That’s right! I returned to London just a few months after my first trip. While this has been in the works for a while, I still have trouble wrapping my head around the fact that I get to travel this much. I am incredibly grateful for the privilege; these trips have not only been deeply fulfilling experiences, but they have also prepared me for the many more adventures I am determined to embark on in the future.

As I near my fourth and final year of school, I’ve found myself reflecting a lot on what comes next. Honestly, I don’t have a definitive answer, and I don’t think many people my age do. At least, that’s the impression I get from talking to my peers, and even from listening to graduates who look back on what this transitional time was like for them. It’s funny because, as a kid, I always thought adults had it all figured out. Maybe some of them do, or maybe that’s just the story we tell ourselves.

I’ll admit, I have an ongoing struggle with being okay when things don’t go according to a carefully constructed plan. I know I’m not the first person to occasionally crave security over uncertainty, as comfort is always easier than taking risks. But while avoiding my comfort zone isn’t always easy, it is exactly where I grow.

This trip, in particular, challenged me in the best ways possible. It taught me how to step up as a confident leader, take charge, and keep my eyes open to learning from the world around me.

London has always fascinated me as a city that seamlessly celebrates its history while looking to the future. From its iconic music scene and captivating monarchy to unique elements like the Tube, its culture was something I couldn’t wait to experience firsthand. My time here was only made better by the locals, whose warmth and attentive kindness were incredibly welcoming.

Of course, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t fan-girling over all the familiar sights. Seeing places I’d dreamed of visiting ever since falling in love with their charming appearances on TV and in movies was completely surreal.

I’ve always been drawn to energetic, fast-paced environments; cities like Chicago and Boston have long appealed to me because of their endless professional opportunities and vibrant hustle culture. But London reinforced something deeper: it proved that I am absolutely meant, and prepared, to build a life in a major city. Beyond that, it made me realize that my future could potentially be right here.

It sounds incredibly cheesy, but I hope it shows just how deeply special this trip was for me. Maybe I need a reality check, or maybe it’s just a beautiful vision to hold onto for now, but nothing is impossible.

For now, I’m putting a pause on the daydreaming and leaving my full itinerary below!

London, I love you! And I promise this isn’t the last time you’ll see me xx.