Blake poses for his senior photo, not knowing of the future in store for him.
Blake Harrenstein, a senior from Hastings High, has been accepted into Kingston University located in southwest London in the United Kingdom.
After a long-awaited response from Kingston University, Blake is ready to tackle London as it is where his heart has longed for him to go.
“I applied through an ambassadorship called ‘Study Across the Pond,’ and then they gave me an adviser that gave me college options, and I applied through UCast which is the common app,” Harrenstein said.
Since his junior year of high school, Harrenstein has anticipated a possible career in architecture, which required him to take Calculus Honors his senior year of high school in order to prepare for architecture classes.
“I specifically wanted to go to one of the major architectural capitals of the world, like London, Hong Kong, or Tokyo. London has such a rich history in architecture, and it is also studying abroad,” Harrenstein said.
The idea of living in London has not only changed his perspective on where to find the best education, but also the best sights.
“London has landmarks and buildings that have been around for centuries. Things like that are simply non-existent here in the states,” Harrenstein said.
Harrenstein has already connected with people online who can help him navigate the troubles of living in a brand new city. Despite having met people online already, however, his major fear concerning moving to London is getting lost.
“I’ve already met a few people through a student outreach, so I’m not worried about making friends. I’m more worried about that first week where I’m just getting used to the time frame, getting used to the class schedule, and everything is going to be new. I feel like the second I meet people and get used to my new environment,” Harrenstein said.
Due to the fact that Harrenstein will be learning a new routine by himself in London, his parents are nervous about him traveling.
“At first my dad was apprehensive. He was worried about COVID-19, and now he’s sort of worried about the Ukrainian conflict, but he has come around. He is now fine with it as I told him it is the safest place in London that I can go,” Harrenstein said.
Along with adapting to a new routine in the city, Harrenstein will have to learn to adapt to the changes in school scheduling in London. Term starts September 24 and then first semester ends December 18. Then they return on January 8, and then the year is over on May 10.
After graduating from Hastings High on May 15, Harrenstein will be preparing for his new life in London that begins on September 24. Harrenstein will navigate his major in architecture with a history minor.
“When you think about it, it’s like holy crap. I graduate in a month and half, and then in not even 6 months, I won’t even be in the country. It’s just like a humbling moment, and it feels like yesterday I was a freshman,” Harrenstein said.
