Growing up I think I wanted to study abroad before I even decided I wanted to go to school. I've loved traveling ever since I went to Europe with my grandparents in 2013. While it was such a fun and relaxing experience it was also very educational, and I was so invested in learning the history of the countries I was visiting. My passion for traveling grew as I did, and I began finding any way possible to go anywhere possible. I am a rising junior majoring in criminology and minoring in psychology. On June 3rd (today) I leave for London to study forensic psychology for about 2 weeks. This will be my second time in London (the first being in 2013 when I was 10 years old). With my major being criminology, I've done extensive research on what makes a candidate's resume more appealing, and I found that in addition to internships and work experience having a study abroad experience can be very appealing. I specifically would like to go into the FBI and something they look for in candidates is their geographic flexibility. As I am driving to the airport, I'm feeling extremely anxious. I'm nervous and excited all at the same time. I have never gone out of the country alone and I don't know anyone (personally) going on this trip as well. My expectations are set high as I love meeting new people as well as experiencing new things. I also hope that I can gain insight into the UK's government systems and see if it is something I would be interested in pursuing outside of college. I am beyond excited to share this experience with other students at UA and hopefully come home with a few new friends and a whole lot of stories. As I'm sitting in the airport waiting to board my flight, I'm extremely anxious. I'm on the verge of being excited and nervous but also eager to get there. We board the plane, and my 10-hour flight begins. This is the longest flight I've recently had (since my first time in Europe at 10) and I'm not a fan of flying. Ironic right because I love traveling and going places, but I wish I could just teleport rather than go through flights and drives. On the flight we got dinner and breakfast. We had the option of chicken and mashed potatoes or pasta. I got the mashed potatoes, and it was honestly not too bad. I also thought only business class and above got food, so I was excited to have something. I unfortunately fell asleep for breakfast, so I missed it. I think it was a bagel which I’m ok with missing out on. Although now I’m starving and once, we land, we are starting activities right away. I’m hoping I have time to get a quick snack. As I’m finishing up this last blog I have landed in London, and I could not be more excited for what is yet to come on this trip!
