[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”992.9px” custom_margin=”-43px||-75px|||” custom_padding=”6px||4px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
While studying abroad in Oxford for the semester, I learned a lot about myself. The biggest thing I learned is that my Christianity might look different from the faith of those around me, and that\u2019s okay. I have spent much of my Christian life trying to mirror those around me instead of focusing on my individual relationship with God. Being away from my friends and family at home, I got the opportunity to discover myself and my faith more. Struggling with being seen as \u201cChristian\u201d in the eyes of those around me has been a huge part of my faith, and on this study abroad trip I have become more comfortable with the fact that I may not be viewed as \u201cChristian\u201d as the Christians around me, and that is okay.<\/span><\/p>\n I also grew in my faith in the physical environment I was in while in Oxford. Going on walks to Port Meadow by myself was one of my favorite things to do and I felt really connected to my surroundings and God while I was there. Port Meadow is such a naturally beautiful place that I could not help but think of God and His creations. Also, I made completely new friends because I didn\u2019t know anyone on the trip before, and now I call some of them my best friends. I discovered more about what it means to have true loving friendships with other women and how to express more affection within friendships. <\/span>Coming into this trip not knowing anyone was really scary and a big source of anxiety for me, but I was welcomed with nothing but acceptance and friendship by the amazing people around me. I got the wonderful opportunity to see more of the world through traveling on weekends and with class trips. <\/span><\/p>\n My favorite trip was when we went as a group to the Lakes District and I really appreciated and enjoyed the natural beauty of the English countryside. Another one of my favorite things I did was go to Italy with four other girls. I got to truly experience what it is like to be independent while traveling without my parents or someone else in charge, and I feel like I grew in responsibility. There were a few times we made mistakes in planning, and now I know how to better plan out traveling and booking things. In all, this semester made me grow more into the woman that I want to become. I became more comfortable with being myself, my faith, and being alone. Before this trip, I could have not imagined walking around a big city completely alone for hours, and now that is one of my favorite things to do. I looked forward to the long walk to classes because I got to walk alone and listen to my music. I learned how to enjoy spending time with myself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I am very thankful for being able to receive the travel grant from the ACU honors college for this study abroad trip and it would have been more difficult for me to come if I had not received it. The grant made a huge difference in my being able to come on this trip financially, and the grant was a huge contributor to my applying to the honors college in the first place. The fact that the honors college at ACU provides the opportunity for students to receive this grant is such a blessing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”396.4px” custom_margin=”|auto|-23px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”||17px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.acu.edu\/honorscollege\/files\/2022\/11\/BF056EB9-D4CA-490B-8C7D-4ECCAA8AC22B-Melanie-Mims-scaled.jpeg” title_text=”BF056EB9-D4CA-490B-8C7D-4ECCAA8AC22B – Melanie Mims” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” width=”93.5%” custom_margin=”|26px|1px|||” custom_padding=”|11px|0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Catherine, Michelle, Naomi, and I standing outside of the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” type=”1_2″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.acu.edu\/honorscollege\/files\/2022\/11\/460787FD-4735-4277-A698-1940A55D2038-Melanie-Mims-scaled.jpeg” title_text=”460787FD-4735-4277-A698-1940A55D2038 – Melanie Mims” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||2px|-21px||” custom_padding=”|||67px||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Me standing beside one of the guards at Windsor palace.<\/span><\/p>\n Featured Image: Naomi and I outside of a cafe in Windsor after visiting the Windsor palace.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" While studying abroad in Oxford for the semester, I learned a lot about myself. The biggest thing I learned is that my Christianity might look different from the faith of those around me, and that\u2019s okay.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18033,"featured_media":5903,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"1080","footnotes":""},"categories":[67],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5899","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"yoast_head":"\n