The term is moving so quickly! I am busy all the time, but classes are going incredibly well. The work is really starting now - my friend and housemate, Marbre, and I were just talking about how we are over the "Wow, we're at Oxford" phase and are now thinking "Wow, we actually need to do Oxford work." But everyone is in the same position, so the free time is that much sweeter. And we definitely still have fun! One of my favorite things about the collegiate system is the small community; someone is always around to talk or hang out.
And Friday night was absolutely fabulous! It was Rotary Italian Evening, so the three Italian students cooked a gorgeous meal for us (pasta has never tasted so good), plus they did a slide show and performed a monologue describing the Italian family. I love my fellow scholars!! They are just such great people, and I feel so connected to them because of the Rotary link. I am glad we have so many events planned for the year. Next is American night, but I am not sure how we can top the Italians....
And there is such excitement here about the election! It is ridiculous how much people know about American politics - puts me to shame sometimes. Everyone knows FL is a swing state, so it is great fun answering questions. Needless to say, if the world could vote, it would be a landslide for Obama.
The weather has gotten very cold in the last couple of days. I hear it is pretty cold in the panhandle too, but please send me warm mental vibes!
And I have a meeting with my dissertation supervisor this Friday, along with a presentation. Thank you all for your prayers! I feel like it is all falling into place, as much as it can at this point.
Also, family, you will be happy to know that my housemates and coursemates are very considerate of my allergies. It's actually quite endearing how concerned people are when I tell them! :)
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Matriculation and More
I am officially a member of Oxford University! On Saturday, we all dressed in sub fusc (black and white with gowns and bows), marched to Exam Schools in rows of three (six of us African Studies students were together, so it was a fun walk), and listened to a few phrases in Latin. It was a quick ceremony - maybe only 10 minutes - but I loved the tradition and ceremony of it all! I felt like I was part of the great history of this university and the long line of students who have gone before. Plus, we had a fabulous brunch in college, though I still am not used to having beans with breakfast instead of grits :)
Afterwards, ten of us went punting (sort of like a gondola boat) near Magdalen (pronounced Maudlin) Bridge. The sun was out, the leaves were falling - it was perfect! A very Oxford day, indeed.
On Sunday, eight of us Ambassadorial Scholars got together for an informal brunch (two brunches in one weekend = happiness) and to discuss our group project for the year: we are going to try to work on raising money for lapdesks for children in South Africa - more to come!! I am enjoying getting to know the other scholars because we all have a deep interest in public service and share a lot in common.
In the evening, with a few friends from my house, I attended Evensong - an Anglican service famous for boys' choirs. A few colleges have it, but we attended Christ Church, where Harry Potter was filmed (and other - arguably - more important events have occurred, I am sure). The atmosphere was incredible, and the choir soothing.
And Monday evening was my first presentation to a Rotary Club! The Haddenham members were incredibly welcoming, and the environment was relaxed and intimate - we met in the back room of a great little pub. I had a blast! Everyone even participated in my interactive lesson in southern phrases! It was a truly great place to give my first presentation, and I hope to see some of the members again at other events. Plus, I loved seeing John and Gyl! They give me such a great feeling of warmth and of being at home.
And, of course, I have been attending class and doing lots of work. My preconceptions are being challenged every day!
In case you can't tell, I love Oxford!!
Afterwards, ten of us went punting (sort of like a gondola boat) near Magdalen (pronounced Maudlin) Bridge. The sun was out, the leaves were falling - it was perfect! A very Oxford day, indeed.
On Sunday, eight of us Ambassadorial Scholars got together for an informal brunch (two brunches in one weekend = happiness) and to discuss our group project for the year: we are going to try to work on raising money for lapdesks for children in South Africa - more to come!! I am enjoying getting to know the other scholars because we all have a deep interest in public service and share a lot in common.
In the evening, with a few friends from my house, I attended Evensong - an Anglican service famous for boys' choirs. A few colleges have it, but we attended Christ Church, where Harry Potter was filmed (and other - arguably - more important events have occurred, I am sure). The atmosphere was incredible, and the choir soothing.
