First-year HFA Student Piper Daley Offers a Glimpse of London Life
For the first time, UMass Amherst and CAPA: The Global Education Network have partnered to bring first-year students the
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For the first time, UMass Amherst and CAPA: The Global Education Network have partnered to bring first-year students the opportunity to add an international dimension to their education.
Through this program, designed specifically for first-year students, students will learn how to analyze and explore the dynamic global city of London and build skills and knowledge to take them throughout their academic career and beyond.
English major Piper Daley offers insight from the program, writing:
"I made the adventurous decision to travel overseas and embark on my very first semester of college in the capital of England. Having been born in a small and quiet area of central Massachusetts, I have always longed to travel and learn more about new places outside of what I already knew. Fortunately for me, I was so grateful to be granted that opportunity by having the chance to reside and study in the global city of London. I am here to share with you a glimpse of what my experience has been like so far!
Any time that I have told someone that I am currently studying abroad for my first semester of college, I’ve received a variety of different reactions. It would mostly consist of, “You are so brave”, “You’re so courageous for making that decision!”, or something along those lines. At first I didn’t really understand what they meant. There is a lot of strength that I developed, in order to drop everything and go across seas to pursue my academics. From homesickness, to navigating a new city, learning about new customs and integrating them into my daily life, and navigating a new kind of academic system, it has not been exactly easy. For any student that is abroad, you will easily find yourself facing the same kinds of difficulties.
It is important to be kind and patient with yourself, as these things will not take hold over night. One of the most beneficial things you gain from studying abroad is a sense of awareness, and wisdom that is obtained when one is made to navigate a new environment on their own.
Despite living in London for only a month so far, I have already had so many amazing opportunities to immerse myself in its variety of vibrant culture and history. From touring the brilliant street art and vintage markets of the East End, to hopping on board the Cutty Sark Museum in Greenwich, to visiting London’s Imperial War Museum and The Buckingham Palace, every weekend my fellow classmates and I have made it a goal to explore somewhere new.
My favorite place that I have had the privilege of visiting so far is the borough of Soho, which thrives and shines as it is known as the center for all things LGBTQIA+ in London. I initially began learning about Soho from a personal project I started, hoping to immerse myself in the community’s history here in London. Walking down the glowing streets hoping to do some in-person research, I was mesmerized by a local gay pub, the Duke of Wellington, which was hosting drag night karaoke for queer women. As a queer woman myself, I found the entire area not only only safe and accepting, but also it just felt like home."