I took this photo during one of my first evenings in Paris, sitting by the Seine with a baguette sandwich in hand. I was at the start of my semester abroad, still getting used to everything, and I realized where I was and what I was stepping into.
What I like most about Paris is the balance. The city is lively, cafés are full, people hang out along the river, there’s always something going on but it’s also calm and steady. You can feel that calm in the old streets, the quiet along the water, and the way the day slows down at sunset. That combination helps me a lot. It makes space for going out, meeting people, and trying new things, but it also gives me places to pause and ground myself.
Sitting there, I felt both excitement and ease at the same time. Paris pushes me to be more open-minded and to step out of my comfort zone, but it also reminds me to notice the simple things I’m grateful for, like good bread, a nice view, a moment to breathe, and just the simple fact I am able to be here and enjoy this to its fullest.
This picture is a reminder of that balance and of why I’m here, to learn, to explore, and to appreciate every small thing. I’m not just visiting; I’m adjusting to a new rhythm and letting it shape me in the best way possible.
Alana Seda
Fall 2025
GW Paris - Sciences Po (GW Study Program)
Columbian College of Arts and Science
Biology Major