Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Anticipation, Anxiety, Excitement - Mariah Beane

Tomorrow, I board a plane for London. Spending a whole semester abroad was never apart of my college to-do list, but I am eager to see what experiences another country has to offer. Anxious and unprepared, I have to spend the next 24 hours finding someway to cram all of my stuff into suitcases that fit a weight limit. While it’s going to be beyond difficult to say goodbye to my family for four months, my main challenge right now is parting with some of my favorite sweaters, jeans, and jackets. With each choice constantly reminding me how far I will be from home, I know I will not have the opportunity to drive back home on the weekend to get ‘that sweater.’

I was born and raised in the military town of Clarksville, TN, which is a 45-minute drive northwest of Nashville. I’ve always been accustomed to seeing parts of family’s, including my father, come and go. Now that it is my turn to leave, I don’t see how others are able to leave with such poise.  

My name is Mariah Beane, and I am majoring in Business Analytics. For the second half of my study abroad experience, I will be interning at dunnhumby! This is my ideal internship while in London, and I cannot wait to begin it. Until it starts in March, however, I will certainly enjoy learning and traveling with my 25 incredible classmates.

While I am beyond anxious for my departure in just over 24 hours, I could not be more excited for this opportunity afforded to me as a member of the Global Leadership Scholars Program. I have always been an avid student of culture and history, particularly European History (after American History, of course). I have yet to register the concept of living in London, a city filled with centuries of history and culture. The opportunity to immerse myself for four months in the rich culture of England as well as the nearby European countries is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I plan on taking as much advantage of my location across the pond as possible.

I should probably get back to the long process of packing if I want to be able to leave tomorrow. I’ll keep blogging from across the pond!


Cheers!

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