L A N G U A G E

               Today I’d like to write about something very important to me. I’d like to talk about learning language, because as a member of the up-and-coming generation of young professionals, I can see the dire need for this particular ability. I feel personally that knowing more than one language is a hot skill, it makes you more desirable. I know it is not a new skill, and it’s not something that has just become wildly popular, if anything it may be dying out a bit. The fact is, I find most people are not willing to dedicate the time to language learning. Yes, it is work, and yes it can be difficult but in the long run if it does one thing (which it often does more than just one) it is benefitting you. Hopefully though, your language learning can also benefit others too.

                Language is incredible, it’s a means for communication. It gives you a way to reach out to people you may have not been able to reach before. In addition to being able to have contact with people who speak that language; you also become culturally aware (at least a little bit, anyway…) of the people who speak the language you are learning, and not only that but some people (unfortunately not all) become culturally aware of the world around them. I often find people who are willing to dedicate time to learning a language are much more liable to dedicate time to learning about other cultures, regardless of whether they know the specific language of the culture they have chosen to research.

                Learning a language absolutely makes you an academic, you have a heightened awareness for people around you. Often times once you’ve learned one language there is a spark to learn another one. I know my thoughts were that once I learned one language very well, then what’s another one? What is stopping me from knowing more than just two languages? This moment often comes after you’ve successfully communicated something to someone in a language which is not your own.

                So as for me, I hold English as my native language (duh, you already knew that), I can also speak a fair bit of Spanish, and in my opinion an even better bit of German. In my quest to continuously grow my level knowledge I have decided to learn Norwegian this year as well. This time however, it is a little bit different because I am receiving no actual tutoring, I am completely teaching myself. I know that this is no easy task, and therefore I am not seeking perfection. I would like to be proficient enough to ask for the bathroom, have a polite conversation or order something at a restaurant, not have a philosophical debate. That being said, I think having quirky little skills like being able to speak Norwegian will set you apart in life, it will make you interesting, and maybe make you stand out just that little bit more. It also proves that you are driven, because you did indeed dedicate time to learning something you may not have necessarily NEEDED to learn to get the job that you want, or to get into the degree program you want, but that you are passionate about learning, and that you are also willing to expand your skill set for no other reason than to make yourself better.

                Learning a language is not something that must be done during high school or at university, it can be done any time, at any age, and with any amount of time, because the very nature of a language learner is to be a life-long learner. Just like anything else, the more effort you put in the more you’ll get out. If you’ll take anything away from this post, it would be try it out, learn a little bit of a language you’ve always been interested in. You don’t have to invest hours of every day into it, just here and there. But even if you don’t do that, at least make an attempt to understand something about the culture of the people whose language intrigues you. I am a firm believer that it is possible to come into contact with anyone from anywhere if you really try hard enough, so a basic understanding of cultural differences will break down the language barrier a bit, but is also a skill which required for success in modern society. 

Thanks for reading!!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Cheers! xoxo

E X P E R I E N C E S

           Experiences are said to shape who you are. Past and present experiences have shaped your current being, and future experiences aim to mold you into someone potentially different, although people generally don’t want to admit that they change; and what you’d consider an experience and what I’d consider an experience may end up being completely different things. Up until January of this year, I was trying to edit out certain experiences that I’ve had, and I was also focusing way too much on which experiences I would need to have to meet my large expectations for my future that I had (and still have) all planned out.

However, it hasn’t been until recently that I’ve realized how absolutely stupid I have been. I know that goals are essential to success, and I definitely do not disagree, but for myself personally I’ve focused on those goals a little too much. I ended up being so enthralled with the whole idea of this future I could have, that I completely forgot to live in the now. I could probably count on one (maybe two) hand(s) the number of memorable experiences I had in the last few months of 2015; and that isn’t really something to be proud of. I forgot to involve myself in experiences that could potentially help me shape my own future in the way I wanted. My mindset before leaving the US was in fact one that I am certainly not proud of, one of “next month everything will be better” or “my life will finally be perfect once I am in the UK” because I didn’t know what I wanted. I just knew I wanted something different than what I had at the moment. That being said, not knowing what you want is NOT very motivating at all, and that lead me sitting around thinking something would just all of a sudden happen to me, and everything would be great again. NO STUPID, that’s not the case, if you want to make yourself better, you’ve got to get out there and do something.

