My last week in Europe I went to Paris. Paris was more calming and enjoyable than I was expecting. You walk around and suddenly see the Eiffel Tower. The best part was visiting Notre Dame Cathedral, Palace of Versailles, and walking along the Seine River. It was the perfect ending to an incredible journey in Europe.
Speaking of my journey in Europe, this study abroad experience has certainly been worth the time, money, and work. I would have never imagined that I would call London home or miss it this much, but I now I realize why I miss it. I miss it because it challenged me to grow in the areas of determination, hope, and passion.
I was determine to go to London and have the best time of my life. I was hoping that all the studying and the gathering of money/applying for scholarships would be able to support me and not be a waste. I was passionate about making London my home and to usurp every ounce of opportunity I found. I am proud to say that I stayed true to all of those expectations.
This experience has the been one the greatest happenings of my life. The studying and money now seems as a small payment in comparison with the joy and memories that I have ( even though more money in my bank account would be nice). My passion has increase to challenge myself more in both academic and personal areas of life. I was able to make connections in an international bank ( my linked in profile looks legit by the way), visit incredible places all around Europe, but, most importantly, I was able to understand different cultures and value my own at the same time. I have truly grown.
I have not only lived my dreams; I have fulfilled others. The dreams of my single mother who worked hard every day to make sure I attended the best schools,the dreams of my family hoping that I make the best of myself, the unknown dream of the young boy who went from living in poverty in Little Rock, Arkansas to living in the center of London, U.K.
As the late Maya Angelo once wrote, "Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave."
Good luck to the GLS class of 2017 and thanks London for the memories,
Wayne Taylor
