When Broadcast Journalism major Melissa Harrington ’11 set out to spend her fall 2008 semester in London, she wasn’t just looking to study journalism. She wanted Hartwick's full study-abroad experience, from seeing her major in action to learning the culture of a new country and broadening her educational horizons.
Through Hartwick’s study-abroad program, Harrington was accepted into the London College of Fashion to study fashion journalism in the heart of the city’s fashion district. But a few miles away, she spent the other half of her time working with London’s Parliament, assisting Member of Parliament Kate Hoey. It was a position that allowed her to work closely with Hoey, attending events and conferences, and meeting prominent political figures, including politician Jack Straw, Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and leader of the Conservative Party David Cameron.
“Working in Parliament was an amazing experience,” said Harrington, who also is working toward a Political Science minor. “It greatly helped with my political knowledge, office skills, and organization and communication skills. It has impacted my life tremendously.”
With her time split between two vastly different—and equally rewarding—experiences, Harrington found herself in the middle of both London’s fashion week and a visit from Queen Elizabeth II. She attended chamber meetings about national defense and catwalk shows with Kate Moss in the audience. She was invited to political dinner parties and VIP fashion parties.
Her work with Parliament focused on interaction with Hoey’s constituents, sorting mail and responding to case files, organizing events, assisting with speeches, and working on immigration, housing, and other issues. Each Monday, Harrington also attended a surgery in Hoey’s constituency of Vauxhall, when residents are able to meet with the member of Parliament for one-on-one advice on housing, immigration, and other issues.
“When hundreds of thank-you notes come in the mail and people show up to the surgeries with presents saying thank you for helping them get back into the country or thank you for getting our house to fit 10 instead of two, it really makes you feel like you have achieved a great deal,” she said. “Every job is hard, but you do it for the love of the job, which is very important, but also for the love of the constituents. Each time I leave the surgery, I remember how fortunate I am.”
Two miles south of Hoey’s office, Harrington took in a different side of London. Accepted into London’s most prestigious fashion college, she spent her class time on Oxford Street—one of the city’s few central fashion streets. There, Harrington says, she learned about the true designer world. Catwalk shows were shown every day at the college, with such designers as Vivienne Westwood and model Kate Moss in town and in attendance.
“I learned more than I ever thought possible about styles and fashion,” Harrington said. “After learning more about designers, catwalks, perfumes, styles, and trends, it was easier to get into the fashion world.”
During fall break, Harrington and 25 other fashion students also toured museums in Paris, were guided through the city’s massive Luis Vuitton store, and were invited to a private visit with Makeup Forever Professional.
“The opportunity to study abroad and see both my major and minor in action was amazing and allowed me to make many lifelong friendships,” Harrington said. “The Central College Abroad Program was an amazing experience, which I would strongly recommend, and I am hoping to come back for my master’s degree.”
