Kristina Elliott, a Graphic Design major, is a sophomore from Oxford. This summer, she had the opportunity to study abroad in London for the month of July.

Why did you decide to attend JSU?

From the beginning, I had always wanted to join the Southerners, but I never had any time. I also started off as a Music Major, and had heard nothing but good things about the music program. Sadly, before my senior year in 2018 ended, most of my passion for band and music had left. I do still love it, but I took a different turn and took on Graphic Design—which really is my passion.

Why did you choose your major?

I chose my major for several different reasons. Art has always been something that has helped me cope with my mental issues, and I have always been told I could make it big in the art industry—I just didn’t know how that was possible. Animation is also such a big passion that I may want to follow. I believe that I will find my true self and passion in my major. I have had a lot of tears and blood in my first semester, but I never stopped nor did I give up. I believe my passion truly showed when I would sit at the lab crying over a certain project but I did not give up because I loved it. I chose my major because I have a passion that I never want to lose.

What do you hope to do after graduation?

After graduation I will hopefully find a job at Pixar as an animator. I would also like to be able to create designs for local events and maybe one day design for the next big movie or album hit.

What was your favorite thing about studying abroad?

My favorite thing about studying abroad was just being able to explore. I found that I had a blast being able to go exactly where I wanted when I wanted without having to ask others. I also had a lot of fun participating in a Pub Crawl for the Fourth of July! I thought it was just so funny to celebrate July 4th in England—since we…you know, rebelled against them. For one of my classes called Exploring the Arts, we went to a lot of plays; my favorite was The Play That Goes Wrong. That play was the funniest and most entertaining play I went to all month.  I got to see A Midsummer Night’s Dream twice, one time with my Harry Potter class and another with my Exploring the Arts. Both plays played an important part in my study and really made my trip amazing.

How long were you in London, what course(s) did you take, and where did you visit?

I was in London for a month, from June 28th to July 28th! The two courses I had were Harry Potter: Context and Criticism and Exploring the Arts. Both classes had amazing professors that will forever hold an amazing place in my heart. For both classes we went to so many different places, including The Globe Theatre, Kings Cross Station, Warner Bro’s Studios, Oxford University, Buckingham Palace, Bath, Edinburgh, Dulwich, Stonehenge, Blenheim Palace

Alnwick Castle. And many more places and sites not listed!

Do you have any advice for students who may be hesitant to study abroad?

I was very hesitant to study abroad, but only for money’s sake and because I would miss literally everyone. Two days before I went, I cried because I still didn’t think we would have enough money to pay for the trip, but we ended up having plenty. So really, please do not overreact about money. You can always set up plans to pay and they will always be so understanding. Don’t be hesitant. As straight up as that sounds, you need to just go with it. Just do it. It is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, so go for it. Close your eyes and submit your application and go. Don’t run away from this opportunity that could change your life forever, make your life grand, and make you want to travel again. I’m going to travel some more this spring and summer because I grew to love traveling. Dive into the possibilities unknown. Go and live your life abroad. If it’s a week, to a month, to a semester, to a year? Just do it. You will love it and you will have the time of your life.