by Gracie Hurst| Fall 2024 |
Oxford was a semester full of laughs, tears, travel, and discovery. I have learned about concepts and discussed topics in ways I had previously not even considered, from the value of children’s literature to the power of rhetoric. In my academics, I have learned the power of questioning why I believe something. This idea came up in each of the four courses I took: Global Studies, Rhetoric/Communications, Children’s Literature of Great Britain, and Theological Studies of C.S. Lewis. As an English-teaching major, I found each of these classes important, as they helped me gain broader perspectives and look deeper into the reasons behind literature. One key idea of the academic aspect of studying abroad that will stick with me is that all literature is written for a reason and can be used as a mirror for introspection or a window into other perspectives.
Another aspect of studying abroad that affected me forever was the opportunity to travel. I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Edinburgh, Scotland; Athens and Santorini, Greece; The Lake District; The Yorkshire Dales; Bath; and London. Each of these traveling experiences will be one I never forget, from the amazing friends I traveled with to the awe-inspiring landmarks I saw. One place in particular that stood out to me was Edinburgh, as the historical significance of the sights was eye-opening. Going to Edinburgh Castle, I was expecting to see many interesting pieces of Scottish history. Although I did see those, I was even more surprised to learn that the castle was used to hold American prisoners during the Revolutionary War. There were old doors that had names and dates carved into them by these American prisoners, and this helped me realize how truly one-sided history can seem until you hear it from a different country’s perspective. Many of my travels continued to expand on this concept, through seeing how colonization was presented in London museums, contrasted to that of the Greek museums. Perspective is a valuable tool I am thankful to have gained this semester.
Personally, I have grown in my faith and sense of self over these past three months. Dr. Sanders traveled with my group, and she poured herself into making our cohort a family and organizing our weekly bible study. I am forever grateful for the people in this house who have made my time away from home feel like such a joyful experience. An Abilene native, I was totally unprepared for the utter aloneness one feels when thrown into a new place. However, as the weeks went by, the house became a place of love and fun. Staying up late for karaoke nights and laughing as we prepared meals are memories I will treasure forever. I was also given the opportunity to volunteer at a local church with their children’s ministry, and the mornings I spent volunteering were some of the moments I felt closest to the Lord. Through the guidance of the older volunteers, my professors, and the Sanders family, I believe that I grew closer to the Lord and learned who I am. I am forever blessed by my time at the ACU Oxford house, and I hope to carry these new perspectives and experiences with me throughout my life and career.
