Before coming to college at St. Thomas, I had heard about the London Business Semester that the Opus College of Business established for UST students to study abroad in London. So when the time was right, I applied for the program and started packing my bags! My semester spent in London was truly impactful and a great semester for me to grow in my independence and business skills. For the semester, I lived with a British family, along with one other UST student and commuted to class everyday using the underground trains. I took classes taught by UST and British professors, which allowed me to experience a different academic experience compared to what I would have had in Minnesota. I was able to become fully immersed in the British culture. I did the touristy activities like go to Buckingham Palace, tour the museums, and explore Big Ben and Parliament, but I also became like a local and went to markets for my groceries, navigated my way around the city without any assistance from maps, and explored the diverse range of shops and restaurants that London had to offer. My favorite place to go was the Old Spitalfield's Market, with it's large range of vendors and unique offerings. While abroad, I also traveled to Iceland, Germany, Scotland, Croatia, and Italy. It was incredible to explore these different countries and make memories with my friends. My time in London was amazing and I am so grateful to have had that experience. I grew in my independence and my ability to work through ambiguous situations. London has a special place in my heart and I cannot wait to go back there someday!