Farewell London

To grasp the words to summarize this whole semester is quite a daunting task. It is weird to talk about going back home when I know that I am not. If you paid attention while reading my other blogs, you may have noticed that I am Costa Rican. I am an international student at a small liberal arts college in Minnesota and the place that I am returning to is sort of home, but not really. It is quite an indescribable feeling, confusing really. I am very excited to return to people that I love and appreciate. I am happy to return to a place that is peaceful in comparison to other places. 

If there is anything that this semester cemented in me is how privileged I am to have an education. In a previous blog, I mentioned that I would not have been able to train with RADA under different circumstances, that remains true. Without having a scholarship that allows me to fulfill my academic dreams, I would not have been in London in the first place. Having an education and living my life to the fullest in London has been very healing, I have cured many of my aches by being here. 

I must admit that I feel pretty weird right now. Just a couple (many) hours ago I was still in London, listening to the clicks, clacks, and sudden break screeches of the tube and now I am in the arrival lounge at MSP International, watching families reunite and the carousel turning with unclaimed luggage. I cannot compute watching my friends walking with their luggage nor can I understand the stress that we went through today. A lot of cumulative mishappenings that led me, one way or another, running around the airport. Not fun. 

Saying goodbye to people was not as difficult as I expected. Let me explain, I was not sad about the fact that I might not see them in a very long time, rather I was sad about the fact that the life that we shared for a couple of months was coming to an end. Nobody can understand the experience of studying in London like my peers who embarked on the same journey as I did. It feels isolating, but extra special. Our bond is strengthened by our shared experiences!

If you are planning to come to London for your study abroad experience, do it! It is such a wonderful, diverse, and energetic city. I can guarantee you, you will find something that will fill your cup. For me, it was theater, stage life, the arts. For you, it might be bookstores, or architecture, or food. I cannot stress this enough, you will find your way. And do not feel pressured to think that you need to emerge as a whole new individual after this program, not at all. Do be present and try to enjoy every step of the journey. 

Lastly, to the people who accompanied me during this amazing time, thank you. I will never be able to thank you enough for your existence. <3