22 days...

It's kind of hard to think that I only have 22 more days in London. Sure, I say I'm ready to leave and want to get back home as soon as possible, but in reality, I'm really going to miss London. While school has been a bit stressful at times and I'm definitely ready for a break from tests and papers, I have had the time of my life studying in London. I've gotten to go to so many places and experience so many things that most people will not be able to do in a lifetime. I talk to my grandparents on the phone and tell them about what I've been up to and every time they tell me how lucky I am to be doing something like this. I would always giggle and say, "yeah, you're right, I am lucky," but I never really appreciated their words until now. With less than a month to go, I've finally been realizing what a blessing this has been.

In a matter of months, I've been able to go to Bath, Stonehenge, York, Scotland, many fascinating museums and several other important places. I've learned a great deal on the economy of Europe as well as information on science and technology that shaped the world in which I live. While I most likely will not employ this information in my professional life, I'm still grateful that I got the opportunity to be exposed to this world of information as it has molded me into a more knowledgeable and sophisticated young adult. I'll be able to engage in conversations concerning this material and will be able to give first hand accounts as examples. Not a lot of people have been given an opportunity like this, and because of that I'm eternally grateful.

Outside of school trips I've been to Wales, Dublin, Paris, Geneva, Interlacken, Milan, Venice, Vienna and Amsterdam. I've become quite the experienced traveler and I'm only 20 years old. I know I've already said this but people go their entire lives and don't get the chance to visit a quarter as many countries as I already have. The fact that I'm only 20 and still have a (hopefully) long life ahead of me to travel, I can't express my sheer amazement that I actually got the magnificent opportunity to study abroad in a foreign country.

I have so many people to thank for this milestone in my life. First I have to thank my parents so incredibly much for supplying much of the finances. Without their help and support I would not have gotten to do this. I must also thank my family and friends for supporting my decision and helping me through the rough times while I've been away from home. I must also, of course, thank you, professors, for taking us to the many places you have and opening us all up to a new world of information. You have broaden my horizons on life and society and helped me become the person I am today. Thank you so much.

I'm looking forward to spending the rest of my college career back at Bucknell, but nothing can replace my time here in London; I will never forget my study abroad experience. I've become a different and better person as a result of this experience, and have also created strong-bonds to the people who embarked on this expedition with me. These next three weeks are going to fly by, but I know I will always remember the memories made, the information learned, and the places visited.