Since returning from London, I have reflected on the trip and all that I learned. This has been an exciting semester full of growth and new experiences!
London Honors certainly helped me to grow as a person. Simple acts such as functioning in an airport without a parent and taking the tube increased my confidence in my ability to be independent. Learning to use British currency also made me feel more assured in my ability to adapt to local culture and learn new ways of doing things.
London Honors helped me grow as a student, as well. It reaffirmed my desire to participate in multiple study abroad programs. The positive experience I had in class and in London made me even more eager to travel again through Ohio State! I hope all my study abroad experiences will be as great as this one. I am especially eager to participate in a study abroad program applicable to my major in Environmental Policy and Decision Making. Additionally, London Honors gave me a new goal: to continue to take Honors courses. My Honors program in the School of Environment and Natural Resources requires I conduct research rather than take Honors classes. It is now a goal of mine to continue to take Honors courses in addition to my research. At the beginning of the semester, I was nervous about taking an honors-level college course. My experience with London Honors has made me realize that I am capable of doing well in these classes and that Honors courses will challenge me in new and fun ways.
I feel that London Honors contributed to a well-rounded first semester curriculum. Each lecture was interesting and explored a different facet of British society and history. While much of the material was new and unique to the course, I was excited to notice some connections between London Honors and my other courses. For example, our London Honors class read a book about Dr. John Snow and his importance in solving the transmission of cholera. I also learned about Snow in my anthropology class during our medicine and illness unit. I was able to apply the concept of cultural relativity, which I studied in anthropology as well, during the trip to London.
London Honors was a wonderful experience which led to both personal and academic growth; however, I believe the most valuable thing I gained from the class was the friendships I made. Had it not been for this class, I most likely would never have met the people in London Honors because we all come from different majors. I am glad that London Honors brought us all together and that I was able to spend such an amazing trip with these great people.