Conclusions are never really that...

So, I'm back stateside. Tried my hardest to beat the visa system and failed. 6 job opportunities in 3 months, but not a single one could or would agree to sponsor me in the United Kingdom. Turns out investing thousands of pounds into their educational system isn't enough.

Broken hearted as I am, new doors will open.

I won't lose the relationships that matter.

I won't lose my desire to experience the world by living in international diverse locations - even if I am restricted to the boundaries of the United States. The world should start to realize that the best way to make peace is to meet each other and allow citizens of all nations to interact.

We're all human.

Anyway - back to the point... 

I'm back in America and getting on with my MA in Publishing. If you're interested in following up on what I'm managing to pull together from my hometown, follow my writer's blog:

kristinbergenewriter.wordpress.com

Here I post what I'm planning in publishing, in my writing and how I am pushing through the changes in my life. Culture shock is an understatement, but my creativity will not be lost forever.

xx, Kristin 

Favorite Part of London

If there is one question I get the most, it's:

"What is your favorite part of being in London?"

From curious family and friends from home, to my friends living with me in this incredible city. It's a great question and it gives me a genuin chance to be reminded why I came here and why I'm fighting now to stay.

The reason I love being in this city, the main reason, is the diversity and the mix of cultures from all over the world. It's a neutral playground where the open minded can meet others as individuals, rather than sticking to the cliches. It gives one a chance to put aside international conflict and discover the humanity that fuels the core in all of us. We all suffer from heartbreak and disappointment and we all get excited when a job application comes through or when we can see the light in something we really desire.

I love the cultures.

I love to be the foreigner.

I love that I can go to the pub and not one of us is from the same county, and somehow, we all manage to get on.

This is something I have to remember as each day I apply for more jobs, hoping that just one will call back and give me the position to allow me to change my visa and stay.

Just one.

xx, Kristin

Thanks New York

It's been a few months since I've updated this, but I thought it would be a great place to thank everyone for my two weeks home. After nine months it was the longest I'd ever been from home and at the end of my dissertation I nearly collapsed from stress and fear of what is going to happen now that it is all finished. I still don't have an answer to 'what now' but I can say at least that it is my objective to stay in London longer.

Coming home was what I needed. It was really great to see everyone. Your constant support has been really helpful and will continue to be so as I begin this next part of my life.

Thank you all for everything.
xx, Kristin 

Adele says A LOT in One Song

Take a listen and breath for a minute as Adele sings about her London in her song, Hometown Glory.

xx, Kristin 

London Olympics 2012

I thought this might be a good moment to share some pictures from my involvement in the Olympics so far. I'll make another post later about how how incredible it has all been so far!!!

Stairway to Stadium

The Security Entrance to the Stadium

ME! In Front of the Official Entrance

THE STADIUM!

Sculpture, Moat and Corner of Stadium

At Night after the Opening Ceremony Rehearsal - Monday.

One Place the Cycle Race went through Kingston

Woman's Field Hockey: Netherlands vs. China & Germany vs. South Africa

My Knee and the American Flag - PRIDE.

Woman's Field Hockey

Earl's Court Decked for the Olympics

Men's Volleyball: Bulgaria vs. Italy & Great Britain vs. Argentina

Men's Volleyball

More coming soon!

xx, Kristin