Studying abroad was something I never saw for myself. As a second-generation LatinX woman, education has been crucial for me, and the opportunities that I have been able to experience have been something I cannot begin to express. My parents have supported my educational journey with open minds, and I am very grateful to have their love and support persisting even over 3,000 miles away. Upon arrival in London, I was filled with so much excitement and gratitude that I could even do this. I am studying abroad at the same university as my best friend, and we have been lucky enough to be assigned as flatmates for on-campus accommodation.
My classes at Queen Mary University of London align perfectly with my program at GW, and they are classes that also align with my interests. I am currently taking a Jane Austen class, a class on love poetry in the Middle Ages, a comedy in literature class, and a class that focuses on children in literature. As a creative writing major, it is exciting to see such a variety of classes to take abroad. Working with other English/creative writing majors has allowed me to analyze texts with different perspectives. I have also had the opportunity to book tickets to see my favorite poet, Rudy Francisco, perform nearby which is something I am looking forward to.
Studying abroad has opened my horizons and allowed me to grow as a writer, a person, and a student. I have been fortunate enough to be in a community that highlights poetry, especially when England is home to some of the best writers of all time. Placing my studies first, I have also had the chance to visit neighboring countries/areas. Visiting Bath, a city in England, and the home of Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey, was extremely exciting. My friends and I got to visit the Jane Austen Centre in Bath, which was home to memorabilia as well as a collection of Jane Austen-inspired merchandise to pick from their gift shop.
Being half-Colombian and half-Puerto Rican, I was wondering if there would be a community of LatinX people/students that I could connect with. Turns out, there is a city near my campus that is home to a high population of Colombians. So, whenever I am missing a home-cooked meal, I visit my local Colombian bakery to pick out some pan de bono and empanadas.
Kiana Roman
Fall 2024
GW Exchange - Queen Mary, University of London
Columbian College of Arts & Sciences
Creative Writing and English Major