Today is my last day in London. Ryan and I fly back to Washington, DC later today. We’ve been here nearly two years and it’s felt both quick and long. In that time we’ve had jobs, made friends, traveled, and adapted to a new place and culture. And there’s lots to say about it, but writing too much might make me cry. So let’s just say, it’s been a truly amazing adventure!
For me, a big part of my adventure was working as an Explainer at the Science Museum. My last day at work was a week ago, and I meant to post this a week ago, but I have been too busy packing/cleaning/hanging out with my friends/being emotional to actually post this. And again, I thought if I wrote about it I might cry. But it’s gotta be done. Working at the Science Museum has been a lot of things for me. Sometimes (many times) I’ve absolutely hated it. When being yelled at by parents, guarding vomit to be cleaned up, or after being on my feet all day – there were times were I thought, “what am I doing with my life?!” It has been an exhausting and frustrating job.
But there were also great days and more importantly great people. The job was so social and I made lots of friends. I also had children tell me that I made them want to be a scientist, I made bubbles and was called the Bubble Lady, I blew things up and had kids treating me like a rock star, learned more about science, and learned about English foods and words and holidays. I left with a crew of three amazing women who I will love forever. And I bonded with people over Star Wars, chanting USA, baking, and Lego. I have made friends who took care of me when I was ill, who teased me about everything, and who made me laugh hysterically. I have met people who I can talk to about absolutely everything and who I know will be in my life forever. And I feel confident that WhatsApp messages with funny pictures, sweet messages, and weird videos will continue to fly across the ocean.
Overall, it wasn’t always an easy job or one that I always liked, but now that it’s over I can look at it fondly. And completely honestly, it has brought me a lot of love and I’m glad it happened. So in tribute to my Explainer family, below is a little slide show of photos from my time on the job. There’s lots that hasn’t been captured, but it’s a lovely taste of some of the best bits. And don’t worry, it’s not goodbye, it’s just see you later.
