And so another major life event finishes. I'll try not to be sentimental and sigh about how much I am going to miss Oxford with its dreaming spires and wonderful people, but I feel as though I must say something to properly close this chapter before I can begin blogging about the next adventure. Of course it is impossible to sum up an entire year in one post, but I'll just mention a few things that come to mind:
Dissertation--how can I not mention this dreaded word first since it has consumed the better part of my year here? It was a lot of work, but I think I am happy with the result. Let's just hope the examiners feel the same way!
ALSLA--an interesting course, and I think I learned a lot. I think I learned more, though, how little I actually know. I will never "catch up" on reading research articles! I think I will always be a student, and always want to keep learning more.
Sub fusc--I really did enjoying dressing up like Harry Potter. I just wish we also had wands!
Formal dinners--another reason to wear the Harry Potter gowns, and have second desserts! (but I never did understand why port and cheese was considered "dessert")
Punting--very enjoyable as long as the current is not strong. I also love the fact that St. Hilda's was right on the river.
Rowing--very difficult, but I think I would give it another go if I came back to Oxford. I at least now can appreciate a good erg work out!
Cycling--I now believe this is the best mode of transportation in the world, but I also think I am very fortunate to have not been flattened by a bus or to have run over a tourist. Both of these calamities almost became reality on multiple occasions.
Rain--It really does rain in England. You think it's going to be a sunny day, but you're wrong. Always.
Rubbish/lift/chips, etc--are all nice addition to my vocabulary now, though they sound silly coming out of my mouth with an American accent. British spellings, however, drive me nuts. I am changing my Word default back to American English and never looking back.
The Hooligans--the best group of college mates ever! I still can't believe how much fun we had in just one year. And I would like to remind everyone that the Facebook group was my idea :)
Libraries--I love libraries, and I don't think I will ever find another library as wonderful as the Bodleian. I also think I probably spent at least one cumulative month in St. Hilda's library.
That certainly is not a complete list, but considering I have to catch a bus to the airport in 4 hours, I think I will stop. I am not ready to say good bye to Oxford yet, so I think I will just say "see you later." I always seem to find a way back to places that I have lived in and traveled to before, and Oxford will be no exception.
Dissertation--how can I not mention this dreaded word first since it has consumed the better part of my year here? It was a lot of work, but I think I am happy with the result. Let's just hope the examiners feel the same way!
ALSLA--an interesting course, and I think I learned a lot. I think I learned more, though, how little I actually know. I will never "catch up" on reading research articles! I think I will always be a student, and always want to keep learning more.
Sub fusc--I really did enjoying dressing up like Harry Potter. I just wish we also had wands!
Formal dinners--another reason to wear the Harry Potter gowns, and have second desserts! (but I never did understand why port and cheese was considered "dessert")
Punting--very enjoyable as long as the current is not strong. I also love the fact that St. Hilda's was right on the river.
Rowing--very difficult, but I think I would give it another go if I came back to Oxford. I at least now can appreciate a good erg work out!
Cycling--I now believe this is the best mode of transportation in the world, but I also think I am very fortunate to have not been flattened by a bus or to have run over a tourist. Both of these calamities almost became reality on multiple occasions.
Rain--It really does rain in England. You think it's going to be a sunny day, but you're wrong. Always.
Rubbish/lift/chips, etc--are all nice addition to my vocabulary now, though they sound silly coming out of my mouth with an American accent. British spellings, however, drive me nuts. I am changing my Word default back to American English and never looking back.
The Hooligans--the best group of college mates ever! I still can't believe how much fun we had in just one year. And I would like to remind everyone that the Facebook group was my idea :)
Libraries--I love libraries, and I don't think I will ever find another library as wonderful as the Bodleian. I also think I probably spent at least one cumulative month in St. Hilda's library.
That certainly is not a complete list, but considering I have to catch a bus to the airport in 4 hours, I think I will stop. I am not ready to say good bye to Oxford yet, so I think I will just say "see you later." I always seem to find a way back to places that I have lived in and traveled to before, and Oxford will be no exception.
