Erin Graetzer: Newsroom Intern from America wrote:
Through my abroad experience in London, I have come to realize how lucky I am to be able to take part in such an experience. My once barren passport will return to the United States with numerous stamps from countries all throughout Europe. Never in my lifetime did I think I would be able to honestly say I have a home in London, with new friends and memories to look back on fondly.
For four months I resided and attend classes in Kensington, taught in Chelsea and was a camp counselor in Richmond. Working with children from these areas was a delight and I would never change anything about my time abroad. However, in my last week I was placed at Paddington Arts. From spending time in this environment and seeing the children who walk through these doors, I have witnessed a side to London that until now, I was blinded to. All of the children I was able to previously work with were blessed with bright and cheery school environments and camps that could provide them with the ultimate of recreational activities. That is not the case with the students at Paddington Arts. This organization strives to provide a creative outlet for underprivileged students to positively challenge their energy. Maybe these students don’t have the luxuries of Cameron House School or Camp Beaumont but because of Paddington Arts they now have afternoons to look forward to and an opportunity to strive towards new ambitions. One day, they too may be able to tattoo their passports and travel the world but for now they have Paddington Arts to let their dreams take flight.
Lia Degregorio: Newsroom Intern from America wrote:
In my short time here in London I have had the privilege of experiencing and living in some extremely beautiful, posh places. I have gone to the top of the London Eye and seen Parliament and Big Ben, seen the changing of guards at Buckingham Palace, walked though Harrods, and roamed the gardens of Kensington Palace. However, I soon realized that this narrow view of London that I was exposed to was not all this city was about. After completing two internships at a secondary school and a day camp I was able to work with some children who live in London, comfortably. Once those internships ended I was placed here, at Paddington Arts. At first, I didn’t know what to expect. Even the area in which the center was located was drastically different than where I lived in Kensington. After reading and hearing about this organization’s mission I began to understand. I soon began to familiarize myself with the other parts of London. Rather than palaces and shopping centers I walked among small shops and graffiti adorned walls. Most of the children here don’t get sent to day camps or small private schools. That is why they come to place like here, Paddington Arts. Here they can express themselves and flourish in an environment that supports them and their dreams. Their skills and talents are not to be underestimated. I’ve witnessed some of the best dancing I’ve ever seen from anyone, and some of these children are only 9 or 10 years old. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to experience a more well-rounded view of London, rather than just the lush locations of the royals. I feel that this has made my time here that much more real.