Reflections Across the Pond
By Mackenzie Perry
During my two weeks in London, I learned much about her history and culture. I saw some of the most famous artifacts in the world. I walked the grounds of Kensington Palace. I enjoyed some of the world’s finest theatrical performances. The amount of “once in a lifetimes” I had in just two weeks were nothing short of fulfilling. Though the greatest lesson that Lady London taught me was that of perspective. Dictionary.com defines the word perspective as “the art of drawing solid objects on a two-dimensional surface so as to give the right impression of their height, width, depth, and position in relation to each other when viewed from a particular point”. The most important part of this definition in consideration to my reflection on my time abroad, is the last segment. “When viewed from a particular point”. For me, this point was across the world. The vivacious city of London is where I got my “perspective”.
At the Victoria and Albert Museum in London
As I walked the streets of Piccadilly Circus and Green Park I passed thousands of strangers, all with different stories and beliefs. Some in suits, some in hijabs, and some in tattered rags that they called clothes. Clearly some had happier outcomes than others, but each of them had a story just as meaningful. As I caught myself drafting the biography of strangers on the tube, outside Buckingham Palace, in Hyde Park, and across the bar at the Kings Arms- I could tell I was seeing not just the world, but the people in it in a new way. Lady London taught me to be more observant, she showed me that the thousand-year old architecture isn’t all she has to offer. Yes, her structures are phenomenal and unlike anything I had ever seen before, but the people she welcomes and houses are what make her truly beautiful. This is not a lesson that I left behind in London. Since my return home and back to Murray State, I find myself observing and appreciating my surroundings more. I catch myself admiring Pogue Library like it is St. Paul’s Cathedral. Trust me, I am fully aware that the two buildings are on totally different levels and the concrete really is their only similarity, but she taught me to be aware of my surroundings. While Pogue and most buildings on campus were and are things I see every day, I no longer just walk past them. I notice them and I see their beauty. Even Wilson Hall has a redeeming quality. Over the years, Wilson has seen many renovations and changes. Just as London transitioned from the Romans to the Royals, Wilson went from Racers to writers. The renovations of the building from the original Racer arena to the home of Journalism and Mass Communication is one to be heard. This story may not as long or complicated as the history of London’s, but it is still a story. My time abroad taught me to appreciate every story, no matter how small.
Pogue Library on Murray State University’s Campus
The best way to get perspective of a city is to travel to it. I researched London and the “what to dos” extensively before we left. I knew there were 32 boroughs within the city, that my hotel was just four blocks from Buckingham Palace- I knew all of the facts. However, it was not until I arrived and attempted to navigate my way around the major city, that I finally was capable of understanding the magnitude of its borders and lifestyle. As I strolled through museum after museum, I began to see just how much history and culture I was submerging myself in. Though I was not aware that traveling would give me so much perspective on not only myself, but those around me. My time abroad and specifically with Marcie, unearthed my passion for writing. Of all the things Lady London inspired in me it was this I am most grateful for. My time in this city showed me a lot about the world, but surprisingly it also taught me a lot about myself and the people and things I would return to at home. Perspective is an interesting thing, you have to find the right angle to see things as you wish- but sometimes you can find things you never expected. For me, the best perspective of myself and my life was found across the pond.
My friend Jo and I cheering on the Racers back at home. Shoes up!
