Big Ben and Bren Take London

Brenda Maugeri Start Date: Jun 29, 2017 - End Date: Dec 28, 2017
  • London, United Kingdom

My Travel Story

by: Brenda Maugeri Start Date: Jun 29, 2017 - End Date: Dec 28, 2017
Hey, everyone!

I'm kind of a rambler; especially when I get to talk about things I am particularly passionate about, so stick with me here. At least this isn't direct communication and you don't have to deal with me stuttering. 

Being a recent college graduate, I keep playing the cycle of "What's next?" over and over again in my head. To my fellow young adults out there I'm sure you can relate to that feeling of being backed in a corner by adults asking you, "Where are you working? What's next? Have you interned? Where? Why not? Are you married? When are you having kids?" and suddenly these questions go quite literally, from 0 to 100.

My friends are getting their first big time jobs or heading off to grad school, and while this is incredible for them and I am beyond happy and excited for them, I kept feeling like this wasn't the same path I was supposed to go down. Not yet, anyway. I had job offers from a few advertising companies in Chicago, and while working in the city has always been a goal, I kept thinking to myself, Chicago is always going to be there. It will always be home and it will always be full of opportunity. I'm 22, I'm a fresh college graduate and the first in my family to do it, and I have my whole life ahead of me. Why not leave my little bubble and see what else there is?

I've always had a longing for travel, having seen amazing places already. From the mountains of Utah, to the cliffs of Ireland, to the beaches of Cabo and the boulevard of Nashville, I'm always eager to see what's next. I've loved flying and traveling since I was a kid, and have been fortunate enough to see some incredible places in the US. But my love for international travel started when I took a trip across the pond to Ireland two years ago with my best friends. To say that I fell in love is an understatement - just ask my friends and family who hear about it STILL on a regular basis. I instantly became obsessed with learning new cultures and talking to new people. I mean come on, who doesn't love an accent? I'm constantly researching new countries, budgeting for my next trip and watching Eat Pray Love on repeat (shout out to my girl, Julia). 

As I sat and thought about my next move, it suddenly dawned on me that interning abroad is that next big step I’ve been looking for. This was my plan all along; it just took some patience to get there. Combining my love for travel with my passion of advertising and event planning is a dream come true.

After some researching, I finally found a program that combined all of my needs. For those of you like me who have that travel bug itchin' up your sleeve, Global Experiences is an incredible way to reach that fun but productive medium. Through this program, I will be working as a wedding planner in London from January - April. Can you say dream job??? The program fee, though it may seem bonkers, covers my housing, visa assistance, one on one intern check in, and a slue of other amazing perks. 

This is where you come in! I've had multiple jobs for the past few years now and will continue working 3-4 jobs while waiting for my departure in late January. However, babysitting and bartending (not at the same time, of course) can't pay the bills. Your contribution, no matter how big or how small, will allow me to get out there and pursue my dreams and direction. Whether it's $5, 5 cents or sharing to your social media pages, it means the world. Thank you in advance for any contribution you make! Living in London for 3 and half months is expensive, but worth every penny. 

- Bren
  • London, United Kingdom