Hilary Term

Indecision is one of my largest faults. It litters my days. Should I make toast, or yogurt? Do I want to start writing my essay now, or later? Etc. The point being that while I should post about my adventures abroad, I'll probably only do it in an opportune moment, when a fleeting emotion passes over me.

That being said, what is this post about? Hilary Term! In other words, the second term in the Oxford academic cycle, the winter term.

As we're now in third week (out of eight), the work has settled into a structured zone. I've met my tutors and developed a rhythm for my work schedule (if that's even possible). This term I'm studying 20th Century British Authors/Poets and the Bronte Sisters. It's always interesting to compare initial reactions and thoughts to later judgments. Initially I thought I would love 20th century authors, and then I realized how little I admire Modernism as a literary period, although I appreciate the knowledge gained. On the other hand, I've learned that I'm so tied to the Bronte Sisters it's hard to remove myself from the role of reader to the role of critical analyst. But the most satisfying part of the Oxford experience is looking back at my whole term and viewing how I've grown as a student and writer. What's even better is to realize how much insight into different literary periods, authors, and moments I've gained. Because what is so immensely important about English Literature is connections. Although it may seem simple, authors influence other authors. Ideas span centuries, and they morph into their new contexts. It's amazing to read Emily Bronte and then read Virginia Woolf's opinion of her as an author. To me, it is the simple connections that make the most profound differences. It is elementary, and easily overlooked.

I often find that I equate my emotional state and thoughts to the different authors. In a sense it can seem pig-headed, who am I to relate my commonplace problems with that of T.S. Eliot or Virginia Woolf? But as active authors and poets who sought to express their modern problems, isn't it a reverberation of feeling that I should do the same? I think you lose a part of yourself when you publish your greatest works. The privacy of your own talent and personal piece becomes public and mass judgment skews your intentions. The way the world views your piece is always unpredictable, and it's very possible there were many Virginia Woolfs too shy to share their literary mastery. And that makes me question--who was in the better position? The woman who wrote and kept it to herself all her life? Or the woman who wrote and became a phenomenon? Because although fame seems wonderful, isn't privacy so much more comfortable? Yet comfort and privacy are to each it's own--one may desire both, or neither.

So after that terribly inane literary squabble, I'm trying to intimate that Hilary term, like my other terms, is making me think, really think. That's what my entire Oxford experience thus far has provided for me. I evaluate my life situation more and more. Now you can say no one needs to evaluate their life at twenty this much, but it's also a highly personal place. Thinking and communicating are what we do constantly, day in and day out, and while it comes effortlessly, it is so much the grain of our being. So for me, I see it as development.

Hopefully my next post will be about going to different European nations, but the thing about it being my blog is you never know what will come next! I guess that's the positive side of indecision, spontaneity is at its best!

Long Time, No Text?

So I neglected the study abroad blog for a solid two months, but now that I'm back at Oxford and beginning classes again, I decided to post a new entry!

If you've been following my travels through social media or my family, you know I've been to a fair few places--8 countries and various cities. In order to do justice to my travels properly, I will post more on each country individually, but to give you a taste for where I went, here is a list:

1) Ireland--Dublin, Cork, Galway, Killarney
2) Spain--Madrid (for one night), Salamanca, El Manzano, Villabona/San Sebastian, Donostia (most of the surrounding Basque region)
3) Germany--Berlin and Munich
4) Czech Republic--Prague
5) Austria--Vienna and Salzburg
6) Switzerland--Zurich, Lucerne, and Geneva
7) France--Paris
8)Belgium--Brussels

I spent roughly a week in Ireland with my Mom, traveling from place to place. I then spent the Christmas holidays in Spain with a family friend. Finally, I spent 18 days on a very fast-paced and jam-packed tour of Central Europe.

My accommodations varied from hotels with my Mom to actual homes in Spain to various hostels in Europe. I tried all sorts of cultural dishes, heard several languages, and lived out of a suitcase for five and a half weeks. A lot of my friends from both the UK and home were a bit astonished at this, and I was haggardly exhausted by the end, but it is an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. Now that I'm back in Oxford, slaving away over a paper on T.S. Eliot (probably my least favorite poet ever), I am nostalgic for the days of freedom and tiresome travels.

The biggest takeaway from my travels was realizing that you connect with people who don't speak the same primary language as you. I met all sorts of people in the hostels, people that I will most likely never see again. And while it's a strange notion to comprehend, the slight impact they made on my day changed the scope of those travels.

So here's a teaser for my later entries:

Zurich, Switzerland

Of my fast-paced travels, Switzerland was my favorite country. The scenery was unbelievably gorgeous!

Ode to Adjustment

Culture shock, alienation, a new landscape.

All of these things bring to mind what it's like to move to a new place. That new place may be in your home country, and it could even be just ten miles away from your old residence. Let's face it, life is a constant stream of adjustment. Everyone likes to assume an appearance of having it all figured out, of having the hang of their lives. But no matter who, and no matter where, it takes time to settle into new situations.

Most days I wake up and go through a ritual of making coffee, toast, and checking my e-mail. It's amusing because without realizing it, we inhabit a new way of life wherever we go, but with the same mannerisms we've always used. I don't think I truly realized how much Lady Margaret Hall is my home until this morning. I've been here almost seven weeks, sleeping in the same bed, using the same small kitchen day-in and day-out. But the really resonant moment was when I thought about skipping a lecture. (I did, I am a BA). I was speaking with a student from a different Oxford college over the weekend and he told me there are three sectors to Oxford life (and most universities honestly).

