There are many things that I did over the course of this semester, and I treasure those experiences–from sitting in the garden with my friends, to viewing Parliament, to jumping in the Thames, there are many moments that I have collected as wonderful memories.
My favorite class was taught by Dr. Winn, whom I lovingly refer to as my English English Professor. He taught us about the Romantic Poets that lived and wrote here. One of my favorite things that we did this semester was go to the Lake District. It’s this beautiful landscape that inspired many men and women generation after generation; I know why the poets lived there. The Lakes are magnificent and it is a time balanced with reflection and adventure.
Another class that I thoroughly enjoyed was taught by Dr. Talley. It was educational psychology and very discussion based. I also had the opportunity to read all of the Narnia books for school while I was here, which was quite a fun way to begin a class of theology. Additionally, I was walking the same streets that inspired the man who wrote these novels, and who contributed greatly to the Christian thinking of today. To have lived in Oxford is something that I will always be thankful for.
Oxford has been like a home to me. Her loving arms have been healing. Not only did she provide for me the distance from everything that I needed; she gave me life again. Though I loved my spring break and long weekend travels–the color and artful living in Italy, the fashionable cafes and culture of France, and the cuisine and countryside and kindness of Croatia–there is nothing like being held in the loving arms of Oxford. There is something about boarding a train going home to OX2 7NA that fills you with relief, no matter how much you enjoyed your day of travel. I have never seen such green as I do in the fields of Christ Church and Port Meadow. In this Ox-onian landscape, buildings rise up proudly, and I am humbled to study in a place that has nourished many mighty minds who have come before me.
Above all, I am thankful for the shared experience that this has created with my peers and me. I realized what was lacking when I came to college was the lack of shared experience between me and others. I was an older, non-traditional student. I was in a different place in my faith. I was unsure of many things, including myself. One of the greatest gifts I am bringing back with me is this little family of people who understand me and share this deeply meaningful experience with me. In Oxford, I learned the power of discourse. So much of our learning happens in dialogue with others. I connected with people in friendship. This transcended the group of ACU students that I traveled with; I also met people who live in Oxford. I will cherish their impact and reach out to them from back home. These relationships were often built by joining different groups and volunteering at St. Aldates. I did the alpha course and worked in kids ministry there. This semester reignited my love for learning and for life. I am thankful.
Featured Photo: This is my friends and I in the Yorkshire Dales! We went to a coffeeshop to start our day. (Back left: Me, Aidyn Carnes, Back right: Hannah Maniscalo, Front Left: Ainsley Roberts, Front Right: Noelle Villanueva).
This is the view of the city of Oxford from Port Meadow! I took my parents on a sunset walk here when they visited me. Port Meadow is one of the many places that makes Oxford what it is.
This is Lake Windermere. Our hostel was right beside it and my friends and I would sit here and read, write poems, and laugh. It was beautiful.