My name is Lauren, and I interned for Paddington Arts during June and July. I am 20 years old, and am a university student studying communications and history. I am from a rural area of Kentucky, so London was a big shift from what I am used to.

Coming to Paddington Arts for my first day, I was consumed by a mixture of anxiety and excitement, that feeling that you get when you’re about to try something that will push you out of your comfort zone. Although a week and a half in London had taught me how to get around on the tube and which shops have the cheapest meal deals, I was yet to understand the work culture in the city. I had had several internships in America, but felt like they had not done much to prepare me for this experience.

However, after walking through the doors of Paddington Arts, I found integration into the office to be smooth. Every person I encountered was kind and open to explaining whatever I asked. Additionally, it was easier than I anticipated to pick on the culture and workplace expectations.

Steve was pleasant to speak with, and seemed genuinely interested in me and my thoughts on the topics that I would be writing about and researching. From the beginning, he made an effort to incorporate my skills and goals into the work. For example, he knew that I had past experience with photography, and suggested that I take photos for a show put on by Paddington Arts. This is something that I have not experienced through my past internships in America, which has made me really cherish having it here.

The main objective during the internship was writing articles about topics that I found interesting in London. The internship allowed for freedom, individualisation, and flexibility, all which are conducive for creativity. Although the lack of structure was initially daunting, I enjoyed having an outlet to express my thoughts and feelings about London and the differences that I observed from America. As the internship progressed, I found myself feeling more creative and able to express my thoughts through written form.