Junior Melissa Lichte had planned to leave her California home last Thursday to begin a year studying abroad in London. But as a result of Tuesday's terrorist attacks, she began her trip on Sunday instead, flying into a partially operational Logan Airport under heightened security.
"The thought of not going crossed my mind, but because it happened after classes at Tufts had already started, I really had no other option," she said. "I've been excited about this trip since I found out that I was accepted and I'm determined to go despite everything that's going on."
Because all US airspace was shot down immediately following the attack, students enrolled in Tufts-in-London completely rearranged their travel plans. According to Lichte, who made her own flight plans for the trip to London, the group was having problems with its travel agent.
"The entire group is pretty much going to trickle slowly in, because people are just getting there when they can," she said. "Everything is a lot more up in the air."
By the time her plane landed at Logan, Lichte could already sense the intensified airport security, and expressed some concern for her overseas flight.
"My bags had to be X-rayed and I got thoroughly patted down and almost busted for having hair clips in my pocket," she said. "Even though I feel a lot more protected with the extra security measures that have been implemented, it's a constant reminder."
Lichte went on to say that she was comfortable studying in England as an American since the country is such a close ally - England has pledged its full support to the US. Over the pas week, the nation has held nationwide moments of silence and performances of the US national anthem during the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace.
"As far as I know, everyone in connection with my program is just as horrified with what happened as we are here. If anything, I think people will be more sympathetic and understand that this is a difficult time to be abroad," she said.
She added that her program director had sent the American students an e-mail expressing her sympathy and concern for them and has assured the students that their delayed arrival will have no impact on class registration.
But Lichte's concerns extend beyond just getting into the classes she wants. "I feel like at Tufts I have a much stronger foundation and I know my way around here. I'm comfortable here. In London, if anything happens, I don't know anyone and that's kind of scary at a time like this," Lichte said.
Although she said that she is trying to remain optimistic, Lichte acknowledged that the events of last Tuesday morning have already changed her experience.
"It was a lot more difficult leaving my family and friends because I can't guarantee that things will be the same when I come home. For the past two years, when I've left home to come to Tufts, I've had more of a sense of stability," she said.
"Because things are changing so quickly, nine months seems a lot longer than it initially had," she added. "If I come home and we're at war or we've been at war, things could be a lot different."
In spite of this possibility of change, Lichte is looking forward to the next two semesters. Her initial motivation for spending time off the Hill had been to challenge herself. And, as the junior said, the recent developments will only add another dimension to that challenge.
"I think that it will be really interesting to watch the developments from abroad. It's going to give me a better idea of how the world views America. I feel like I'm going to come back with a more in-depth perspective of world politics," she said, adding that students who plan to study abroad in the future shouldn't second-guess their decisions yet.
"Even though it has been said many times before, the more you deviate from your normal life and your goals, the more the terrorists will have succeeded in their goals."