You’ve got to go to the experiences, they will not come to you.

This is something super valuable that I’ve learned since I have been here. You’ve got to get out, network, and meet people. Go out with friends, and never shy away from anyone introducing you to someone else. Everything you do is an experience, it’s a memory that your future will draw upon. While I do still have a very specific plan of what I’d like my future to look like, I have also come to terms with the fact that you cannot control what is going to happen to you. While I am not completely comfortable to give up the reigns and say “whatever happens, happens”, I am at least aware that this is actually the case because no matter how much preparation you do, things you never anticipate happen all the time.

Since living here in the UK I have really improved my motivation to gain experiences that will benefit me in any way possible, even if I cannot see how they could immediately affect me. I’ve seriously attended more events, seminars and conferences in these past few months than I have like, ever in my entire life. I’ve met people and gone out with people, and now feel absolutely no fear to get out and see what someone has to offer to me… this is a big step for someone boring, who rarely left their house by themselves just 3 months ago and arguably was terrified to socialize. That being said I’ve had incredible experiences so far in 2016, and I am feeling as motivated as ever to improve myself, to take chances, and gain experiences. Experiences make you exciting, and I want to be exciting. I want to be the person with exciting stories, and right now I’m just in the process of building up my portfolio.

To end, I’ll leave you with this- the most valuable advice I got before embarking on my journey this year was “If it looks like it will make a great story… do it.” This is something I’ve taken for granted for way too long. I’m ready, not so much for a “fresh” start, but more of a jump start in a general direction (because I didn’t really have one before now to be honest) of what I think at the moment I’d like to happen, with the understanding that it may change, but that doesn’t really matter so much.

Thanks for reading this one, I know it wasn’t the funniest, or the most exciting. It wasn’t exactly the easiest for me to explain in writing precisely what I wanted to say – also my apologies to Mom if this made you tear up a bit.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Cheers! xoxo

P A R I S

This is a post is especially for Madame Thomas’s 5^th grade French class, Bonjour!

                During the first week of my time here I was given the opportunity to see all the amazing opportunities study abroad students have while at their host institution to jam as many things into their already busy schedules, to make the most of their time abroad. Literally the second day of being at my host school I was sat down in a room, and given a pitch about all of the social events and opportunities that were allotted for international students only. I remember this very well, because the woman telling us all about the social programs here at Roehampton was a tall, lively and quirky woman named Susannah. Quite the character, and hard to forget. She is the co- owner of somewherenew.com, the host of the social programs that any international student studying at a qualified university in London can sign up for.

                There are various programs to choose from, day trips, plays, London events, and weekend trips. They are almost “all- inclusive” and are extremely well priced for the dodgy student budget every study abroad student has. This idea, along with the fact that I had made friends that wanted to go on it as well pushed me to sign right up. I had figured that out of all the weekend trips the company offers, there would be no better place to have my tours, accommodation and transportation planned out for me than in Paris, quite simply because… I don’t know any French!! So with that being said, I signed up and was ready to go.

                On March 4^th, myself and two of my friends set out to St. Pancras International Station to collect our tickets to Paris. A bright and early Friday morning, and who was waiting there for us, but Susannah and her husband and, their two six year old daughters. We travelled as a group, with the cute family, our tour guide, and a host of other study abroad students. We took the Eurostar from London to Paris; which means, yes, I did go through the Chunnel. Surprisingly it was only a 20 minute journey through the Chunnel, and after a quick 2 and a half hours we arrived at Gare Du Nord, the international train station in Paris.

