Posted on

Budgeting Par Excellence

Here’s a little bit of a back story: At the beginning of term, I bought a small bag for my ballroom stuff (yes, it consumes my life, both in America and England). The front displays the following quote from Erasmus: When I get a little money, I buy books, and, if any is left over, I buy food and clothes.

Now, as much as I like that quote, I never thought that I would do anything of the sort. Then yesterday came. After I turned in my paper for my History of the English Language tutorial, I had to get some stuff in city center (or centre, I suppose). Well, Blackwell’s (which is the best toy store!) just happened to be on my way after studying in the History Faculty Library, so I thought, “Why not? I’ll just pop in and see what new items they’ve stocked since yesterday.” To my wallet’s relief, they didn’t have the book that I really wanted (which the Bodleian also doesn’t have. WHAT? I thought that that was impossible.). However, right as I turned around, I found another book that I wanted to read. So, I whipped out my wallet (and now I’m writing in alliterative verse. Guess who’s been studying Beowulf and The Dream of the Rood a bit too much?) and found that I literally had one £10 note left. Guess how much my book was? I sat there and thought about it for a second. Do I want lunch, or do I want a book? Guess which one I ended up purchasing? Yup. I bought the book instead of food.

This is just one example of why I am not an Economics/Accounting major. My budget for my year abroad three major categories, which are the following: ballroom, food, and ballroom. Random books somehow figure in that magnificent equation.

P.S. Don’t worry; I went to the ATM after that transaction and eventually found food at 8:00 p.m. I couldn’t put the book down!
Posted on

And Week 5 Begins

I can’t believe it, but I’ve been in classes for five weeks now. Within these past weeks, I’ve made best friends with the porters at the Radcliffe Camera (one of them knows me so that he no longer asks to check my bag for any prohibited items), my papers have been ripped to shreds, and I’ve wondered several times why I didn’t spend my year abroad in a more “fun” setting. Believe me, when I see some of my Holy Cross friends posting photos from their weekend trips to Germany and France, I get a little jealous. Yet, despite being ripped apart, I’ve never learned so much in such a short period of time and/or had so much fun. Yes, I know – I need to be locked up in the sanatorium for saying that spending all of my days in the Radcliffe Camera or the Bodleian Library is fun. These past five weeks have been frustrating because I know that I haven’t produced work that has been up to my potential. But,  now that both of my tutors have ripped apart at least two of my essays a piece and I’ve been in class for five weeks, I know what they want from me and how to do it in the most efficient way. Now that ballroom is in full swing (get it? Swing? Even though they don’t dance Swing here), I now have a schedule so that I’m not constantly freaking out about my papers. If I have too much time, then I just can’t accomplish anything. I’m weird like that. But back to the fun part. My research topics have been rather illuminating for what I want to do not only for my Senior Thesis (oh. Right…who said senior year is supposed to be all fun?), but also for graduate school (right. I have at least seven more years of this? Excellent!). My last topic for History of the English Language was to analyze how English became an analytical language (words derive meaning from positions) from its synthetic origins (words derive meaning from endings, like in Latin). It was fascinating. I was comparing the different languages that appear in different manuscripts and arguing how they’re different. It was fantastic. My next topic for Age of Bede (which is going much better. Then again, I really don’t think that I had anywhere to go but up. One day, I will post that awful paper on this site for all to see. But not now. I’ve got to get into graduate school first) is to basically reconstruct Anglo-Saxon society based upon the “Dream of the Rood.” This is actually what I’m thinking about doing for my senior thesis – syncretism of paganism with Christianity in Anglo-Saxon texts, specifically “Beowulf.” I’m as happy as a clam. Don’t worry; I will return to Holy Cross…eventually.

