Part of my identity is encompassed by creativity. I find myself engaging in art any chance that I get. I am not me without a creative outlet. Sometimes it is ceramics; often, it is doodling or sketching; I always have photography; on the odd occasion, I will pull out a guitar; but since coming to London, I have been using oil pastels and watercolor. To be so honest, London and I do not entirely agree. We butt heads often, and I have had a difficult time finding where I fit into the mess of this city. 

This is my third time studying abroad, and I appreciate all that London has to offer, but it simply has not come as easily to me as my other two experiences abroad. Traveling has become another part of my identity. For the past four years, I have not spent more than a semester consecutively in the same place. Constantly moving, I have used art as a form of grounding and a way to reconnect with myself in times of discomfort. I have found places that I love and instantly feel spiritually connected and deeply within myself. Others are just not for me. 

As I finished up my degree as an Honors World Scholar at the University of Delaware, London was the best fit for me course-wise. With credits transferring over smoothly and the 6-credit internship opportunity, this program enables me to graduate early. It’s the start of a new adventure. I am deeply grateful for all that studying abroad has brought me. The people that I have met in vastly different corners of the world, the stories I will hold close to my heart and share with new and old friends, the career development from working with people holding different values—I owe it all to study abroad through UD. 

I am by no means a pro, but I cannot emphasize enough how much knowing myself has helped me through tough times while abroad. So many things can change while you are away, but the person doing it is always the same. My interests have surely fluctuated, but I can tell you this: I LOVE trees, dogs will never fail to make me smile, family is everything, and I need art in my life. 

So here I share with you the hardest part of studying abroad. Although you cannot see everything I have gone through in London, these silly sketches and doodles were all done in times of disconnect from myself and others. If I am stressed out, I’m coloring. These drawings span from my first week in London, trying to find beauty in the simple touristy things, to the nuances of city life, and the travel opportunities I have been privileged enough to have. 

Even when it feels like everything has changed since being in London—a few simple things remain the same. Wherever I am, I always have art. Usually, I can find a tree or a dog, and you best believe I am calling my mom. Just because traveling has become such a huge part of my identity, and I am forever changed by the cultures I have interacted with, does not take away from the fact that I am still the girl scared to leave home four years ago and the one having a hard week in London. It is normal, and it passes. You do not have to love everywhere you go; it is about finding yourself and curating the experience that is meant for you. 

Convenience store tomatoes. 

A classic double-decker bus but in an unconventional colorway. 

A variety of faces on the tube—drawn with smiles. 

My camel, Bombara, from a spring break trip to Morocco. 

The Old Head of Kinsale. 

Inside the train as we pass through the English hillside. 

All the things spotted in one day's time. 

Tower Bridge but oil pastels this time.