                 Our itinerary was packed full, and from the second we stepped out of the train station we were on a tour of the grand city. We took a bus tour from the station and ended at our hotel, roughly 4 hours after we had arrived. On the bus tour we saw a brief glimpse of the Arc De Triomphe, and the stopped off at the Eiffel Tower for a quick photo op. Lastly we took a drive by Notre Dame, which we only stopped at for a bit, as we were to have a tour of it the next day. We then were dropped off at our hotel, and after just about 45 minutes of down time, we were back in the lobby to travel to the Louvre, because there was a free entry for students that night. The Louvre was absolutely incredible, regardless of whether you like art or not. It would seriously take someone at least two weeks to get through the entire thing, so we decided to see the most important bits, the Mona Lisa (duh.) and Venus Di Milo (also, duh.) and then some other pieces that we happened to pass by in our pursuits. After so much art, we went out to dinner, but ended up getting pizza… so French! NOT! And then some macarons… just because.

                On Saturday morning we were up early again as we had a walking tour of the Latin Quarter. Which is comprised of small entwined streets of cafes and shops. Charming, really. We also got to tour Notre Dame, and see the wonderful scenery all around the area, before embarking on a river cruise down the Seine. FUN FACT- there are 16 statues of liberty all around the world… here I was thinking the French had given us a special gift, but it turns out they’ve got their own too! After the river cruise we had the rest of the day to ourselves. We ate French crepes in the Latin Quarter for lunch and then took a lovely stroll all around the city. I often find the best way to learn and explore is actually by getting lost, and guess what? That’s exactly what we did. Once we finally found our way to a metro station that would take us back to the hotel, we travelled back to relax for a bit before dinner. We went to a restaurant very close to our hotel for dinner and then ventured back into central Paris to find out why it really is call the city of lights. We certainly found out, you can see the Eiffel Tower from all corners of Paris, and trying to get close to it at night time proved to be a challenge when you don’t have a map. You’d think because it is lit up, it would be a no brainer to get there. WRONG. You can see it from LITERALLY everywhere, so just as you think you’re getting close, you’ll see a sign to point you in exactly the opposite direction than you’re travelling to get there. Thus my saying, the best way to see everything, and experience everything is to just get lost. However we did end up finding it, and seeing how really brilliant it is. Pictures certainly do not do it any justice.

                On Sunday we packed up before heading out on a tour of Versailles palace. A brilliant estate just outside of Paris, with quite the history. After visiting Versailles we took a walking tour through Montmartre another little “village” like area of Paris with winding streets, and friendly shops and cafes. We also visited Sacre- Coeur, a church built for the people on top of the hill in Montmartre looking over the city. After the walking tour we collected our luggage from the hotel and made our way back to the train station.

                Paris is indeed as beautiful as everyone makes it out to be. The French culture is also a beautiful way of life, compared to London, it is very relaxed, it is calm, and everyone enjoys every moment of every day. Of course the food too, crepes are delicious, and the coffee is superb. There is nothing like sitting in a café with the sun shining in the windows to really make you understand what French living is all about.

                THAT BEING SAID, I know this is specifically for a French class, to read about what Paris is like, but I have also got to be honest, it is my blog after all. I certainly like London more than Paris, London is COMPLETELY different, and busy and always moving, and things in Paris are a bit too slow for me. I also am not a huge fan of the Parisian public transport. The Metro is incredibly busy all the time, and most definitely not as easy to manage as the tube… but I may just be bias because I live here. Anyway, I had a wonderful weekend exploring a new place, and am incredibly thankful to have gotten this opportunity through somewherenew.com, otherwise I might still be lost and wandering around Paris. PLEASE NOTE, this post is not sponsored by the company, I was just incredibly impressed with their professionality, and the fact that they actually came on the trip and although they were technically on their own vacation, still accounted for us, and were always willing to give recommendations of fun things to do or places to go. Their children were also adorable and a pleasure to be around for the weekend! Thanks again to somewherenew!

