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Brittney Klewer
First and foremost, I would just like to begin by thanking John Parrott and the Lake Havasu City Rotary Club for giving me the opportunity to spend an unforgettable month in London. The trip was more than just a chance to take a class and visit the iconic and historic places in and around London; it was a chance to grow as a person, to learn more about myself, and to experience a new way of life. Which is exactly what London provided me- a new way of life.
London is such an old and historic city that I could devote an entire novel to all the places I was able to go and all the sights I saw. However, I feel it is important that I attempt to share the impact that my trip to London had on me, beyond simply adding thousands of new pictures to my albums. I say attempt because it is so hard to find the words to properly express how London has changed me, because a trip to London will change you in some way.
After three years of attending college away from home, I was under the impression that I had gained a certain amount of independence and was capable of living on my own. However, living in London for a month has shown me a better taste of what true independence is. Being in a foreign country, more or less on my own and without typical means of communication, really tested my ability to figure things out and be responsible for myself. I will not lie, the first day or so I felt like a fish out of water. London was so different from what I was used to, and the comforts and familiarity of home seemed so far away that I wondered how I was going to manage for a whole month on my own. Of course, this feeling of being in an alien land did not last long, as I was quick to make friends with one of the students I traveled with and quick to get a feel for my new home.
To clarify, when I say home, I do not simply mean the place that I was residing in, because, by the end of my trip, London was oh so much more than that. In the beginning I definitely felt like a tourist and probably looked like one too, but as the time went on I found that I no longer considered myself a tourist, but rather a converted Londoner. Not to be cliche, but in a few short weeks I had fallen in love with London and felt like I belonged there. Of course, with such an amazing opportunity provided by the London Bridge Scholarship, it would have been hard not to fall in love with London.
Returning back to the States I find myself both spoiled and humbled at the same time. The city had so much to offer: countless museums, beautiful parks you can spend days in, exciting new people waiting to be met, and historic buildings around every corner… After having so much within arm’s reach, to say that it has been difficult to return to “normal” life here in the states would be an understatement. I was able to look out my dorm window and see the London Eye, Parliament, and Big Ben, and could hear Big Bed ringing at the top of each hour. Even most locals can’t say that, which is why I feel spoiled- in the best possible way of course- and grateful. Yes, very grateful.
I do not think it is possible to travel to London and explore all its greatness, and not feel humbled by the experience. The historical importance, the grandeur, the sheer inner workings of London put things in a new perspective for me. Unfortunately, I find it extremely difficult to properly express this new perspective, and thus urge anyone reading this to find out what I am talking about on their own. Go to London; explore; spend time with yourself; spend time with new people; discover things you didn't even know you could.
I thought that I knew myself before London, but my experience changed that. Before I was afraid of graduating from college and facing the “real world”, but now I know so much more about myself, my goals, and my aspirations in life. My trip to London made me excited to start my journey, and while it may be scary to think about the future, I feel braver and more confident in myself now that I have traveled abroad.
This trip is a once in a life time opportunity that I think everyone should try to take. I mean when else are you going to get the chance to meet the Lord Mayor of London, or witness the Ceremony of the Keys, or get a private tour of Mansion House? Those experiences were some of my absolute favorites on my trip and priceless memories that I still can’t believe actually happened. I also loved the class I chose to take called Television in London, and would highly recommend it to anyone who has even the slightest interest in filming- with or without experience. My professor David Hoser was so charismatic and really made you feel welcome. I had a blast getting a chance to film short movies around London, and we even got to make a music video in a real studio! The campus was a little far, but the long tube ride was definitely worth it (make sure to get an Oyster Card- it will be the best decision you make while in London).
I know I am supposed to talk about things that the Rotary Club can do differently to make the trip better for future years, but I honestly wouldn’t change a single thing about my trip. I think this is an amazing program, and the relationship that the London Bridge has created between London and Arizona is fantastic. My only suggestion would be to work with Mary more to see what other events and places the future students can attend and visit. Mary was such a lovely woman, and she was so enthusiastic about making sure we had a great trip and were able to do fun things during our stay in London, such as the tour of Mansion House, the Ceremony of the Keys, and walking through Tower Bridge.
Again, I am so incredibly grateful to everyone who made this trip possible for my fellow travelers and I. This was a summer I will never forget, and a trip I will cherish forever. When I applied for the scholarship I had no idea just how much sending in a few letters of recommendation and an essay would change my life. John, Lake Havasu City Rotary Club, Mary, Dave, Sarah and Bill (my traveling companions)- thank you for a wonderful summer. Cheers!