I have definitely changed since the start of the Global Scholars program. 2026 has had its share of obstacles and challenges, but I have noticed a different level of perseverance I have had. However, I have changed so much since the start of my summer experience. Studying abroad in London allowed me to grow my CBI, and more importantly, meet some of my best friends. Exploring a new city, country, and even continent, allowed me to grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I have grown my global perspective, and truly was able to recognize the little things that make London so unique, but so similar to the U.S. I left London with a new support system, and a burning fire to continue to conduct research that can help make a tangible impact on others.
After completing the 4-week Applied Politics. & Policy program at FSU London, I have learned a lot about my CBI. My community-based inquiry is based investigating affective polarization and the role that governmental structure plays in exacerbating or mitigating partisan animosity. As I study this inquiry comparatively between the U.S. and U.K., I have gained a greater understand of the U.K.’s political and electoral structure. The U.K. parliamentary system varies drastically from our democracy. At the end of last month, I was given the chance to virtually meet with Dr. Blick from Kings College London. This experience expanded my knowledge in many ways; specifically, I learned a lot about how the differences between the U.K.’s “unwritten” constitution and how that allows flexibility which helps with stability and continuity in government.
My views have changed since the beginning of the summer as now I understand the effects of the multi-party system that exist and what that looks like realistically. The U.K. is also dealing with extremism which is affecting their own polarization concerns. Although their government looks different with multiple parties having elected seats, the coalitions that are forming and will continue to form, may turn their government into having a similar polarizing problem. In addition, I gained a greater understanding of how media in politics is growing in the U.K. Sometimes the excessive use of media is just attributed to America, but the U.K. is also dealing with one of their political parties having a strong presence on social media which is increasing the levels of extremity. Overall, I would say that my views at the beginning of summer have not completely changed, but some stances I had have just been emphasized.
My environment has changed drastically. For one I am now based in a different continent! After London, I headed straight for Washington, D.C. to start my internship as a Criminal Legal Advocacy and Policy intern. I have been here for a week and the most apparent difference has definitely been central air conditioning (lol!). But jokes aside, it is definitely the citizens’ relationship with politics. Part of my perspective may be different because I am no longer of legal drinking age or because I am in my home country. In London, citizens were very open to talking politics with my friends and I because we were Americans. Locals had a lot to say about American politics and President Trump. On the other hand, social conversations about politics in America is already unacceptable to some degree because of the polarization that exists here. In addition, another apparent difference is the assumed number of residents who have some job relating the political space. With both cities being the capitol of their country, you see a lot more people dressed in business attire and heading towards Capitol Hill versus the amount of people we saw heading towards Westminster (London’s “Capitol Hill”). These interactions with my new environment and with new people have influenced how I see and understand my CBI as it makes me wonder how the U.K.’s “exclusive” government, with less civilians working in government, impact their levels of polarization. The civilians have less to disagree with when there is not a platform for them to express their views all the time due to the monarchy system with a lot of appointed roles.
Due to time constraints and a failed contact, I was only able to meet with one professor while in London. However, I have sent emails to two American professors based in D.C., and I am searching for another London professor that aligns with my CBI. I believe that the final four professors will influence the direction of my capstone. I am currently looking at meeting with an academic who is one of the directors for this institute focused on researching polarization called the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL). My capstone is coming together as I experience my CBI first-hand as I find new questions to ask the academics based on my own observations. My brief literature review can only tell me so much, but I found it beneficial to look over old interview questions I made during the Spring semester to ensure I am gaining something. A key goal I am setting for myself to better understand my CBI is to be more intentional about observing polarization on the federal level while in D.C. My advocacy and policy internship is more focused on the local level, so it is important that I still interact with events on the federal level. I am excited to continue exploring D.C. and researching!
HSF House Blogs 