This past week came with a rush of emotions. Everything happening so fast, trying to keep up and mentally prepare for the unpredicted events that were set to come, made this week one of the hardest of the whole program. Despite everything, I am very grateful for the opportunity I had, the amazing people I met, and the unforgettable memories and experiences I was able to live through. From visiting different countries, going through an internship, and expanding my mind to different views; I feel as if over the past two months I learned a great deal and developed a deeper appreciation for the world around us. The concept of enjoying the moment as nothing lasts forever, truly fits this moment in time, and we should all capitalize on possible opportunities we want to pursue.
This week was a roller coaster. At the start of the week, I was fortunate enough to see the play Hamilton for the first time! It was amazing, the atmosphere was great and all of the cast delivered an amazing performance. Still having to work from home for my internship, the constant discussion of everyone was if we were going to be sent home and, if so, when. Going through the week as if it was any normal week was harder than it seemed. Then came Wednesday night. Wednesday night seemed to be the turning point for the whole program, everyone involved, and even the world. That night one of my roommates received a message from his school advising him to prepare to come home. At that point we were all filled with many different emotions. Feelings of confusion, sadness, frustration, but also gratefulness, appreciation, and happiness of having the opportunity we had, hit all at once. In only a matter of hours, the President of U.S. made the announcement that all travel to and from the EU was banned. Right after that announcement, my friend who was told he had to be home in two weeks, had it changed to two days. In addition to that, something maybe more tragic for me than others, the NBA had suspended all of its game and the season. This was an intense couple of hours and a lot was taken in all at once.
The next day multiple schools, including mine, began to inform students to come home and just like that, within 12 hours our study abroad experience was over. No one could, nor did they want to truly believe what was going on. We are all taking a life changing opportunity going through this experience, we’ve all created bonds and connections so fast, and we were finally getting to that point where we felt as if we were true Londoners, but within a day we’re told we have to come home. Of course there is much sadness that comes from this: leaving a beautiful country, the uncertainty if you’ll ever again see the friends you made, as well as the additional scare the entire world was experiencing. Despite that, I tried to use the life lesson I was taught when growing up and tried to find the positives within the situation. Positives: I was able to live and study in another country for 2 months and experience a whole new life, I met people who will forever hold a special place in my life story, and I created a multitude of memories that I will never forget. In addition to that everything that has happened this year will make for a great story to tell my kids when I am older.
With all of that being said I want to thank everyone who was a part of this process, my family, Clark University, Capa London, FEA scholarship organization, my friends, and everyone I met along the way. I will never forget this time and am beyond grateful to have gone through it. For this potentially being my last blog, I’ll be sure to include pictures of myself, some of the amazing people I met, and the beautiful places we were able to visit.
Isaiah's Travels 