A 1970’s rock band known as The Clash once released a hit single entitled “London Calling.” Though the lyrics of this song air on the side of violence (an adjective that would never be used to describe myself, mind you), I still find myself drawn to the song based solely on the two words of the chorus: “London Calling.”
It is the night before my departure to the grand ole UK and instead of putting all of my efforts into stuffing the last of my belongings into my already overflowing bags, I find myself at my computer. My mind is buzzing with thoughts. They are not fears, nor concerns, but rather a diverse array of wonders of what is to come.
I have never been a particularly independent person. That is not to say that I cannot do things on my own, but I am one of those people who likes reassurance more often than not. I also have had, for as long as I can remember, a deep fascination with England. Fashion icons, legendary musicians, and brilliant playwrights and writers have all originated from such a country. How wonderful it would be to walk amongst such history. The only solution to my plight of lack of independence and quenching my borderline obsession for the Brits is to study abroad. So, here we go…
I chose to do the BU Study Abroad Program because it included an internship. I did not want to just go to classes and live in another country; I wanted to immerse myself fully, and take a shot at being a real person (somewhat). One particular internship offered within the BU program involved working at a book publishing company. Once I realized this, I was hooked. I love books. Well, no, scratch that. I love words, and how they somehow interlace into difference combinations to create perfected tapestries of written works. I find the idea of handling a book before it is released to the rest of the world, in a word, enthralling. I have agonized over the stubborn Mr. Darcy with Elizabeth Bennett and studied the evidence with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, but I have yet to look behind the scenes of the stories and characters that the world knows and loves. This program and its internship will give me the opportunity to explore my dreams beyond the turn of a page into a new light of reality.
I sound so sure of my decision, don’t I? Was it easy, you may ask, to decide to leave behind my family and friends for an entire semester, to leave the comforted walls of my university? No, of course not, but I consider the doubts not only natural but vital. If I was too comfortable with going away, then perhaps I did not realize how much I truly need to grow not only as an adult, but as a person. The doubts and fears mean that I am, for once, pushing towards some undefined sense of independence. After all, wasn’t that what I wanted?
Next time I write you I’ll hopefully have some encounters with the newly single Prince Harry to share! Fingers crossed!