And Monday evening was my first presentation to a Rotary Club! The Haddenham members were incredibly welcoming, and the environment was relaxed and intimate - we met in the back room of a great little pub. I had a blast! Everyone even participated in my interactive lesson in southern phrases! It was a truly great place to give my first presentation, and I hope to see some of the members again at other events. Plus, I loved seeing John and Gyl! They give me such a great feeling of warmth and of being at home.
And, of course, I have been attending class and doing lots of work. My preconceptions are being challenged every day!
In case you can't tell, I love Oxford!!
Friday, October 17, 2008
End of Week One
Wow! What a great week! I was busy everyday, all day - with schoolwork, seminars, social events. The days have just flown by, and I know it will be the same for the rest of the semester (except even busier!).
My classes - just ten people led by a professor - were incredibly thought-provoking; I thoroughly enjoyed hearing the opinions of my course mates and dissecting our readings. On Thursday, in Researching Africa, Dr. Helene largely allowed us to follow our own conversation flows, focusing primarily on ethics. Today, Professor Anderson gave more directed points, but we still interjected our opinions and brought out different points in the material (I actually was the first to speak in both my classes!). We discussed colonialism, so it was important for him to provide a base of knowledge. I am learning so much!!
And not just in classes - also in informal conversations with my peers and in seminars. For example, I attended a great lecture last night on negotiating statelessness in Somalia. It's almost impossible to process all of this information!
Plus, the weather has been very mild; I've kept my window open almost all week and had some great running experiences. As I write, the sky is a vibrant pink, much deeper than a beach sunset.
I am so grateful for these opportunities!
My classes - just ten people led by a professor - were incredibly thought-provoking; I thoroughly enjoyed hearing the opinions of my course mates and dissecting our readings. On Thursday, in Researching Africa, Dr. Helene largely allowed us to follow our own conversation flows, focusing primarily on ethics. Today, Professor Anderson gave more directed points, but we still interjected our opinions and brought out different points in the material (I actually was the first to speak in both my classes!). We discussed colonialism, so it was important for him to provide a base of knowledge. I am learning so much!!
And not just in classes - also in informal conversations with my peers and in seminars. For example, I attended a great lecture last night on negotiating statelessness in Somalia. It's almost impossible to process all of this information!
Plus, the weather has been very mild; I've kept my window open almost all week and had some great running experiences. As I write, the sky is a vibrant pink, much deeper than a beach sunset.
I am so grateful for these opportunities!
Monday, October 13, 2008
First Lectures
Today I had the first lectures for my two core classes (Methodology and Social Themes). As St. Antony's houses African Studies, the seminars are held in the building literally next door to my residence. It was typical lecture style - the professor talks while we write very quickly! Both teachers, especially for CC2 (Core Course 2), structured their lectures clearly, and I enjoyed the material so much. I'm eager to have class discussions in smaller groups on Thursday and Friday! Though I have a lot of reading to do before then....But first most of us are going to a seminar tonight in the History Faculty on a very interesting topic I cannot directly recall right now. Haha - so much information in one day!
A great first day, I think! I can't believe there are only eight weeks in a term; no wonder we do so much work over the breaks.
A great first day, I think! I can't believe there are only eight weeks in a term; no wonder we do so much work over the breaks.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Am I here to attend school? Oh yes, I am.
Tomorrow I start classes, but this weekend felt like a vacation!
Ali, a former Ambassadorial Scholar, invited four current scholars to spend Saturday night with her family - an American husband and three beautiful young children. The four of us - Elizabeth, Josh, Kate, and me - caught a bus and met Ali outside of Oxford. Then we drove to a gorgeous National Trust site called Cliveden (http://www.clivedenhouse.co.uk/), where we strolled through the gardens and enjoyed another day of sun! Gary, Ali's husband, took Josh and me to a quaint pub on the river for a "swift half" [pint] - learning the lingo haha. Once in their Marlow home, we baked brownies, watched American football (OU vs. Texas on a special channel), listened to country music, and ate a delicious dinner!! It was a fabulous evening!
This morning, after a leaisurely breakfast, Gary drove us scholars on their boat down the Thames. It was still misty and cool, and I enjoyed seeing all the old English mansions. Plus, we went through a lock and a swan tried to eat my coat! Exciting.