Okay, so that’s probably way more about academics than any of you ever wanted to read. As for living in Oxford, well, I’m still alive! Cooking for myself has definitely been interesting. I’m so used to going to Kimball or grabbing something from either Lower or Crossroads. No preparation time, no cleaning up. But cooking for myself has been rewarding. All of the American JYAs are branching out and trying new things. My favorite new item that we must start importing into America: treacle tart. It’s delicious. I have also been maintaining a social life with human beings other than the librarians. Saturday night was Mansfield College Ball, which only happens once every three years. They had bumper cars. I’ll let that one sink in. It was a really fun night. Of course, we all paid for it the next day because none of us finished any work all day Saturday. Oh well; it was worth it.

Well, you guessed it – I’m back off to the library. Until next time!
Posted on

Dark Chocolate, Early Grey Tea, and Bede.

I’m pretty sure that you can gather from my title that I’m extremely content at the moment. I really don’t think that a better combination exists in the world!

I cannot believe that it’s already November. The weather here indicates otherwise. It’s been sunny (I’m not entirely sure that I’m in the right place) and there’s just the right amount of crispness in the air for fall. It’s gorgeous. Whenever I’m walking around the city (I think I walk 2.5 miles per day), I just have to smile because everything about this city is just fantastic. I know, I sound like such a fan-girl. But, there’s really no other way to describe Oxford as a city, let alone an academic experience. My tutorials are going well; in my History of the English Language class, I had to translate Caedmon’s Hymn (the oldest Old English poem – don’t listen to what your high school teachers tell you about Beowulf!) in two different dialects and then argue which one was older and support it based upon linguistic evidence. This week, I had to analyze the influence of Old Norse in the Old English lexicon. Talk about a fascinating subject! I was dismayed that I wasn’t able to engage with primary sources like I did last week, but I still loved the topic nevertheless. My Age of Bede tutorial is…well, it’s going. I royally messed up my first paper. The paper was atrocious; there are no words for it. However, my tutor, Hugh, was really nice about it. He said that even though the essay was disappointing (that’s putting it kindly), he knew that a) I knew the information; I just lacked incorporating that information into my paper  and b) it was my first history paper at Oxford. My next paper for that class is due on Thursday, and I feel so much more confident this time around. Now that I’ve been here for four weeks, I’ve been able to develop a schedule so that I’m not going crazy with all of this free time. Now I know how I need to schedule my studying time (which is basically all day) and also how to schedule my writing time. Even though I’ve had a bit of difficulty adjusting to the free-time aspect of this schedule, I think that I’ve finally found my balance. Furthermore, my classes have inspired my topic for my Senior Thesis.

In addition to getting to know the Bodleian quite well (I’m never leaving. EVER.), I swear that I’ve had some form of a social life (however meager it might be). I made the Ballroom Dance Team, so I’ll be competing for the rest of the year. Dancing is quite different over here than it is in America (the major difference is contact), so I’m still adjusting to constantly holding my frame for Ballroom. Latin, however, is quite similar to Rhythm. Also, I went to London to see Seamus Heaney talk about “Beowulf” at the British Library. That was such a magical night. There was also a performer who literally sang “Beowulf” in Old English and accompanied himself on a lyre. You know, just another night in London. And you all think that Medievalists are strange…

Speaking of Medievalists, Holy Cross CISS (Center for Interdisciplinary Studies) has confirmed that I’m insane. I designed my own secondary major of Medieval studies that combined Medieval literature, history, philology, philosophy, and theology. For those of you who don’t know, CISS allows you to create your own major provided that you include classes from at least three different fields; you’re also required to have two faculty advisers. The most frightening aspect of this entire process, though, is that my senior year is now literally mapped out. I’m glad that I finished all of my core requirements by the end of my sophomore year (to all underclassmen and prospective students: I urge you to do this!) because I’m taking English and Medieval studies classes for my last two years. It was just frightening to look at a piece of paper and see the rest of my Holy Cross career mapped out before my eyes. But we’re not going to talk about that. One of the really awesome things about having this double major is that I’m required to write my Senior Thesis on a topic that addresses both of my majors (I could write two theses, and as much as I would love to do that, I don’t think that I realistically can). Right now, I have two options in my head. One of them is exploring the phenomenological and existential natures of the writings of Julian of Norwich and Flannery O’Connor. The other one (which has actually been inspired by my Age of Bede class, actually) is exploring the syncretism of Anglo-Saxon paganism and Christianity in Anglo-Saxon poetry. I think I might want to specifically focus on the theology of the body for this time period (a la my Tolkien essay from last semester). My proposal isn’t due until March, so I have some time to solidify what I want to do.

