Hello! My name is Grace Harris, I am a junior political science student on a pre law track. This summer I will be studying abroad for four weeks in London, and taking two classes. One of my classes is Wrongful conviction and another is Human Rights on a Global Perspective. The coursework that I am receiving in London is both interesting and interactive. Taking a Human Rights and Wrongful Conviction class does not equate to simple worksheets of homework, but instead interesting readings, court cases, and field trips learning from actual people doing the work my peers and I hope to do in the future. Outside of this interesting course work, in London I hope to develop a larger sense of independence. Living in a large city abroad, without my family is a large adjustment, furthermore learning a new transportation system and going out on my own to find study spots takes a new level of independence. I have found that the way to get around and acclimate to your surrounding is to talk to the locals. I have become close with the coffeeshop barista across the street from me who even gave me information about a gym nearby that I started using. Furthermore, there have been many times where I had to completely understand my surroundings and recognize the differing neighborhoods in London in order to connect the dots and know which area is best for the vibe I am looking for. The personal growth I am expecting to experience in London coincides with the professional growth as it has so far taught me the importance of not locking yourself away to study because it takes up the time you could use experiencing the new culture and setting you are in. I made sure to have a balance of doing my coursework assignment’s, but also exploring with my peers and getting to know the city more. I hope to continue this in my professional career and make sure that I don’t lose myself in the work, but rather use it as a catalyst for good conversation and connections within the field of law. Furthermore, when I start my professional career there is a chance that I am in a city I am not familiar with, in which I will have to do what I am doing here. Learning my way around, getting work done, meeting new people, and being independent.

My flatmates!