Guy Cheatham
London School of Economics
London, England
Fall 2016

A Gamble

I have doubts. We all have doubts. This tendency is what makes us humans truly human, and I understand that if I did not have doubts regarding my commitment to spend a year in a foreign country, I would not be properly assessing the risks of said commitment and would be going in with a blind eye. These doubts are different however because I am excited for the same things in which I am nervous for, and the main thing in which I express both excitement and doubt about is the uncertainty in this gamble.

The weather was rather gloomy when I landed in London, Friday morning, which is rather characteristic about the city. Despite the weather, I always had an admiration for the city. My mother spent part of her childhood in Surry, a town in which is twenty miles south of the city. I also knew that when it came to studying abroad that the full year experience was something that was a rarity. When walking down the streets of London towards 10 Downing St. and stopping in a pub, a friend I made who is in my program made an observation that resonated with me, saying that in this case we are not simply studying abroad, but we are living abroad. I realized that this is what the full year experience entails. These nine months in this city will demand for me to become apart of its vibrance, and with each day in the city I can honestly say it is starting to feel like a new home for me.

In the past week I have met more individuals from across the globe than I have in the first twenty-one years of my life. For the first time, I as an American am the minority, and as others ask questions in regard to the American way of life, I make sure to stay conscious about the fact that I am here to learn about others from across the globe. With this notion I am constantly asking questions and through so am finding common ground, and developing that common ground is a stepping stone to forming strong relationships. Based off my experience here the strongest relationships can develop with others of whom are very different, yet share that one commonality in which ignites conversation, and then the conversation will proceed with learning about each other.

I would be in denial if I did not acknowledge the fact that there is a culture shock, but in truth it could be worse because this is the most multicultural city on the planet. This widespread multiculturalism prevents one culture from dominating the city, and because of this balance I feel that many individuals are in the same position as me. London is a very welcoming place, yet staying aware and vigilant is key. I am excited to see how this experience will affect my development as an individual. I am beyond grateful to participate in this experience and am head over heels excited for what this experience will bring me.