We arrived fashionably late to the Rotary event in Harleyford. All the scholars in District 1090 introduced ourselves to members of the local clubs, and then we had a nice finger lunch. Again, the weather turned out to be just perfect! Phillip and Linda Bobby, my ride back to Oxford, took three of us on a lovely drive through the countryside, with everything glowing in the sunlight.
Then I went for a great run through city centre, and my house just finished a pot luck dinner ( I did not cook - just brought grapes, but the other food was fantastin)! I am really enjoying meeting and living with so many interesting people!
My first seminar is at 11am tomorrow. I can't believe it is really here! Thanks for everyone's thoughts and prayers. Love you!
Ali, a former Ambassadorial Scholar, invited four current scholars to spend Saturday night with her family - an American husband and three beautiful young children. The four of us - Elizabeth, Josh, Kate, and me - caught a bus and met Ali outside of Oxford. Then we drove to a gorgeous National Trust site called Cliveden (http://www.clivedenhouse.co.uk/), where we strolled through the gardens and enjoyed another day of sun! Gary, Ali's husband, took Josh and me to a quaint pub on the river for a "swift half" [pint] - learning the lingo haha. Once in their Marlow home, we baked brownies, watched American football (OU vs. Texas on a special channel), listened to country music, and ate a delicious dinner!! It was a fabulous evening!
This morning, after a leaisurely breakfast, Gary drove us scholars on their boat down the Thames. It was still misty and cool, and I enjoyed seeing all the old English mansions. Plus, we went through a lock and a swan tried to eat my coat! Exciting.
We arrived fashionably late to the Rotary event in Harleyford. All the scholars in District 1090 introduced ourselves to members of the local clubs, and then we had a nice finger lunch. Again, the weather turned out to be just perfect! Phillip and Linda Bobby, my ride back to Oxford, took three of us on a lovely drive through the countryside, with everything glowing in the sunlight.
Then I went for a great run through city centre, and my house just finished a pot luck dinner ( I did not cook - just brought grapes, but the other food was fantastin)! I am really enjoying meeting and living with so many interesting people!
My first seminar is at 11am tomorrow. I can't believe it is really here! Thanks for everyone's thoughts and prayers. Love you!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Sunny Days
The past two days have been sunny and crisp! Beautiful autumn days! But I do not want to get tricked into thinking this is the norm :) Though it is a fabulous way to start the semester.
I met today with a professor from the African Studies department, and tomorrow the entire staff will gather to assign dissertation supervisors. Please pray I am matched with a great instructor! I will work with him/her on narrowing my topic.
This afternoon, another student, Judith, and I explored the Social Sciences Library, which actually makes sense because it is very similar to FSU's. We are even able to check out books and browse the shelves. Judith and I agreed that we both feel much more comfortable with the entire library system.
Plus, I finally have access to laundry facilities and internet in my room!
I met today with a professor from the African Studies department, and tomorrow the entire staff will gather to assign dissertation supervisors. Please pray I am matched with a great instructor! I will work with him/her on narrowing my topic.
This afternoon, another student, Judith, and I explored the Social Sciences Library, which actually makes sense because it is very similar to FSU's. We are even able to check out books and browse the shelves. Judith and I agreed that we both feel much more comfortable with the entire library system.
Plus, I finally have access to laundry facilities and internet in my room!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Blenheim Palace and African Studies Orientation
On Saturday (aka my last free day, according to people in the know), a group of students from my college ventured eight miles north of the city to see England's Greatest Palace, given to the First Duke of Marlborough by Queen Ann for military service in Germany against France. Quite stunning! We spent nearly eight hours exploring the palace and the grounds; it was cold, windy, and rainy, but the paths and flowers were beautiful, especially by the lake. Blenheim - a World Heritage Site - offers an guided tour, a multimedia program, and a special display on Churchill, who was born in the palace. Being the nerds that we are, my friends and I did all three, and we even hiked to Bladon to see Churchill's grave. Then we walked through the adjacent town of Woodstock - a perfectly English town. I wish you all could have been with me!