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my adventures, thanks for keeping up!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Cheers!! xoxo

R E S T I N G B I T C H F A C E

                 I am very aware that I do not always wear the most excitable expression. Not for any particular reason, other than the fact that I’ve got a condition. I’ve been self- diagnosed with resting bitch face, and I wear it with pride… because why the hell not. I know for a fact that I am not the only person dealing with this, and I will need to explain exactly what is going on for you to understand.

                There is ZERO correlation between my thoughts and my face. I seriously think that my face muscles have just given up on any kind of communication with my brain. I could hear a joke, bust out laughing, and smile and as soon as the feeling of laughing stops I look miserable again. Not because I am, just because that is just how my facial muscles relax… into a frown. I obviously do not mean to look like I am having a terrible time all the time, because 98% of the time I really am enjoying myself, I promise! To be completely honest too, the front facing camera is my worst enemy. Although I am now aware that I look unhappy all the time, there once was a time where I’d be surprised when I turn on my camera on my cell phone, and not only was I greeted with a double chin, as we all are when we turn that damn thing on, on accident, but I would be greeted by a miserable double chin staring back at me!

                For a while I had to question whether I actually looked like a bitch all the time, or if it was an illusion. UNTIL I went to a restaurant and was told by a complete stranger that I looked like the most miserable person he’d ever seen. So, I’ve got a confirmed bitch face. I’ve come to be proud of it, after you accept that this is the face you’ll be wearing around from now on, you’ve got to perfect it. Own it, and certainly take advantage of its usefulness. My best example, if you’re on any sort of public transport at night, whip out the bitchiest face you can and no one will bother you. So it does have its handiness for certain, because never once have I been approached by a stranger on the tube, and I’d like to thank my bitch face for that.

                I would also like to address my melodramatic reactions to everything… ever. I personally believe it is a side effect of the resting bitch face, I find it super difficult to be over excited about some mediocre thing happening around me, I CANNOT pretend to be having a good time, when I am just flowing along like the rest of us, unbothered really. I guess that was a kind of nice way of me saying that I really don’t want you to be disappointed when I am not as excited (or even remotely excited at all) as you are when you tell me how your dog just got a new haircut, or some other thrilling news of that caliber.

                Anyway, love it or hate it, it is my face, and I’m going to own it. So don’t be too worried if I look like I am not enjoying your company, or if we’re having a conversation and I haven’t smiled in a while DO NOT FEAR, I can’t control it. Plus, you’d know if I was actually uninterested in what you were saying, because I am often not afraid to communicate that.

This post is dedicated to all my fellow resting bitch face sufferers, I get it. I hope you’ve enjoyed this post, maybe let out a little laugh here or there, and realized that it was a joke (kind of) and certainly not meant to offend anyone.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Cheers! xoxo

# L F W

               I’ve had quite the love - hate relationship with fashion throughout my life.  As a self-professed preppy with a love for European chicness and an admiration for modern global fashion I have quite a difficult time trying to describe my particular sense of “style”. I am quite the fashion lover at the current moment, but this has only been in recent times. I, like many others went through the phase in middle school of shopping at only certain stores, for I felt the risk of being socially isolated too great. What I actually learned from literally just living is that you need to wear what you want to feel comfortable, and to feel good about yourself. Who cares what other people think of your ugly sweater, if you like it, go for it! Make a statement!

                So with my fairly newfound appreciation for fashion and anything related to it, I was thrilled to learn I’d be in London during London Fashion Week! I was lucky enough to find some free events that I could attend to get the fashion week experience without having to pay a fortune to go and see. I attended two events on the last Saturday of the event, firstly I went to the International Fashion Showcase, an exhibition of international designers from 24 countries who were presenting their creations within the theme of ‘Fashion Utopias’. This whole theme was presented to display each designer’s different version of Utopia. It was really inspiring to see each of the designs, and how although the clothing was literally almost unwearable for everyday life, it was based around interpretation of the word utopia for each of the designers and how many different ways utopia could actually be defined. Here are some pictures I took of different things featured in the exhibit! 

