Living abroad amid tragedy

Last semester, I decided that I wanted to study abroad. After filling out massive amounts of paperwork, sending transcripts, and picking out classes, I prepared myself for what I knew would be the best experience of my life.\nI headed for London Sept. 9, and found myself mixed in with nearly 100 other American students from all throughout the United States. I had been here for nearly a day when tragedy struck back home. As I was walking back to my flat, I noticed that crowds of people were gathered around the nearest televisions. I couldn't believe my eyes. The first plane hit, and then another, and then the World Trade Center towers collapsed. \nI never experienced anything like the silence that permeated the streets of London. Everyone soon went from complete strangers to best friends as we all chatted nervously about the horror we had just seen. People of all nationalities were screaming, crying and trying to understand the meaning of it all. And as if that wasn't hard enough, I soon realized I was stuck in a country where I knew no one. I have never felt more alone.\nIn the days to come, things calmed down somewhat, and I began to fully adjust to London as well as what was going on back home. I kept in contact with my family and friends, running up my phone bill to the max. I went to Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guard and sang proudly as the "Star Spangled Banner" was played for the first time. The British people and their concern for Americans is unprecedented. I can't thank them enough.\nAfter all this, I can say that whatever patriotism I had before I came here has tripled. I'm not waving the stars and stripes all over London, but I feel lucky to be blessed to live in the United States. I appreciate everything from George Washington to George W. Bush, regardless of my personal political preference. \nWhen I decided to study abroad, I looked forward to wonderful experiences. I planned weekend excursions, bought theatre tickets, and prepared myself for a semester like no other. But I had no idea how much my feelings for the United States would grow.\nI've only been here for several weeks, and I've experienced more than most people do in two years. And every time I come upon something new, I feel the American spirit in my blood. I never appreciated the United States the way I do now. \nRegardless of what happens in the future, I will always remember seeing hundreds of American flags flying throughout England. I will never forget as I watched George W. give his moving address to the nation. And I will never forget Black Tuesday and the way that a national tragedy pulled our nation together.