All right, I need to read some more of Creepy Bede (don’t ask. The answer is very long and very complex). Until next time!
Posted on

Of Tutorials and Mountains of Books

Before I left for England, my friend, Kelsey, who studied at Oxford last year, gave me the best piece of advice. She told me, “You’re not going to know what to do for your first couple of weeks.” You know what? She was correct! At Holy Cross, I have such a structured life (as any of my friends will tell you). I have classes Monday through Friday from about ten to 3:00. I then stay in the library until about midnight (sometimes, I do eat and sleep). Professors give structured syllabi and reading lists. Oxford is completely different. I meet with my primary tutor once a week, and my secondary tutor once every other week. Every meeting is just a demolition of a paper. For instance, my first tutorial this past Tuesday involved my tutor telling me, “You’re completely wrong here” about five times. Granted, it was not the best paper that I have ever written in my life, and a professor at Holy Cross would’ve told me the same exact thing. But I absorbed her criticism because it was delivered verbally. I’m writing my second paper for her right now, and after every sentence that I write, I’ll stop and think, “What is Charlotte going to say to this?” Even if it’s something as minute as “The sky is blue,” I still ask myself that question. I’ve only been in classes for two weeks, and I already think that I’m becoming a much more structured writer.

Even though that’s fantastic, I still have no idea how to structure my time. I’m trying to find my routine, but it’s rather difficult. I mean, I have two papers due within the week and they both have to be brilliant. When do I stop writing one, and when do I start writing the other? When do I factor in a social life (hah!)? I can’t believe that I’m saying this, but I don’t like having all this free time. It’s frightening! Ah, Professor Manoussakis would be proud because he’d see this as an analogy to free will. But that’s another story for another day.

In other news, my History of the English Language course has somewhat directed my future. As much as I love Old English, Latin, Sanskrit, and various other dead languages, I’ve come to the conclusion that I could never be a linguist. Again, I’m enjoying this tutorial – I truly am. But there’s nothing to really analyze. Instead of writing about a text, I’m writing how the text came to be written in English. It’s fascinating, but I do miss analyzation. I also am not liking the obvious barrier to the study of Old English (and all other dead languages, for that matter)- “no one speaks it anymore, so we can’t be sure.” Then again, it’s kind of a nice contrast to my Age of Bede essay prompt, which is “Did Bede unreservedly select “good” models for Christianity in The Ecclesiastical History of the English People?” (My tutor stated it much more intelligently than that.) Sounds easy, right? It would be easy enough to just write a paper laden with examples about how Bede did compliment virtuous people unreservedly and be done with it. However, I know that this tutor knows that the answer is yes, and he wants me to find out why Bede did it. I know that it sounds like I’m complaining, but, honestly, this is so much fun! I do like the standard to which the tutors hold you. Professors at Holy Cross do the same, but, then again, I’m not writing an essay a week for them.

P.S. I have officially maxed out my Oxford University Library card. Every faculty library permits borrowing (you did read my last entry, right?) up to a certain amount. Well, out of all the libraries for which I’m registered (six or seven), I think that I can check out only one more book from each. That’s a problem. See, my library card is like a credit card for some people. Except, I do have an excuse – I don’t have to buy any books for my classes; I just have to rent them. Yes, yes, that’s it! It’s all for my classes…that happen to be exactly what I want to study so I end up getting way too into them. It’s only a problem when the libraries send out collection officers after your hoard. Which they haven’t…yet.

P.P.S. I received my camera charger and card reader in the mail (THANK YOU, PARENTALS!), so expect to see some photos up here!
Posted on

We’re Not in Dinand Anymore, Toto!