                Next I attended a pop up event hosted by Fashion’s Finest, a fashion site that curates all the top fashion blogs, and news around the world. This was a chance to get to speak with independent local designers. This was really interesting because in addition to clothing and accessories there were also some new beauty products and services being featured. I unfortunately did not take any pictures during this event, because it was quite small, but it was a very good opportunity to meet some new people in the industry!

                One thing I’d really like to use this post to highlight is this; ALWAYS take advantage of free events. They are a fantastic way to meet new people, (related to last week, yes indeed, I attended these by myself) especially if you go all on your own. You also learn a lot, so even if you think it will be uninteresting, IT WAS FREE so no loss no gain if you actually end up not enjoying it. A tad disappointing that my main statement for this post ended up not even being related to fashion at all, but I felt it did tie in nicely with something I have truly learned and taken advantage of while I have been here.

                Lastly here are the links to the International Fashion Showcase, if you’re interested, and Fashion’s Finest if you’d like to keep up with top fashion news!

http://design.britishcouncil.org/projects/ifs/ifs-2016/

http://www.fashionsfinest.com/

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Cheers! xoxo

I N D E P E N D E N C E

“(n.) Freedom from outside control or support”

                Being three thousand miles away from anything that feels truly familiar has taught me a lot about independence. Independence for me personally has manifested itself in the form of spending time surrounded by people, but being completely alone at the same time. It’s extremely difficult to be physically alone in a city with millions of people visiting each day; that being said, independence has come to me in a sort of state of mind. The sort of thinking that allows me to feel completely comfortable navigating the city on my own with no second thoughts.

                It is natural human instinct to take care of yourself first, regarding things like safety and comfort, and once you begin to travel, and build up your independence those things are always in the back of your mind, you don’t tend to think about them, you just implement the necessary steps to ensure your own comforts during your travels. Once this happens, the newly independent portion of your brain will begin to think, “I don’t need to rely on my friends to go with me…” (Wherever it is you want to go) and in no way am I saying that you’d have a better time if you went alone, but if you really do want to go wherever it is, then you’ll go and enjoy it yourself. You don’t ever have to depend on someone else to have a good time, it is always up to you.

                In addition to this new mentality you achieve when you begin to travel off on your own, you also get this feeling of not being afraid to be alone. Right at this very moment, I am sat completely on my own at a table in a largely busy café, with absolutely no complaints. Sometimes being independent enough to go off and do things on your own gives you time to reflect on what you’re actually doing. I know from experience that too much time definitely causes over analyzing and critical thinking which is not the healthiest, but most of the time, having a bit of time to reflect on what you are doing gives you a sense of accomplishment, or self-renewal. You can find insights to your own personality that can help you greatly.

                DISCLAIMER: anyone who knows me, knows I am a huge fan of “alone time” or in other words I am 100% not afraid to spend an entire day by myself, however having friends and spending time with people is good, and of you don’t do it, you’ll actually go crazy. So tip #1: be independent wisely people.

                Independence is not all about being alone, and conquering things all on your own, it is also about having your own opinions and brain. Thinking for yourself is a very important part of being independent, and arguably one of the best qualities someone can have. Let’s face it, what is life without a little bit of an intellectual challenge, being agreeable all the time is boring, and make people think that you either live under a rock and know nothing, or you have no real thinking power about you and know nothing. Here’s tip #2, stop making yourself look like you know nothing, you have your independent brain, so use it.

                I suppose my main point for this post is to try and explain that sometimes the best things happen when you’re independent, you meet new people, and go new places because there isn’t anyone holding you back. Along with this post I’ve included a few photos that I took, while exploring out on my own, to show you that regardless of the company you’re with there is an amazing world around you that you’ll miss out on if you’re always waiting around for someone to go with you.

                                                                                                                              Cheers! xoxo