I wrote this letter in my junior year London study abroad dorm room, and I’m editing it now from my senior year apartment in Boston. I’m glad this one got to see both cities — my junior year wouldn’t have been complete without both pieces.
To my junior year of college,
This year was an absolute whirlwind, and I’ll forever be grateful for it.
Fall 2021 in Boston has been my favorite semester yet. For the first time, in far too long, I had a full-sized friend group. On Friday nights, my best friend and I had a revolving door of people to hang out with. It was lovely, wonderful, and sometimes a bit messy, but I wouldn’t have changed a thing. Fall semester felt like I was finally getting the true “perfect college experience” I was expecting. My junior fall semester definitely made up for the time I lost due to COVID-19.
I’m writing this letter on my bed in my London dorm. If you asked me a year ago where I thought I’d be right now, there’s no way I could have given you the right answer.
I’ve been thinking about studying abroad in London for years, but with the pandemic, I didn’t know if it would happen. Yet, here I am. I made it. Tomorrow I have my last class; the day after, I have my last final, and soon, I’ll be back in Massachusetts for the summer.
I can’t say that studying abroad changed me in the stereotypical way. I don’t feel like I’ve aged five years in the past four months (though I did turn 21 in London, and I’ll never forget the irony of that wonderful day), and I haven’t suddenly accomplished all my goals towards feeling like an independent adult. But this semester just felt right. It was exactly what I needed.
I can’t properly reflect on this year without mentioning the significant impact of a major messy breakup (and a more recent, smaller, incredibly clean one). Sometimes, I wish I didn’t have to remember the breakup as a significant part of junior year. But, it was the right choice. Sophomore year me couldn’t have seen any of that coming, especially not the way it happened. But, even with all the messiness, I’m grateful for that too. I’m learning how not to be scared of change, and more than anything, I’m learning how to choose myself.
If I had to pick the key theme of this semester, that would be it: choosing myself. More than just in terms of romantic relationships — I’m practicing it within friendships, the classroom, and the workplace. I am going to live the rest of my life with myself, and I want to give myself the best.
I also had my first real internship this spring, which is a big step forward toward my suddenly-in-sight graduation. London gave me so many new opportunities — I took a class where we met and interviewed eight published British authors. I’ve been to more museums this semester than probably the rest of my life combined, and I’ve discovered countless fun places in this city (including where the best food is). I almost forget that living in London is my first time in Europe; it feels so familiar to me now, in the best way.
I’ve gone through a lot this year. I feel like I’ve grown so much in the best way possible. Spring semester went by fast, but I’ve gotten so much out of it, and I can’t wait for one last year in Boston with my best friends.
To Boston and to London, I love you both. Thank you for the space you’ve given me to truly grow.
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