If you have read this blog for a while, you know the affinity that I have for Dinand Library. Dinand is readily easy to navigate (when you spend as much time in there as I do, you know it better than your dorm room) and one building houses all of the volumes. Spill-proof mugs of tea are allowed (to any prospective freshmen – this is a must!); the library stays open until 1 o’clock (not that I’ve ever procrastinated that much. Um. Well, there was this one time…), and you can claim a carrel for a day (even though it’s kind of bad form and will annoy other students).

Well, as much as I adore Oxford, I’m beginning to think that the libraries are a bit out of control. Don’t misunderstand me; I love books and I think that a well-stocked library is the most beautiful place in the world. However, when you have to go halfway across the city just to find one book only to find out that this one library is closed for the day, it can be kind of annoying. Let me explain with an example that might have happened to me.

Firstly, let me explain the library situation at Oxford. Oxford University has many libraries dispersed throughout the campus. The most recognizable ones are the Bodleian and Radcliffe Camera. Borrowing is not allowed from those two institutions (why, you ask? Tradition.). Then there are faculty libraries that are divided by sections. There’s the English Faculty Library, the History Faculty Library, etc. Borrowing is allowed from these. Then you have the specialized libraries, like the Rothermere (American Studies), Taylorian (Linguistics and Languages), and the Sackler (Classics). Again, borrowing is allowed from the specialized ones. Then you have the individual college libraries. The plus side to having all of these libraries is that your book is most certainly somewhere in the city. The problem is just finding exactly where that is.

So here’s my story: I suppose that I could’ve gone to the Bodleian and just read my books there, but I wanted to borrow them because I’m going to use them for the rest of the term. One of my books was only available in the Taylorian. All right – that’s not a big deal. So I found out where the Taylorian is located, and I walked there this morning. Well, there are several Taylorian libraries. There’s the Linguistics one, the Modern Languages one, the one with Modern Languages and Linguistics, and then there’s the main Taylorian. Are you with me? I registered my library card, and then I asked the librarian where this particular book would be. She replied, “Up the stairs.” So I went up the stairs. And up the stairs. And up some more stairs. Guess what I found? A locked door. I went back to the librarian and said, “The door is locked.” “Oh! You’re an undergraduate?” “Erm. Yes?” “I thought you were a graduate student. Okay, then you can’t access that floor; I’ll have to go get the books for you.” Pros: 1) Delivery to your desk. 2) Apparently, I look like I’m 25 and can pass for a graduate student. Cons: I’ve been waiting a while for my book. Hmmmm..

On the other hand, I did find the Taylorian, which is a beautiful library. I think that I’m going to make this my study library. It’s along the lines of the library in “Beauty and the Beast.” And, best of all, I’m surrounded by Anglo-Saxon texts!

In other news, I can charge my camera battery and download my pictures now. YAY! I’ll be posting lots of photos soon. And, I will soon be riding my bike around Oxford; it’s almost ready. YAY!
Posted on

A Million Books to Read + 2 Papers to Write = a Very Happy Colleen

You know, it’s incredibly difficult to come up with catchy titles, but now that I’ve started to do so, I feel indebted to continue. Anyway, that is not the point of this post.

On Wednesday, we had our Freshers’ and Visiting Students’ Induction Dinner at Mansfield College. It was held in the chapel, so all of the people from Holy Cross were a tad confused. The chapel is gorgeous (not as pretty as St. Joseph’s, though), and the food was excellent. I was seated next to an Oxford third year student, and we were comparing American universities and colleges to Oxford for the night. Oxford has a different approach to academics. While I personally feel in America that a majority of people use education only to advance for jobs and the like, I think that Oxford has more of a “learning for the sake of learning” feel. It definitely reminds me of the Holy Cross state of mind. However, Oxford really differs from Holy Cross in that once you’re accepted at Oxford, you study one subject for your three years. I don’t know if I could possibly do that. As much as I love English, I couldn’t give up Classics, History, Theology, or Philosophy (now Math I could very easily give up. That would not be a problem. I think that my title shows the extent of my aptitude for math.). The other point that we both deduced was that JYAs (that’s what those who spend their junior year abroad are called at Oxford) tend to work much harder than Oxford students while they’re here. Jack (the student with whom I was talking) asked me why. I told him that at Holy Cross, we push ourselves beyond our extremes, and if we’re not doing something related to academics, we’re probably at a club meeting or at a team practice. He was shocked that we do so many extracurricular activities; here, students tend to find one club or one team, and they dedicate themselves completely to it. It was just a very interesting conversation.

