24 Dec Share Your Story – Veronica
I came to Lee Abbey on September 2017 to study a Master’s in Chemical Engineering at Imperial College. I chose Lee Abbey as a home because it was close to uni, it ensured a peaceful place to live and study due to its Christian background and it provided fresh breakfast all mornings, especially when you are in a rush to get to early hour classes. 🙂
Lee Abbey is an international place. It joins cultures and languages from all over the world under the same roof. Sharing the dining table with more than a hundred people is definitely an exceptional and enriching experience. I got the opportunity to make friends from different countries. The social events and study spaces gave me the possibility to enjoy the art of talented musicians and also to connect with the staff members, some of which became like my sisters, and ask for advice from senior students, regarding academic matters. Overall, the coexistence with a great number of people is a challenge and helps you grow more empathetic and respectful for other cultures and living styles. But also, it allows you to discover the generosity and solidarity of people that share the same struggles and are giving their best as you.
I decided to serve in the community because I wanted to have a break from the intense academic year I had. I considered working as a volunteer at Lee Abbey a great choice. I felt home, I had friends that became my family and it provided me the opportunity to experience London while serving God in a flexible and different way. I like that Lee Abbey has an eternal purpose, which is bringing God to people. I like that here we have the chance to do it in a non-conventional but more impactful way, by choosing to give our best in the big and small tasks we are called to do.