1) Academics
2) Social Life
3) Extracurriculars

He said you can only efficiently do two of these things with good time management. And I completely agree. If you want to get really excellent scores and maintain clubs and a social life, it's virtually impossible. I observe it with the students around me--the ones who are hard club-goers are falling behind in classes, and subsequently their health (the flu comes and goes around here like a madhouse). Those who are striving for 1sts (equivalent to an A+) and perfect essays, aren't making many new friends or attending activities. And the crux is, that no matter who you are, you cannot obtain all three sectors. Yes there are a few people who exceed what we think of as a sane schedule, but chances are they're not giving themselves enough downtime to reflect on their own lives.

So when all is said and done, I think I'm finally aware that England is my home, and it's not for a short period of time. There are glimpses when I am envious of the students who are only here for this term. They will be home with their families for Christmas, and back at their home schools by January. While it would be extremely easy to slip back into the American frame of mind, and have the security and safety of familiar faces and places, it is not necessarily what is best for me. I wouldn't want my Oxford experience to end after nine weeks here, that wouldn't be nearly enough time. And just because home is comfortable and less strenuous work doesn't mean I'd enjoy it more. Because there are so many adventures waiting, and so much living left here.

In two and a half weeks I will be traveling across Europe for a month and a half. This will be my first excursion from England since I arrived, and I'm about to experience so much more about the differences and similarities in human nature. I've been asked numerous times from British students what the biggest difference between England and the US is. But, in reality, we're all people, and we all have similar desires and needs. It's not about what's different between us that makes this experience singular, but how we're all much the same, and how anywhere you go, you can realize that.

Afternoon Tea

Yesterday my friend I and ventured into town for a special treat—afternoon tea! We first browsed Crowley Street, right outside the city centre, which is known for its shops. The area was a little dingy, but offered many second-hand/thrift shops, which are called "hospices". I scored a beige sweater for £4 so that was a win!

For tea we went to the Grand Cafe, located on The High (yes Oxford just like OSU has a major street called High Street!). It is known to be the oldest coffee house in England, which I found fascinating, as I am the world's biggest coffee fan. The tea tray we split included scones, finger sandwiches, and coffee/tea, which was a marvelous meal! It was my first experience trying the famous English clotted cream, and it was superb! (I know I'm ranting about food, but it was so good!) 

If you ever come to England for a visit, a high tea is a must. It might not sound like something up your alley, but it is delicious and worth the small fortune. (Plus if you split it with a friend it's very reasonable). Overall high tea was an absolute success and a treat I will try again!

High Tea Platter

Saturdays are for Exploration and Sundays are for Studying...

Now that I have a bike, traveling to and from places in Oxford is much easier! Yesterday, my friend and I ventured into a part of Oxford called Jericho where we browsed the streets. Littered with cafes, boutiques, and restaurants, the area is a lovely spot for a Saturday. We ventured into a charming greek cafe where we studied and had some tasty treats.

We (my friend and I) can now boast of being able to cook for ourselves. Although it took three weeks to acquire the cooking-ware and finally decide to buy fresh food, we are now adept artisans of egg-making!

Me and my trusty Olympus Coral!

A lovely gift shop full of colorful items!

Autumn foliage!

A small park we found located next to the rail tracks!

Treats!

EGGS, nomz!

The Workload

The struggle is real. This week I have come down with a bout of "fresher's flu", and the workload has been heavy. Managing the toils of a cold while simultaneously writing and reading for two essays is *dun, dun, dun* difficult. I received my first set of feedback, which wasn't horrible, but mainly means I have to change how I structurally write essays since I am used to the American system. (I know, boring blog post, right?). Anyway, an interesting tid bit was that my tutor and I talked about differences in writing for public audiences and private audiences in the journals authored by nineteenth century women.

Being critically critiqued is hard to adjust to, especially after having university work come fairly easily to me, but it also means that I will become a better analyst. I think the main thing to keep in mind is the importance of learning, and as long as that is my goal, then I will find myself successful.

So apart from studying, I do sometimes socialize. One of my favorite university events is called Formal Hall. Every friday you can opt into a three-course dinner with formal dress. It is gorgeous--both visually and food-wise. It also makes me feel a bit like I'm eating a feast in the Great Hall at Hogwarts, so that's a plus too. Now I just have to make my way to Christ Church College and slip into their dining hall since the HP Great Hall set is modeled after their design!

The First Tutorial

So the first of many has finally commenced, the tutorial session. The good part is that my tutor is an absolute gem. She made me tea, is very kind, and not at all intimidating. This doesn't mean she won't rip my papers to shreds, but she'll do it with a sweet disposition.

It is truly a relief to have the first session over with, and while this means the brunt of my work is underway, it also means the most interesting studies of my life. This particular class is a cross-section of British women writers from the Regency period to contemporary literature AND creative writing! I mean how majorly amazing is that!? I never dreamt I could take a class this fascinating!

Alas, I have my work cut out for me here, but I am so looking forward to this challenge. I really have to thank my brother for convincing me to go to Oxford, props to you Chris!