Sophie Argento: Blog Post #1

 

As I reflect upon where I grew up in Minnesota, I find beauty in being surrounded by lakes, long winters, and summers spent outdoors. It’s where I learned to appreciate the familiar—traditions, family, and home. But after high school, I moved to Fort Worth, Texas, to attend TCU, where I quickly immersed myself in southern culture: cowboy boots, country music, and football Saturdays. Adjusting to life in Texas showed me how stepping into new places and experiences can change you to become a more well-rounded individual. 

While most of my travels have been within the U.S.—from New York to Chicago and to Los Angeles to name a few, I’ve always wanted more. Visiting Milan and Florence a few years ago gave me my first glimpse of the European lifestyle, but it felt like I had just scratched the surface. I knew I wanted to go back—to explore beyond the familiar U.S. and experience how others live and connect in different parts of the world. 

This semester, I’m doing just that. I’ll study abroad in London, a city that blends history, culture, and innovation. As a marketing major, it’s the perfect place to see how ideas move across borders and cultures. Beyond academics, I want to challenge myself—navigate a new city, meet people worldwide, and say ‘yes’ to opportunities that push me out of my comfort zone. 

As I leave Fort Worth and close that chapter (for now), I’m excited to open a new one filled with cobblestone streets, afternoon tea, and black taxi trips. My biggest goal is to take on a local lifestyle — finding a favorite café, browsing markets, and continuing to learn something new about myself along the way. 

I’m most looking forward to the small moments you can’t plan—getting lost in a neighborhood, meeting someone who sees the world differently, or realizing that even far from home, I can feel connected. This semester is a chance to see the world through a new lens, and I can’t wait to see how it changes me. Minnesota and TCU will always be a part of me, but for right now, I’ll be calling London home!