Enough of that, though. On Thursday, I went to the Oxford Oratory to see the relics of St. Therese of Liseux. No, I did not plan to come to Oxford the year that both St. Therese’s relics and the Pope are scheduled to come; it just happened that way! It was an incredibly moving experience. I really can’t even describe it.

Then, Friday was the big day. I had my first tutorial. Okay, so I really didn’t have my first tutorial. It was more of a meeting in which my tutor told me what he expected of me and where the class was going to go. Although it was kind of nerve wracking for a bit, there were some funny moments. For instance, Dr. Doherty asked me what college I attend in the States. I replied “Holy Cross,” and he said, “Oh, yes. That’s a very rigorous school, isn’t it?” You have no idea.Well, maybe he does. I mean, he did just obtain his Ph.D from Oxford. Yes, yes, I’m pretty sure he has an idea, then.

Until next time! Of r
Posted on

One Week Down

I left the United States a week ago, and yet I already feel at home in Oxford. I’ve been attending various “Freshers’ Week” information sessions (and I thought Holy Cross’ orientation threw far too much information at me!), setting up my room, meeting other JYA’s (Junior Year Abroad), and exploring this magnificent city. What I truly love about this program is that I’m really living by myself in a foreign city. Yes, my primary focus here is studying, but I also have to make my own meals (there’s no handy-dandy Kimball here), factor errands into my day (okay, so this isn’t that big of a deal. My errands right now include going to the Post Office and the like), and find some time to make friends as well. Even though I’ve only been here for a week, the experience has been truly amazing. If anything, my cooking skills will improve ten-fold!

With regards to academics, classes haven’t begun yet. I have a meeting with my Age of Bede tutor on Friday, and I have my first History of the English language class next Tuesday. I already have an essay due for that class, actually. My tutor e-mailed me and said to e-mail my paper to her and also bring a hard copy to class. That was it. There were no prompts. Welcome to Oxford! I’m so excited for the tutorial program. I’ve heard nothing but fantastic things from all the other students who have completed the program. The entire situation is going to be very different from my Holy Cross education. While Holy Cross classes meet for a certain number of hours a week, I will only meet with my primary tutorial (History of the English Language) once a week, and I’ll only have my secondary tutorial once every other week. That means that I only have 8 sessions for my primary tutorial and 4 session for my secondary tutorial. Hm. This is going to be extremely interesting!

Now for something completely different: This past Sunday, I attended Mass at the Oxford Oratory. This is the same church in which Cardinal Newman preached and J.R.R. Tolkien attended. Yes, I do realize that the former is more theologically important than the latter. But being in the same pew at Tolkien is kind of cool, you have to admit. Anyway, this Mass happened to be the Solemn Mass. Everything except the Liturgy of the Word was in Latin. Everything. As obsessed as I am with Latin, I thought it was cool. The homily didn’t hold a candle to the Jesuits’ at Holy Cross, though (3,000 miles away and an ocean in between me won’t stop my love for Holy Cross!). Regardless, the Mass was gorgeous. This Church is also hosting the relics of St. Therese of Liseux starting tomorrow, and Pope Benedict is going to be visiting this Church sometime in the Spring. No, I had no idea that any of these events were going to happen while I was here. I’m actually thinking about writing my ICIP (International Culutral Immersion Project. Every HoCro student who studies abroad has to complete a project that required them to immerse themselves in their host country.) about Catholicism in England  and how it becomes different when you’re not in the majority, as we are at Holy Cross. It’s still in the working stages in my mind, but I promise that it makes sense.

