In general, my time abroad has been wonderful. I was so nervous going on this program as I had never been to Europe and been away from my family for that long. I did not have many expectations going into the program as I wanted to be open to the new experience. All my expectations have been surpassed and I am so grateful for London in a Global Context program.
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The hardest part as a child of immigrants has been a feeling of guilt. I did not expect this at all and have been learning how to deal with it. Both my parents gave up almost everything to come to the U.S. so I could have opportunities like this. I really enjoy the experiences I am having here but I struggle with the idea that my parents did not have the opportunities for the same experiences.
At 19, my father was working multiple jobs in the U.S. and my mother was living in extreme poverty in Ukraine. My mother told me a story before I left about when she was a teenager. At her church they had American missionaries visit and they gave out gifts. My mother and her sisters got a puzzle. They solved the puzzle and it was Buckingham Palace. She told me that she never dreamed that one day her child would stand in front of it. Many grateful tears have been shed as I wish they could have been here with me.
At 19, I am having a wonderful time in London and even taking weekend trips to Paris. As a child of immigrants, I have to deal with this idea that my parents gave up on their dreams and aspirations so that mine would not be limited. This trip has cultivated so much gratitude for my family and pride for my identity as a first-generation American. Being in London has opened up for me the very opportunities my parents left their homes for.
The diversity in London will continue to give me culture shock. It has reminded me that I am not weird or somehow different; I am just from a predominantly white area. I have been so shocked by how being in such a diverse area has changed my view of myself. Coming back to the U.S. I will definitely be more comfortable in my ethnic identity. Going to different countries as a minority can be slightly intimidating but my experience in London has helped me become more comfortable with the idea of traveling as one.
By Sarah Shewaye, Diverse Ducks Ambassador
London in a Global Context, Summer 2023
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