My first trip to London
After being away for five months, I return back to the familiar tracks of a wildcat. I can still remember September and the excitement I felt as I mentally prepared for the University of Nottingham, England. I knew it was going to be a challenge but I left fully armed with enthusiasm and optimism. My time abroad was unforgettable. I got to experience things I only dared to dream of. I got to immerse myself in a new way of life and discovered the true value of cultural competency. I got to experience many different countries as I traveled in England, Scotland, Spain, Italy, Germany, Czech Republic and France. With each country came a new lesson; everything from learning how to say thank you in German to reading a menu in French.
Taken during our Christmas break through Europe. This was one of my favorite cities Prague.
The memories and friendships I made while I was away, I will treasure for the rest of my life. It is rarely easy to venture from the familiar into the unknown, yet the result is well worth it. My time abroad was amazing but I must add being away also gave me an immense appreciation for home. I missed my family, friends, mentors, classmates, professors, everyone, I couldn’t wait to get back! The University of Nottingham is also much bigger than Linfield making academic connections difficult. I am very happy to be back on campus where there is a strong sense of community. Needless to say, the transition back has been fairly easy. I have had a bit of trouble staying focused and settling into a normal sleeping pattern but then again, as college students, those are normal problems to have. While there are a few things I need to get use too again, I am gladly working through them because this is where I want to be. I love Oregon and I love Linfield and all it has to offer. Through this experience I have seen how truly blessed I am and what a great place Linfield is to be!