This marks the last week of my program. While I am excited to return to my air-conditioned house with a room to myself that is bigger than a closet, I will be incredibly sad to leave. Despite only living here for six weeks, I feel I have learned and grown immensely both in and outside the classroom.

As I mentioned in my first blog post, this was my first time ever traveling alone to a place where I knew no one. I have made so many amazing friends (many of whom go to Pitt and I will be able to see them when I come back!), but I have also become far more comfortable with being independent. I would never have befriended new people at a football match alone, solo-traveled in England, gone to a show alone because none of my friends wanted to go, had myself a picnic in the park at sunset, and so much more prior to this trip. I made some of my best memories and found some of the best places exploring on my own. I truly prioritized making the most of MY own experience, even if that differed from what my friends wanted to do. If I wanted to attend something, I would take initiative, ask around, and if no one was interested, I would do it anyway because I cared about it. 

This is the biggest lesson I will take back with me to Pitt. In college, it can be easy to conform to what everyone else around you wants to do and succumb to peer pressure. I have been in Pittsburgh for two years, and have not explored much, many times because no one wants to go with me. I will now take these lessons back with me, and I look forward to exploring Pittsburgh and seeing what the city truly has to offer– whether anyone is with me or not!

Some of my favorite explorations! 10/10 recommend the Uber boat, Brighton, Sky Garden (its free!), Buckingham Palace at night and the South Bank at sunset!