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Two Very Long Overdue Announcements

There are sometimes that I feel bad for you, dear readers. When you think about it, all of my posts from last year were pretty much “I LOVE OXFORD” or “I LOVE DANCING!” It’s okay; you can admit it – my feelings won’t be hurt!

Well, I’m sure that there were times that you were dragging through my entries and wondering if my dancing exploits and journey abroad would ever amount to something. Well, I’m quite happy to announce that two really awesome things did come out of my year abroad (well, okay. A lot of awesome things came out of my year abroad, but these are two major events that happened to me). This is the first time that I’m announcing them through my blog because…well…I was trying to be modest and I wanted my blog to focus more on my experience abroad. However, news of both of these awesome events is spreading like wildfire throughout campus, so I thought that I might as well let you all know about it too, since you experienced Oxford with me (in a way).

Firstly, Sigma Tau Delta, the national English honors society, awarded me a $3,000 scholarship to put toward my education whilst studying abroad. Only one of these awards is given out per academic year. I was selected due to my passion for English literature (albeit medieval and you wouldn’t know it was English unless someone told you), the high level of classes that I was taking at Oxford (Paleography, anyone?), and my desire to return to Oxford to complete my graduate studies in English literature there. So, to all of you future English majors: your major can be profitable!

Secondly, I am returning to England over Thanksgiving break to compete in the National ISTD Ballroom Dancing Championships. I won the Latin division in the regional qualifying event, so I was invited back to compete for the national title. This isn’t just a collegiate comp – this is  a much higher standard than collegiate competitions. So, while you’re all eating turkey and cranberry sauce, I’ll be practicing my cha cha lock steps! In addition, at the end of my year abroad, I was also awarded Team Colours, which is very similar to earning a varsity letter in America. Due to my dedication to the team and the high level of proficiency that I achieved in both Latin and Ballroom styles, my coaches and team president awarded me Team Colours. I’m the first visiting student and dancer of my level to achieve this honor in the 60 year history of the dancesport team/club at Oxford.

Unfortunately, the only photos that I have from the qualifying event are professional, so I can’t upload them here. (Thanks to my very good friend from Oxford, John Sinclair, for letting me use this photo!)
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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!
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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.