Domestic Exchange Student Reflections
Loyola Marymount University
I am more than grateful to be participating in the domestic exchange program at Loyola Marymount University. The campus is located in Los Angeles, California, where I was immediately invited by beautiful palm trees, a breeze from the beach seen outside my on-campus apartment window, and warm weather.
When I first arrived, I went to see the famous Hollywood sign, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where I quickly spotted Halle Berry’s star. I have always dreamed of coming to Los Angeles to pursue my passions in the performing arts, so finally getting the chance to be and study here simply has me beyond words! As a singer/dancer/actress, I have always and still aspire to someday have my name embedded on a star. I also took the Hollywood Homes Tour with the Star Line, where I got to see multiple celebrity homes (such as Katy Perry, Denzel Washington, Madonna, etc.).
As a Theatre and Dance major, I am taking several dance techniques, writing about dance, and theatre classes. I also chose to try something new by taking a Martial Arts class (Aikido, Tai Chi, Tae Kwon Do), which is allowing me to learn self defense techniques. I have all great professors which is a plus!
As a native from the North East, I love the vibe and scenery of LA, as it is very different from what I am used to, and has a more relaxed culture. I have been blessed with awesome apartment mates and am already meeting so many diverse people from all over the world. More specifically, I am absolutely in love with my modern dance class. The dance teacher dances with a professional company in LA, which I plan on seeing while I am here for the entire academic year. She is very funny, but definitely keeps the class on our toes!
This past week, I went to Malibu to see a Greek Tragedy at the Getty Villa. This play is one of the required performances that I have to see for my theatre class. I really enjoyed watching the show in an open air amphitheater. I am already starting to see how much LA has to offer, and it is amazing.
LMU holds a strong motto about faith that seriously sparked my interest. I like how the institution values nurturing the whole person, and inspires its students to have faith in all areas of our lives no matter what religion we may belong to. I am confident that I have made the right decision to attend, and I thank Spelman College for having the Domestic Exchange program. I did not have a hard time adjusting to a PWI because I went to a summer theatre and dance intensive at Wesleyan University near my home in Connecticut. I also am very comfortable with my workload, as I have always been good at prioritizing my time. I can’t wait to see what the rest of this year has to offer, and what new skills I will learn!