Well, I’m going to sign off for now. When I get my card reader running, expect to see this page full of pictures!
Posted on

Please Mind the Gap

Well, I have officially arrived! Let my Junior Year Abroad begin!

Tuesday was one of the most hectic days of my life. Well, that’s not entirely true. Freshman year move-in day takes the cake for that one. However, Tuesday was somewhat stressful. I had to pack everything that I need for a year into two suitcases. It was difficult, to say the least. But, after unpacking everything, I am proud to say that I only forgot my card reader and my mini booklight, both of which can be easily replaced or shipped. But let’s not get ahead; there’s an entire saga to relay.

I left Atlanta on Tuesday night. When I separated from my parents at security, yes, I was a little sad because I’ll be away from them until Christmas, and then once again for six to eight months. But that’s not the point of this entry. Even though I was somewhat sad, I was more ecstatic (sorry, Mom and Dad) because I knew what was ahead of me. The plane ride went very smoothly. I met a couple of American students who are also studying in England; one of the guys that I met actually goes to Williams and he’s studying at Exeter College for the year. I went through Customs without a glitch. But here was where the fun began. Remember how I had packed two suitcases? In addition to those checked bags, I still had my backpack and a rolling carry-on. Both of my checked bags were rather heavy (one was 50 lbs, and the other was 57 lbs), and I still had more weight to carry because of my carry-ons. Here’s some advice to any students traveling to England next year – the luggage carts (or trolleys, as the Brits call them) are free to use in Heathrow; it isn’t like American airports, and I wish that I would’ve known that. Anyway, I was meeting Carrie and Terminal 5, so I dragged my luggage to the train. Last year, I just took a train to Terminal 5 and hopped on the Oxford bus. Well, there is no train to Terminal 5 anymore. Then 5 different people told me how to get to Terminal 5 in five different ways. Finally, I found the bus to Terminal 5, hopped on it and dragged all of my luggage behind me. I found Carrie, and we were off to Oxford. You know, typing this traveling experience out does not do it justice. I think I’ll have to request the security video from Heathrow to show you all what an ordeal it was!

Anyway, we arrived in Oxford, grabbed our keys to our residences, and moved in. The first night, I just unpacked and I was unconscious by 10:30 p.m. Since then, I’ve been unpacking bit by bit, and I’ve set up my room quite nicely. I even bought a rubber ducky hamper (I believe that this is the highlight of my year abroad, so far!). I’m living in a single, and it’s about half the size of a typical dorm at Holy Cross. I have the typical desk, wardrobe, bed, computer chair, and easy chair. The room also has a sink and cabinet, and it’s wonderful to be able to brush my teeth in my room. The kitchen and bathroom area are shared between the seven other people who live on my hall. All in all, it’s a great living situation.

As for Oxford, it feels like I never left. Everything has been fantastic so far. The only part that I’m still rather nervous (well, that’s not the right word) about is getting my own food. I’m so used to Kimball that this is going to be quite the switch for me. It’ll all work out; don’t worry! But the actual city of Oxford is fantastic. The people here have been so helpful, and I feel perfectly situated. I won’t say acclimated just yet because I haven’t started classes. My first class is on October 9th, and then my next one is October 13th. Yes, I already have essays assigned. I’m just so excited for this year to really begin! Until then, though, I have to attend various Orientation (or, as they call it, Induction) meetings, but life will soon begin here in Oxford. How exciting!
Posted on

2 Days and Counting…

Last night, I couldn’t fall asleep. In order to cure my insomnia, I began thinking of what I need to pack for my year abroad (trust me, it helps). I then started thinking, “Well, I’m sleeping in my own bed for tonight, Sunday night, Monday night…and…oh, wait. That’s it.” Yes, it has finally dawned upon me that I’m leaving the country in TWO DAYS. I’m beginning to think that I’m crazy for doing this in the first place. Packing up at the end of last semester was difficult enough. Condensing everything that I need until the end of June (well, it might be August, but that’s for another post) into two suitcases, a backpack, and a laptop bag is extremely difficult. And I’m not just talking about clothes. My list of books to pack is way too high at the moment.

