Monday 7/4 

Our final Monday was spent at the Art Workers Guild where we met with Andrew Shoben to present our bench projects to him. Hayley and I came up with a “Musical Chairs Bench”, which is an interactive take on public seating that promotes collaboration through play. After we all presented, it was time for us to move onto our final presentations for the study abroad program. We had a great time sharing our experiences throughout the trip, and it was nice to see all the pictures and memories that we had accumulated in the past 5 weeks together. 

Tuesday 7/5

On Tuesday morning, we visited Mother Agency for an amazing tour and presentation. I instantly fell in love with their office when I heard that they had a wall of mothers, I thought that was the sweetest idea and serves as a great reminder to work hard and “make your mother proud“, whoever that may be. Their wrap around upstairs desk was modeled after a race track which was another fun detail they added to acheive an amazing work environment. I appreciated how they changed up everyone’s desks every 6 weeks so that you could get to know everyone. The work they produce is incredibly savvy and influential. It was my favorite agency we visited and the one I felt I aligned with the best.

In the afternoon, Abby, Sarah, Justin and I headed to South Bank to get our last round of free poems.

Wednesday 7/6

It was starting to dawn on me that in a weeks time I wouldn’t be in London anymore. I could believe how fast the trip was flying by. My last few days were definitely a little bittersweet because if it were up to me, I would’ve stayed for another year. That’s how much I fell in love with this special city. On Wednesday we met with Kate Stanners, global chief director of Saatchi and Saatchi. Big deal, I know. She was such a powerhouse and an inspiration, especially being a young woman. On the walk back to the tube, I spotted a sweet looking old man pruning a tree in his front yard and had to stop to take a picture.

Later that day, we all met up at the canal for some fries, sorry chips, and wine. The sunset was beyond gorgeous, as they always seemed to be in London. I ended the night in Queensbridge for a final goodbye drink with my cousin.

Thursday 7/7

We had our goodbye lunch at the most amazing Greek restaurant, Lemonia. Instead of ordering, they brought us a bunch of plates of different things so we could get a taste of everything. Every bite of food I had was better than the next. We got to celebrate Emmas birthday that was only a few days away with a cake.

We walked down the street to Primrose Hill and we marched to the top to take the classic UDVC final photo with the British flag. After we smiled for the camera and said “Shit!“ we played some rounds of frisbee and sharks and minnows. It was the most perfect last day together as a group.

Friday 7/8

Beach Day! We got to visit Brighton for our last Saturday, and I was shocked at how hot it was on the coast. It was an adorable town, with lots of cute back roads that reminded me of Venice. We swam, walked around and explored and ended the day getting some yummy Mexican food.

Saturday 7/9

We kicked off our last full day by getting Brunch in Shoreditch. After that, I ran around like a chicken with my head cut off doing some last minute errands I had to get done before I left for Italy the following day. I met up with the rest of the group that evening for our last canal hangout, all of us in shock that the trip was coming to an end. We shared our “rose, buds and thorns“ which means your favorite part of the trip, least favorite part and something we were looking forward to when we all got back to campus in September. I feel super lucky to have had the most amazing group of people to spend my time in London with.

Sunday 7/10

Instant sadness the second I opened my eyes. I was dreading having to say my final goodbyes, especially with Leah, considering we had spent the last 5 weeks attached at the hip. I had gotten so accustomed to living with her that it felt like my new normal. As the trip progressed I felt more and more grateful to have been able to have her as a roommate, and of course a forever friend. She made my trip all the more special. She waved my car goodbye and then I was off to the airport for my trip to Italy. So thank you to Leah for all the above. Thank you to my parents for the opportunity to be able to go on this trip and for coming to visit me. I had the best week sightseeing with you guys and will cherish those memories forever. Thank you Bill, for taking such great care of us and being just as passionate about our education as we are. Thank you for being our can opener and reminding us to look for the simple pleasures in life. Thank you UDVC fam for being the best group of loyal, fun-loving friends, who expand my creativity and share my love for all things art. And of course, thank you beautiful London for teaching me more about who I am and what I like.