Sierra Zaccagnino

This past semester, I studied abroad in London, England, where I attended Syracuse’s London Center to complete my fashion communication courses and participate in the internship program as a digital marketing intern for an organic beauty company. Throughout my time in the United Kingdom, I attended multiple experiential learning trips with Syracuse, such as visiting the Lockerbie community in Scotland and exploring Copenhagen through a sustainability lens. My time in Lockerbie was most impactful in showing me how strong the legacy between Syracuse and Lockerbie truly is, the gorgeous natural scenery of the Scottish countryside, and the beautiful resilience of the small town.

I was most surprised by how much our trip to Lockerbie would weigh on me. It was such a special experience, both getting to hear stories from locals who experienced the Pan-Am tragedy themselves and seeing the new generation of school children who are learning about this tragedy through the same stories. As a London Lockerbie Ambassador, I feel grateful to have had the honor and privilege to meet with all types of people from the community who deeply care about Remembrance. Overall, my experiences abroad and courses throughout the London Center have inspired me to revise my Honors thesis to focus more closely on the topics in fashion I have researched extensively and to consider more sustainable companies in my future career path. Additionally, I will be holding the stories from Lockerbie close to my heart and advocating for more collaboration between our two connected towns. I would like to thank Syracuse University, the Renée Crown Honors Program, and my professors & internship coordinators at the London Center for making my time abroad so memorable and transformational.