Hello, Collegiettes! My name is Lauren Omahen and soon I will be leaving my hometown of Chicago and spending my spring semester in the land of the European Union, breweries, and chocolatiers: Brussels!
Since you will be following me through my European adventures for the several months, I’ll take some time to introduce myself and explain the question many people have already asked, Why Brussels?
I’m currently a senior studying Magazine Journalism with a minor in Business at the University of Missouri- Columbia. I know what you’re thinking, studying abroad as a second-semester senior? Yes, it’s a little unconventional (but really, who wants to be conventional?). I have been dreaming of studying abroad in a far away destination for years, but things always come up! I planned to study abroad Fall of 2011, but I was elected as Recruitment Director for my chapter, so my dreams of gallivanting around Europe quickly turned into dreams of recruitment clothing, party planning, and lots of glitter (not a bad gig, huh?)!
I’ve had an amazing time at Mizzou, and of course I’m going to miss my friends, but I’m ready to move on. Most people wish they could stay in college forever, but not this girl! I’m ready to explore Europe while I intern with Together Magazine (a European lifestyle magazine in Brussels) and then walk across the stage at graduation in May (cue tears, here). Then, after that, who knows? I’ll try my luck at one of the many fabulous magazines in New York City!
So why Brussels? In March of 2008, my mom and I went on a trip to Switzerland as a birthday/pre-graduation present and it was amazing! There I was, a teenager from the Midwest, traveling to the top of Mt. Pilatus in Lucerne, Switzerland! I am from the prairie land, collegiettes! So you can imagine my surprise when we arrived at the peak and gazed at a sea of rock and snow that stretched for miles. It was one amazing view that made for a wonderful trip.
After that, I knew I had to return.
For my second trip to Europe, I knew I wanted to travel somewhere that was less conventional, and so I immediately ruled out London. Now, I do plan to travel to London during my trip (and visit Platform 9¾, I might add), but I wanted to stay away from England because it is already so similar to American culture. For me, studying abroad is all about exploring new cultures and lifestyles, and London does not rank high on my list of unique cultures.
The Brussels program is great because it combines the study abroad experience with an internship! So not only will I be able to explore the EU capital, but I will be able to contribute to a lifestyle magazine. Another great part about Brussels is that it is in a great location! Surrounded by the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany and France, Brussels is a central location that will allow me to travel with ease!
So collegiettes, the days are flying by, and my trip is quickly approaching! I look forward to the adventure that begins in January, and I hope you enjoy following me as I take you through my life abroad!
Until next time,
Lauren