Tomorrow is, by far, going to be one of the busiest days of my life. I’m getting my braces off (YAY!), running to the bank, packing, doing about a million things on the computer, running here and there, and trying not to forget stuff. I really cannot believe that I’m leaving in two days. It seems so unreal!
Posted on

September 21, 2009

This past weekend was amazing. I was so happy that I was able to see my friends and professors one more time before I head across the pond. Here’s a recap of each day:

Friday: I had several meetings with various professors. I honestly think that I was busier this weekend than any other weekend I have ever been on the hill. I met with Prof. Matlak who directs CISS. As I’m sure that you’ve all figured out by now, I’m really interested in Medieval Studies (how many boring posts have I included shout-outs to St. Augustine and the Beowulf poet?), and I’ve contemplated declaring a minor in Medieval Studies. Unfortunately, Holy Cross doesn’t have a template for said minor. Actually, I’m really happy about that. This way, I can coordinate my own minor to the exact specifications of what I want to study. Anyway, I met with Prof. Matlak, and he advised me to make a double major out of it instead. Low and behold, I was doing some calculations (WHAT?!? Math somehow entered into my life?), and it turns out that I can still graduate on time with a double major in English and Medieval Studies. So, I spent some time in the library and began working on my proposal. At least it will give me something to do before I go abroad! Here’s how a CISS major proposal works: I’m required to select ten classes (14 if it’s a single major) from at least three different disciplines. This is why I’m really excited that there is no set template. I want to focus more on the philosophy, theology, and literature of the Middle Ages than anything else, so my ten courses will revolve around that. I’m also required to defend my class selections, and I also must persuade the CISS board why a Medieval Studies major would contribute to the academic life of Holy Cross. I also have to get two professors to agree to be my advisors. That’s the tricky part. But, it’s really not too much work, and I’ll be able to graduate with a degree in both of my academic loves. I’m so excited! Let’s just hope that my proposal is accepted by the CISS board.
After all of my meetings with professors, Melissa (my fellow blogger) and I decided to go out to dinner. We were going to eat at Uno’s at Blackstone Valley Shops; however, the bus for Providence arrived at the same time, and Melissa and I decided to jump on it. We spent far too much time at Cheesecake Factory and we also ate too much food. However, it was worth it!

Saturday: Well, the Crusaders broke my curse. Our football team won a game at which I was present! Well, I wasn’t exactly present for the entire game, but I was still on campus. I’m so excited that the curse is finally broken. Anyway, I met up with a lot of my friends on campus, and I also saw my good friend Kelsey, who studied at Oxford last year. She gave me some insider tips on how to survive a full year and such. After hearing some of her experiences, I have high expectations for my year abroad!
Also, Ashley family had an emergency on Saturday night. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Sunday: Sunday was my last day on the Holy Cross campus until August 24, 2010. On that day, I will enter into my senior year (hopefully in a senior apartment, but we’ll see). It’s a weird feeling. I’m still a student at Holy Cross, but I’m not at the same time. I mean, an entire year will pass in which everyone at Holy Cross will have grown and learned new information, both in their classes and about themselves; I’ll come back with a full year of amazing experiences, both academic and personal, and yet it’s still the same year. When I was at the 11:30 Mass and I didn’t participate, it kind of hit me. Oh goodness – is this how I’m going to feel right after I graduate? I hope not!

Anyway, I’m now back at home in Georgia. There are monsoons here (literally. My backyard is a lake), and I’m spending my time working on this major proposal and several other documents. My suitcases are sitting on my sister’s bed, and they’re just waiting to be filled. I have eight days left before I begin the adventure of my life. Now that I’ve visited Holy Cross and everyone there, I don’t think I could be more ready.