Post #1 - Ross Landenberger

Hey, my name is Ross Landenberger. I thought it would be a good idea to write an introductory post before it’s too late. I guess I’ll begin this like everyone else has. I’m a business-something major from Oak Ridge, TN. Oak Ridge was once a young and thriving WWII community, but it has aged. A lot. Now retirement communities are popping up left and right. A friend of mine even told me that his church has averaged one funeral a day for the past few years. So the town isn’t as lively, no pun intended, as it used to be back in the 40s. Although Oak Ridge is a beautiful little place with views of the Appalachian Mountains from just about anywhere you stand, I’m ready to leave for a bit and experience the city of London. I’m most looking forward to all of the culture London has to offer. I’m excited to taste the Indian food of Southall, celebrate the Chinese New Year in Chinatown, gaze confusedly at the modern art in the Tate Modern, and so much more. Shoutout to the Haslam College of Business for giving me, and the rest of my GLS class, this fantastic opportunity. I’ll try not to sleep in on the weekends.

Lost Luggage - Caitlin Boone

Hey there!!

My name is Caitlin Boone, and I am majoring in Supply Chain Management. Just like many others in my class, I am a few days late getting this introductory blogpost up, so I apologize for that! A little about me . . . I am from the wonderful Music City, aka Nashville, TN, where I grew up playing soccer and rugby with my family, and was involved in Young Life and Student Council. Currently, I partake in the professional business fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi, at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

For being my first time out of the US, it has already been quite the adventure here in London. Unfortunately, I have not had the best of luck with international travel . . . My first flight got delayed by an hour and a half, which then made me miss my connecting flight in Chicago. Luckily, I was able to reserve a seat on a later flight, where I only slept for one hour (not fun!). Yesterday I found out that my luggage was missing, so it has been interesting trying to live off of the few items I packed in my carry-on.

Can't complain too much because I am so grateful to be here in the first place! Thank you Mom, Dad, siblings, and friends for all the support, love, and help in making this trip possible. It's going to be one heck of an experience that I get to share with my GLS fam.

Love you all!

PS Here's a pic from my flight . . .

We Made It! - Maggie Mobley

Hey I am Maggie! I am a Human Resource Management major from Knoxville. We have been here for less than 48 hours and already things have been crazy! From almost losing our luggage to eating our first fish and chips, we have already started adjusting to London! Our first day here seemed incredibly long because of the five hour time change. That, along with no sleep for over 24 hours made for an extremely long, tiring day. We got our sleep and have managed to have a great second day with almost no jet lag! Thank goodness. Also, I'm so lucky to have Julia in my flat with me to cook us all dinner whenever we need!! SOS she's gonna make me eat my vegetables..

On the Plane Ready To Go - Bailey Callaghan

Hi everyone, my name is Bailey Callaghan, I'm a Knoxville native majoring in business analytics, and I'm writing this introduction at literally the last moment, blogging as I board my plane to London. Everyone around me is speaking in an English accent and I have to admit, it sounds pretty amazing. I can't wait to get to Europe, because unlike the last time I was there, I get to explore everything on my own (if none of my wonderful GLS family wants to accompany me, of course). They're about to tell me to turn off my phone, so I guess I'll say goodbye and see you in London!

Oh the Places We Will Go- Tayler Tate

Hi everyone my name is Tayler Tate and I am from Knoxville, TN majoring in Supply Chain Management. I am beyond excited for the adventures ahead with the GLS family. Although I will miss my actual family at home, they are just a phone call away. I hope to travel around Europe, and immerse myself in the city of London as much as possible seeing as this is a once in a life time opportunity! I just hope I can see the sunshine every once in a while. Cheers!

I Deduce a Fun Trip Ahead! - Maddie Rule

Hey y'all!  My name is Maddie Rule.  I'm live in Strawberry Plains, Tennessee and attended school in Sevier County.  I am currently majoring in management (subject to change, no guarantees).  I am super excited to journey into the great unknown that is London and Europe itself!  I've never traveled outside of the country, and I know this experience will be life-changing.  I am nervous to leave the comforts of my family and friends here in the Knoxville area as I venture across the pond, but I know I will be with great people that I also think of as a family.  I can't wait to see what the future holds as I partake in this great opportunity.  Therefore, my dear readers, I deduce that this will be an unforgettable time with amazing people! 

- Maddie Rule

Leaving on a Jet Plane - Laura Beth

Hey I'm Laura Beth! I'm from Knoxville, TN the daughter of two UT Volunteers so even in the UK my blood will run orange. I am an Economics and Business Analytics major, but in my free time you can find me running, reading up on politics, or playing the piano. Besides traveling throughout Europe during the semester, I'm most excited to work as an analyst intern at Dunnhumby, a firm that uses statistics to benefit companies and their customers' experience. I'm so glad I get to be a part of such an amazing group, and I can't believe in a few short days the Fam will reunite across the pond! Until then, maybe it's time to start packing...

-Laura Beth