#jaelene

I am so excited to be leaving London finally. I miss home so much. I’ve been here for 6 months and 4 days. When I get home, there’ll be so much food waiting for me. I can’t wait! I’ll miss having fun with my friends who were also studying abroad here. I think I’ve changed because I’ve realized how expensive it is to be an adult and it’s made me even more grateful for my parents because I know they’ll financially support me no matter what. I had to do groceries and cook for myself and groceries cost so much money!! I was basically on my own out here and had to buy everything I needed. The life of an adult is super expensive!!! This abroad experience has impacted me because after Bates, I’d love to travel and explore different parts of Europe more. In terms of service work, my goal is still the same and abroad hasn’t changed that due to my program not really having any type of service work. I am truly happy to be leaving London because my wallet can not afford being here anymore.

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These are photos of my last weeks here. I went to the palace and got photos. I went to Belgium and visited family and had a Belgian waffle. I went to Palma and Ibiza with my best friends. I got a photo in the famous telephone box. And I visited family in Switzerland. It was an amazing experience but I’m ready to be home.

Jaelene Perez ‘20 

London, UK

Winter Semester 

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I focused closely on institutional racism within the Lewiston court system. From what I can gather is essentially Brexit happened because some do not want Muslim people immigrating into the country. I am not sure of the institutional racism towards Muslim people. From the people that I have spoken with, the solution is combating racism/Islamophobia within the country. There have been many talks at the university and signs that want people to rally against racism or Islamophobia. Other people feel as if these issues are not important because “there’s not much racism here.” And of course, there are always some who do not care. I’m not sure if there is something we can learn from them but I think they can learn from us. In America, both subtle and blatant racism impact us in tremendous ways whereas here in London, some think because it is subtle that it is not as bad. I think they can learn from the US on what happens when you continue to ignore race as racial tensions increase; it is not a good outcome. I have not seen any racism nor Islamophobia blatantly happening in my face but I also know that that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. I will continue to talk to students here to gain a better insight on this issue and just to learn more. 

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Also, enjoy some of these travel photos :) 

Paris: 

It’s the Eiffel Tower!

Amanda, Doris, and I having fun in front of it.

The Lourve!

Rome: 

We were in the Vatican city which is like the holy place for Catholics. I grew up with Catholicism but I no longer practice but my mother and grandmother do; so I respect it. 

It’s the Coliseum!! 

We were at the Vatican City Museum!

This is the Trevi fountain which was also the fountain in the Lizzie McGuire Movie. I was very excited!

Jaelene Perez ‘20

London, England

Winter 2019 Semester Abroad 

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So far, I have not confronted something different from what I’m used to. I am in London which is a city but I am used to being around people who do not look like me. London is a big city but not as diverse as it is in NYC. I haven’t experienced any prejudice and honestly, I am waiting for the day someone does because they are going to get to know how South Bronx/NYers get down. The only cultural difference is that my flatmates don’t cook and just eat microwaveable food whereas I cook for every meal. The benefits of my own culture have allowed me to be where I am today and understanding the value of things. My culture is what has allowed me to learn how to cook rice, beans, and chicken like my mom did. I think I won’t encounter any big cultural differences or prejudices in this city, simply because I go to Bates which is much more of a culture shock than London. London is just another big city which I have my life’s experience dealing with. I love cities and always will because I thrive in this environment. 

This is the view on the walkway of Tower Bridge! It’s an amazing view of London.

This is me after we were done walking through Tower Bridge. It was like a resting time but a wonderful place to take a photo.

On the walkway, there is a glass section that allows you to see directly below. My legs were trembling considering we were so high up and my body was like “Danger, What are you doing?!?!”

Jaelene Perez ‘20

London, England

Month 1

Bates Winter Semester Abroad

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Hey everyone! It’s the end of Month 1! So far, it really seems like a calmer cleaner NYC. There’s the hustle vibe from NYC but the streets are much cleaner. People mind their business as they usually do in larger cities. I’ve loved London for years ever since I first watched Harry Potter so I love everything about this city. It makes me wonder if I should’ve gone to school in a city environment and not basically a rural one. I’m still uncomfortable with the fact that trains here are not 24/7 and groceries are expensive, so home-cooked meals are really putting a dent in my wallet. I’m hoping to find like an African or Caribbean Market cause it’ll probably be cheaper and I will most likely find the same ingredients that I use at home here. The only way to find them is for me to search and travel. Before I finish up, I’ll describe the photos I posted!

Photo 1-3: I ended up in Carnaby with a couple of friends when we were exploring London. It was super cute and reminded me of NYC

Photo 4: I was taking the Overground Tube into Romford in order to buy some natural hair product 

Photo 5: I visited the Camden Market with friends and it was really fun. It is a place where I will visit more. 

Jaelene Hinkle: Defender recalled to US set-up after refusing to play last year

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Jaelene Hinkle (L) in action for North Carolina Courage

Defender Jaelene Hinkle has been recalled by the United States for the first time after refusing to play for her country on religious grounds.

The 25-year-old refused to play for the US last year because her Christian faith prevented her from wearing a shirt honouring LGBT pride month.

She was selected for games against Sweden and…