Alumni Spotlight: Knab’s experience from Lansdale to London
Although enrolled at Arcadia University, Kate Knab, a graduate from the Class of 2016, is a bit far from campus; she’s currently studying her first semester of college in London, England. As a part of Arcadia’s First Year Study Abroad Experience, Knab is pursuing a degree in English with a concentration in creative writing, and a minor in Spanish.
“Studying abroad just may be the best thing that has ever happened to me, both academically and personally,” explained Knab. “I admit I was scared at first; starting my first year of college abroad didn’t exactly seem like the best way to fit in immediately. I’ve also never been far away from home for so long (three and a half months).”
Throughout high school, Knab was a player for the softball team and a staff writer for the Knight Crier as a senior. She also mentioned “Dear Dominique,’ a segment on the morning show last year, admitting that, although she received some help, she may have been behind all of the letters, responses, and people on the show.
How has studying abroad impacted you?
“The first time I’d ever left the country was just last summer when I went to Italy with Ms. Crawford. But I was also eager to put some more stamps in my newly printed passport, and as of right now I can confidently say I’ve been to more countries than I have states. That’s both pathetic and rather impressive I think. I have this new sense of independence, and I’ve learned to trust my own decisions. Coming here, I didn’t know a single person except for Abriel Smith (we graduated together) and that was something entirely new for me. As a triplet I had built in best friends everywhere I went, and while we all ended up going to Arcadia, for the time I was in London I quickly needed to figure out who I was. That was quite liberating for me, having the ability to just be ‘Kate’ for once, and not one third of a group. Don’t get me wrong, I miss my siblings, but it will be interesting to see how we fit together again once winter break rolls around because I’ve definitely changed. Now I can say, “Look Mom, I can do more than close the microwave door.” We are essentially living on our own in the middle of London, and while the responsibility has been great, it has also been rewarding. I can cook and clean and take care of myself not because someone told me to, but because I have to, and while this is something that everyone learns eventually, I feel like studying abroad my first semester has really thrown me out my little comfort nest and forced me to flap my wings. I don’t regret a single thing.”
What are some unforgettable moments you’ve had so far while studying abroad?
“I’ve had so many unforgettable moments that is almost seems like crime to narrow them down! Let’s see… This is a small thing, but one day, I think towards the end of September, I took the Tube by myself to meet my friend in Green Park, and when I got off with my headphones in and my trainers on familiar ground, I realized that I had truly become just another Londoner, which was rather exhilarating. I also turned nineteen within two weeks of arriving in London, but I already had a really great group of friends. They took me for a ride on the London Eye, and the views of Westminster were absolutely stunning. I also just got back from Reading Week, which was a weeklong break from our classes where my friends and I travelled to Prague, Vienna, and Budapest. I’m going to remember that trip for the rest of my life, if only because my face hurt from laughing and smiling so much by the end of each day.”
What’s the most significant thing you’ve learned while studying abroad?
“The most significant thing I’ve learned studying abroad is probably that it’s alright to get a little lost. Nobody really expects you to get the hang of college life right away, but being in foreign country on top that meant learning a new culture as well as a new academic structure. I think learning not only to navigate but also to thrive in unfamiliar places is just as important as any college classroom experience because it encourages levels of communication that really can’t be achieved through textbooks or lectures. Standing on the wrong side of the escalator and taking the wrong Tube every once in a while builds just as much character as failing the odd calculus test. You just have to keep calm and carry on as they say.”
What impact did NPSD have on you?
“NPSD is honestly one of the best districts ever. I’ve met some friends from various other high schools in Pennsylvania and in other states, and it’s safe to say I’ve had the most opportunities to really explore my interests. College is meant for fine tuning those interests, but I wouldn’t have felt as nearly as secure in my academic decisions if I had grown up outside of the district.”
How did NPHS prepare you for college?
“NPHS, or at least the English department, did a really great job in preparing me for my major. I wouldn’t have traded my AP classes with Mr. Gillespie and Mrs. Kratz for the world – they were so invaluable, and in a college classroom I have so much more confidence in my writing abilities. So far no one has asked me to write three essays in two hours, but at least I know I can do it.”
What do you miss the most about NPHS?
“I miss the people, really. I may have only known half of my graduating class, but they were a pretty great bunch. It’s difficult not seeing them all of the time. My teachers I miss, too. You spend three years building academic and personal relationships, and it’s sad to have to build it all back up again.”
What do you enjoy most about college?
“Ha, well right now I’m in fake college, with Tuesdays and Fridays off and all… In all seriousness though, North Penn didn’t send me to London; Arcadia did, and that’s pretty cool. I’ve been in the same place for most of my life, and it’s so incredible that now I have the chance to combine travel with academics. It certainly forces you to develop time management skills and better responsibility, but the sense of freedom is incomparable.”
What are your future plans?
“I want to go into editing for a publishing company, but perhaps not before using my degree to teach English in a foreign country. Preferably Spain, but we’ll see where that minor goes first. This is more of a wish than a future plan, but I think it would be stellar to see my own name in print at some point, be it an essay or an actual novel.”