I knew this was coming, but at the same time, something told me it wasn't real. When I got accepted to study abroad at Oxford University nearly six months ago I was beyond excited. I wanted to shout it to the world and run down the street and tell strangers that passed me by. Going to England was something I had dreamed and fantasized about since I was a kid and not only was I moving there for four months, I was going to study at one of the most prestigious and well respected universities in the entire world! It was too good to be true!
And for a long time, I think I went through the process with that mindset. I was in such shock that this had happened, that reality had never gotten the opportunity to sink in and therefore I treated the preparations like a game. It was like I was playing a grown-up version of a child-like fantasy and everyone else in my life just happened to be playing along. There was no possible way that I could really be moving to England to study at Oxford. Me...the girl who has never left home, still sleeps with a stuffed animal (yes, for the sake of emphasis, I admit it), and does very little in terms of social activities? This just seemed way too out of my reach.
And now I leave a week from tomorrow and my mind still hasn't fully comprehended the idea. The suitcase is laying open on my bed, clothes are thrown all over my room, books and papers are gathered all over the house... I'm scrambling to gather it all at the last minute but I'm also still in disbelief that this is really happening. I'm waiting to wake up or for someone to say surprise. But what if nothing happens? In one week I'm going to leave my family for the first time and I don't know if I'm ready to do that yet. Needless to say, I'm nothing but a bundle of nerves right now as the reality is starting to slowly sink in.
But at the same time, I have to remember that this was a choice I made. I chose to move to England for four months and apply to Oxford. I'm going to be forced into a new, more adult lifestyle and it's time to start recognizing that as a reality. This is something I have to do. It'll be much more than a chance to grow academically. Let's hope it'll be a great maturing experience as well.
So here are the basics: Right now I'm a Junior at Eastern University in Pennsylvania. I'm spending the Spring 2012 semester at Oxford University (through the Oxford Study Abroad Programme) as a member of New College. I'm taking two one-on-one tutorials: one in Shakespeare and one in Jane Austen. This blog is meant to document all my travels and experiences while I'm away (specifically for all my friends and family at home). I'll do my best to post as often as I can and I'll add pictures too (cause I know that's what everyone really cares about). So hopefully you all enjoy! Thanks for reading!
