ASU freshman Shelby Connell is heading to London for more than just a football trip.
Next week, Arizona State students will make the journey across the pond as the Sun Devils get set to face the Kansas Jayhawks at Wembley Stadium. Connell will be among them, and for her, the trip doubles as the start of a much bigger chapter: her freshman year at the new ASU London this fall.
“My parents will be there, we'll be rallying the crowds, getting the ASU spirit going,” incoming freshman Shelby Connell said.
Connell said she had never been to London before, but decided to take the leap anyway.
“I'd never been to London before, but I took a leap of faith,” Connell said.
Coming from a family of Sun Devils, she said she originally wanted to do something different. That changed once ASU London became an option.
“Being the youngest, I kind of wanted to rebel and not go to ASU, but once ASU London announced they were opening, I was like, 'Yeah, that's for me, I get to be a Sun Devil and live in a new city with a new culture and experience all new things,'” Connell said.
Connell plans to spend three years overseas studying business before returning to Arizona to finish her master's degree. She said she is still figuring out exactly where her major will take her, but hopes the experience opens some doors.
“I'm not 100 percent sure what I want to do with my major, but I'm hoping this will help open up doors,” Connell said.
For Connell, part of the appeal is the chance to build a life in a place far from home and meet people from everywhere.
“Meeting people from all over the world and experiencing all different kinds of cultures and doing something not many people would think to do or know even exists, something new and challenge myself,” Connell said.
The one adjustment she already sees coming is the weather. After growing up in Arizona, London’s climate will be a different kind of test.
“Living in Arizona with constant sunshine and need scarves and umbrellas and turtlenecks, learning how to dress with layers,” Connell said.
Still, she sees the move as exactly the kind of adventure she wanted.
“It's the city of dreams and anything could happen,” Connell said.
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