I would love to share everything I have done this semester abroad, but I have no doubt
that cataloguing all of my experiences would take up an entire book. For brevity’s sake, I’ll try to
provide a few highlights of my favorite adventures. I’ve hiked a mountain in a secluded area of
Norway. I’ve walked the same walk C. S. Lewis walked when he converted to theism. I’ve seen
the areas that Bram Stoker used in his novel, Dracula. I’ve been thoroughly spooked by the
Crypt of the Capuchin Monks in Rome. I’ve been to the Emirates Stadium and watched and
watched Arsenal play live. But the most significant part of this journey has been simply living an
ordinary life amongst these people who are so different from me.
Watching Arsenal play against Leicester City
Studying abroad has helped me expand my horizons so much, and appreciate things I
never used to notice. While originally, I found England somewhat overwhelming because of how
different things were, I now feel much more at home here. I already know there will be a part of
me that will always long for England when I return home. But living in England has also had a
rather unexpected effect on me: I now have an even better appreciation for American culture. As
much as I really don’t want to go back home quite yet, I am looking forward to certain things in
America (like free refills at restaurants). Studying abroad has shown me that every culture has
something to offer. Even though a place might seem strange and backwards and even alien, if
you let go of your inhibitions and allow yourself to truly experience the culture, you will
undoubtedly learn to appreciate it.
St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome
Studying abroad has also taught me a lot of things about myself. It’s shown me new
passions that I never expected. I used to think being alone was the dullest way someone could
spend their time. But now one of my favorite pastimes in Oxford is to go to a café and drink a
cup of tea while enjoying the quiet solitude. I still love being with a large group of friends,
laughing and telling stories. If anything, I appreciate that more now that I’ve discovered another
way to spend my time.
Addison’s Walk in Magdalen College where C. S. Lewis Became a Theist
Oxford has also helped me rediscover old habits that used to mean so much to me. When
I was younger, I loved reading books and trying to write my own stories. As I got older and
classes got more difficult, I slowly started to put that part of my life to the side. Finally, as a
result of college classes and a job, I almost stopped reading altogether. While abroad, I started to
read some classic English literature on the advice of a friend who had studied in Oxford. It’s
been an amazing experience because I had almost forgotten how much I loved literature. One of
my favorite memories of this trip might very well be reading Dracula in a café in city center.
I am already feeling heartbroken writing this blog post because it means my semester
abroad has almost finished. As much as I look forward to seeing my family and friends in Texas
and telling them all my stories, I really don’t want to leave yet. This place feels too much like
home now. But I’m taking comfort in knowing that what I’ve experienced here will live with me
forever.