London Tapestry

Roopa’s first day at university dawned with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Her dorm room was small but comfortable, decorated with pictures of her friends and family from home. The room felt like a small haven amidst the grandeur of London because of the colourful tapestries and fairy lights that covered the once-blank walls. Roopa sensed the pulse of the city that had become her new home as she strolled to her first lecture. Students from all over the world were chatting away in the streets, weaving a colourful tapestry of languages and cultures. The campus itself was a testimony to the university’s long-standing reputation of quality and its embrace of innovation, with a blend of classic architecture and contemporary facilities. International Relations had always been Roopa’s favourite course. She was excited about the possibility of studying under renowned instructors and participating in discussions about world affairs. The hum of chatter filled the lecture hall as she walked in. In an attempt to fit in while maintaining a clear view of the professor, she chose a seat in the middle row. Although the first lecture served as an introduction to the course, Roopa was well aware of the breadth and intricacy of the topics they would be covering. Dr. John, her professor, was a tall, charming man who smiled warmly as he greeted the pupils. He talked about how important it is to comprehend global dynamics in a world where everything is connected, and Roopa’s goals deeply resonated with his words.

Following the lecture, Roopa strolled about the campus, observing the sights and sounds of her unfamiliar surroundings. She discovered the library, an imposing structure with countless bookshelves and peaceful study areas. There was an air of academic commitment, with the smell of old paper and the quiet murmurs of pupils working hard. Roopa anticipated spending a significant amount of time here, exploring the plethora of information available to her. Her days quickly became structured around seminars, lectures, and solitary study. She was astounded by the range of viewpoints that her peers during class discussions shared. Wang from China provided a distinctive viewpoint on Asian geopolitical strategies, while Omar from Egypt provided essential insights into Middle Eastern politics. Andria from Germany contributed a European perspective to their discussions. Roopa loved these exchanges, and felt her perspective widen with each discussion. There were difficulties involved in adjusting to life as an overseas student. Roopa frequently felt homesick, missing the comforts of home, including her mother’s cooking, the sound of her own language, and her family’s warmth. But among her peers, she also found a new family. Everybody brought a dish from their home country to share during potluck dinners, creating a mosaic of flavours and tales that let the distance from home feel less intimidating.

One cold evening, Roopa chose to take a diversion along the South Bank on her way back to her dorm following a late study session. She smiled to see the familiar face of Noel, the artist who was homeless. She had grown to regard him as a friend rather than just a character from the streets. She went over to him with a bag of warm food and a thermos of hot tea.

“Hello, Noel,” she said as she passed the thermos to him. “I brought some tea for you. I figured it could be useful for the cold.”

Once filled with anguish, Noel’s eyes now glowed with appreciation. “I’m grateful, Roopa. For an elderly man like myself, you have been too kind.” They conversed for some time, ranging from Roopa’s experiences as an international student to Noel’s recollections of his time as a well-known artist. He frequently shared nuggets of knowledge by equating life’s journeys with the brushstrokes of his paintings. He once said, “Every stroke matters, Roopa,” with the weight of years of experience and wisdom showing in his voice. “Every decision and action in life and art influences the end product. You have to pick your spots carefully.”

Roopa took comfort in these conversations, remembering Noel’s advice whenever she felt alone or uncertain. It dawned on her that her path encompassed not only academic success but also self-improvement, comprehension, and the relationships she formed throughout.

Although Roopa had to endure a tough winter in London, she learnt to cope by dressing warmly and finding solace in small things, such as a steaming cup of coffee from the campus café or a good laugh with friends over dinner. Whenever she had the chance, she travelled throughout the city, stopping at historical sites, art galleries, and museums. Every excursion served as a reminder of the cultural and historical riches of London, her choice. Roopa made the weekend decision to go to the British Museum with her pals. They were astounded by the opulence of the structure and the enormous assortment of artefacts from all around the world. The antique Indian items really captivated Roopa, who felt a strong bond with her ancestry. She pondered the story and beauty of Noel’s murals as she stood in front of a centuries-old sculpture.

Over the course of the school year, Roopa gained more self-assurance. She engaged fully in lessons, and her tentative voice had grown confident and strong. She made friends with people who had similar experiences and hardships when she joined the International Students’ Society. By planning discussions, field trips and cultural events, they established a network of support that helped students cope with the difficulties of studying overseas. In addition, Roopa managed to secure a part-time position at a nearby bookshop, a charming small establishment with the cosy aroma of worn books and the soft sound of pages turning. In addition to offering some financial respite, the job turned into a haven. She buried herself for hours there in the world of books, drawing inspiration from other people’s experiences.

Over time, her bond with Noel grew stronger. She gained additional knowledge of his past, his mental health issues, and the tragic events that brought him to live on the streets.

Roopa’s experience as an international student was a tapestry of experiences, with each thread signifying a lesson discovered, a friendship forged, or a moment of victory amid all the setbacks and victories. She came to understand that her time in London was about more than just obtaining a degree; it was also about appreciating the diversity, richness, and resiliency of the human spirit. The city had transformed from a place of overwhelm and indifference to one of development and connection. Roopa also gained a greater appreciation for compassion and the ability of art to transcend boundaries and change lives through her friendship with Noel. She took the lessons and tales from the streets of London with her as she pursued her education, adding a fresh layer of paint to her life every day.

*