the final month of studying abroad into an opportunity for students to participate in either …

A Trip to the Sea

This past weekend I traveled to the coast of England to the incredible city of Brighton. It is a college town, so the whole place is very young. I felt like I fit right in. Additionally, being on the seaside, it is a very touristy destination, especially in the summer. The colder weather meant there …

Let’s Build an Ofrenda!

One by one, we place the cempasúchils, mezcal, fruit, and more that serve as offerings and guides to los difuntos (loved ones that have passed). Alongside my host mom, we complete the final steps of lighting the candles and burning copal and the ofrenda is complete! El Día de Los Muertos is a special season …

No Spoilers

One of the coolest parts of living in an entertainment hub like London is that there are many movie premieres and exhibitions surrounding new projects throughout the city. I have seen celebrities on the streets and at film festivals. I have waited in droves of people to potentially see stars at the Dune premier. And …

Midterm Reflection

As I sit in a local cafe, pretending not to be procrastinating on my midterm studies, I am reflecting on my London day-to-day lifestyle. I’m getting used to academic shifts like having class once a week instead of 2 or three times. That has been a hurdle I didn’t expect to jump. It is like …

La Flor del Muerto

All around me papel picado waves in the sky, cempasúchils (aka marigolds) line the streets, and pan de muertos occupy the shelves of every panadería. Spooky season: Mexico style (better known as Day of the Dead) has officially commenced. Take all of your ideas from past Spanish classes or Disney’s Coco and throw them out …

The Bard in Britain

“All the world’s a stage” – Shakespeare’s As You Like It These words have never rung as true to me as they do in my adventures in London. It is not that I am acting as a new person, but I am freer to explore new facets of my life to become a more authentic …