by Cameron Hazzard| Summer 2025 |
This past month abroad has been nothing short of amazing. As a triple major in Information Systems, Finance, and Accounting, life is usually packed with responsibilities, and it’s hard to find time for experiences like this. With the Honors Travel Grant, I was able to try new things and enjoy local favorites without the worry of finances. As this trip comes to an end, I am satisfied with what I’ve been able to experience and have zero regrets!
What made this trip truly unique were the opportunities that emerged beyond the classroom. I’ve been involved with basketball trick dunking for a few years now. It started as a hobby that I strictly did for fun, but that all changed during my time in Europe. I reached out to a few local dunkers in London just to connect, not expecting anything more. But then my dunking social media account began to gain traction overseas. Suddenly, my connections expanded, and I was able to compete in a few professional events every weekend. Each opportunity became an unforgettable experience – not just exploring the city and touristy attractions, but performing in shows, competing in contests, and most importantly, meeting new people from all corners of the basketball world.
Aside from my passion for basketball, I developed spiritually more than you might initially think. In my Bible class, Christianity and Culture, students were taken to various types of churches throughout our time abroad. Within a single month, I visited six or seven unique churches that all had different styles of worship shaped by the culture around them. As someone who grew up in a single non-denominational church, some of the ideas of worship I learned about in Bible class never really clicked with me. That is, until I got to experience them in person. Assisted by rich readings in class, my eyes were opened to what Christianity looks like from a non-American perspective. At first, some services seemed cultish, but after letting it sink in while in Oxford, I began to see the beauty. Despite vastly different backgrounds, I was reminded that we are all part of a single church body for the sole purpose of serving a God higher than ourselves. Although the style of worship may have been a culture shock for me, eventually I found comfort in knowing that Christ’s body spreads to the ends of the earth, not just in my bubble in America.
One goal remained constant throughout it all: bringing glory to the Kingdom. My coach back in the U.S. used to repeat that phrase constantly, and it echoed in my head throughout my time abroad. Whether I was doing workouts in the park, navigating the London Underground, or interacting with locals, I tried to carry myself with humility, love, and most importantly, purpose. At events, I met believers from different nations and cultures, worshiping the same God. Those moments reminded me how Christ and His mission are echoed throughout the entirety of our globe!
This trip not only changed how I see the world but also altered how I see my place in it. In Oxford, I got to share what I love, meet amazing people, and challenge my assumptions of Christianity and the culture surrounding it. It is bittersweet as this journey comes to an end, but the memories and friendships will last a lifetime.