I found the reality of aristocracy sort of difficult to grasp, betraying my American roots. The 11th Duke of Marlborough is still living on the greatness of his ancestor. However, I can appreciate the ceremonial role he might play in England, and the house is a pretty sweet place to spend Christmas. Overall, a very fabulous day! (Though I did miss FSU beating Miami :) )
On Sunday I went with a few friends to church at St. Ebbes, an Anglican church. I enjoyed seeing families and getting a sense of fellowship - feeling connected to home. Plus, church is always a great way to get to know a culture. I plan on exploring more services, including student options in the colleges.
Over the past two days, I attended Orientation for MSc in African Studies. At first I felt overwhelmed (understatement) by the information, but today I am mostly very excited (though I know I will be busy for basically the next nine months)! The last session today allowed us to speak with former students of the program, which grounded the experience and made all of us current students feel like we are capable of making it to the end - there is a way through! Plus, the topics seem incredibly interesting, and I know I am going to learn a great deal from my classmates (only 2 Americans out of 31!). I actually just had an informal meeting with my peers who are both in my college and in African Studies; we are planning on having weekly study groups. It makes me feel so good to have so many support networks - Rotary, African Studies, St. Antony's, and of course family!
I found the reality of aristocracy sort of difficult to grasp, betraying my American roots. The 11th Duke of Marlborough is still living on the greatness of his ancestor. However, I can appreciate the ceremonial role he might play in England, and the house is a pretty sweet place to spend Christmas. Overall, a very fabulous day! (Though I did miss FSU beating Miami :) )
On Sunday I went with a few friends to church at St. Ebbes, an Anglican church. I enjoyed seeing families and getting a sense of fellowship - feeling connected to home. Plus, church is always a great way to get to know a culture. I plan on exploring more services, including student options in the colleges.
Over the past two days, I attended Orientation for MSc in African Studies. At first I felt overwhelmed (understatement) by the information, but today I am mostly very excited (though I know I will be busy for basically the next nine months)! The last session today allowed us to speak with former students of the program, which grounded the experience and made all of us current students feel like we are capable of making it to the end - there is a way through! Plus, the topics seem incredibly interesting, and I know I am going to learn a great deal from my classmates (only 2 Americans out of 31!). I actually just had an informal meeting with my peers who are both in my college and in African Studies; we are planning on having weekly study groups. It makes me feel so good to have so many support networks - Rotary, African Studies, St. Antony's, and of course family!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Farmers' Market
Just a quick post to say I love the art of living in Europe! I found a Farmers' Market today, where I bought homemade butternut squash soup, sunflower bread, brie cheese, and raspberry and peach jam. More fun and a better quality than Publix, that's for sure!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
First Day of Orientation
Hundreds of international students met at the Examination Schools - beautiful structures built in the late 1800s where all pupils take exams over several weeks (I got a little nervous just thinking about being there for exams in June :) ). The university seemed well-prepared, with handouts on everything from IT to bicycle safety. The most useful seminars were on the library system (hopefully the first of several introductions) and on adjusting the the structure of Oxford - for example, the role of the collegiate system. It was so great to be with other new students who are adjusting just like me!
I am starting to know a lot of people in my college, including a couple from African Studies, and I will see all of the Rotary students again this Sunday for a walk around the city.
And I spent yesterday evening with my English 'family'! John, Gyl, and I attended an evening meeting with Bicester Rotary Club - so relaxed and leisurely. The speaker was the diretcor of an organization called Oxford Inspires, a group that creates and highlights cultural events in Oxfordshire, including events like cooking classes for kids and light shows on the mains streets of Oxford. A very wonderful evening! Plus, Gyl gave me an extra blanket, so I was nice and warm last night...finally!
I am starting to know a lot of people in my college, including a couple from African Studies, and I will see all of the Rotary students again this Sunday for a walk around the city.
And I spent yesterday evening with my English 'family'! John, Gyl, and I attended an evening meeting with Bicester Rotary Club - so relaxed and leisurely. The speaker was the diretcor of an organization called Oxford Inspires, a group that creates and highlights cultural events in Oxfordshire, including events like cooking classes for kids and light shows on the mains streets of Oxford. A very wonderful evening! Plus, Gyl gave me an extra blanket, so I was nice and warm last night...finally!
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