The time has come, I am just two short days away from leaving this beautiful place and I can hardly believe it. This semester has been full of amazing adventures that I will cherish for a life time, and learning experiences that have helped me grow. I am excited for the transition back to the states but will look forward to the day I come back.
The goodbyes have started and many tears have already been shed but I think it all set in on this past Thursday, our last high table dinner. The evening was a lovely celebration of both our time here as a class, the time of our lovely British Studies prof Dr. Magennis, and the last 12 years of our principal Dr. Kingsly. Harlaxton will be quite different next semester with a new British Studies professor and a new principal, but I am so glad I was able to be here for their last semester. At the end of the evening we showed a video that us students put together with the help of our lovely intern to show just a glimpse of our semester here. I'll post the link! After the dinner the whole school went out to celebrate our semester together, even the professors and dean! Not a normal outing for the Harlaxton crew but it was something I will never forget!
http://youtu.be/MC8CtJmaeZw
Also this past week I said goodbye to my host parents, Richard and Ernestine Wells! Although we both wish we had spent more time together this semester I am grateful for their love and support, and for their willingness to teach me some of their traditions. A Full afternoon tea with scones, cakes, and sandwiches was the perfect last outing.
Lastly finals started this weekend.. yes we had finals on Easter. Two down one to go! Wednesday afternoon will be here faster than I am ready for.
To end this post I want to share a few things I will miss the most about being at Harlaxton.
1. Walking to the manor every morning for class even if I was annoyed by it some days I am thankful for the fresh air.
2. The normal conversation being "oh hey, how was France?" "Great, How was Portugal?"
3. Nights in the Bistro
4. Ordering pizzas with my friends
5. Constantly being in awe of the beauty of my home
6. Secret passage ways
7. Nature walks
8. The beauty of the English country side
9. Walking around the beautiful grounds
10. Being just a short walk from the people I love
11. My good night blessings from Grumpy the security guard
12. Sitting in the conservatory on sunny days
13. being just a train ride or short plane ride to the most beautiful places
14. The staff who actually make an effort to make a difference and get to know you
15. My host parents
16. Ziggy the shuttle driver
17. The excitement of Thursdays
18. Sunday evening dinners when everyone shares their weekend travel stories
19. Having a glass of wine with my dinner
20. New friends
And many more things..
Although I have had and amazing semester it wasn't always easy, traveling is stressful at times, people are mean, school is hard, the refectory food is barely edible, you get sick from wearing yourself thin far to often, and when you want to call home it's usually not a reasonable time. The current currency rate is so terrible that my money went much faster than planned and I will be working extremely hard this summer because of it. But if I could do it again I would in a heart beat! I have learned more about myself and grown closer to people I never imagined being close with. I have learned how to book a taxi to the train station, a train to another station, a train to the airport, all to hop on a plane to where we want to be. I have learned how to use the metro and buses in different countries with and without language barriers. I have learned how to get all of my school work done before Thursday so I could travel on the weekends. All of these lessons and experiences are more valuable than anything else, and I can't wait to share stories with everyone. What an amazing experience I have been blessed with!
Now on with the rest of my college career! Long Live the Queen!
The goodbyes have started and many tears have already been shed but I think it all set in on this past Thursday, our last high table dinner. The evening was a lovely celebration of both our time here as a class, the time of our lovely British Studies prof Dr. Magennis, and the last 12 years of our principal Dr. Kingsly. Harlaxton will be quite different next semester with a new British Studies professor and a new principal, but I am so glad I was able to be here for their last semester. At the end of the evening we showed a video that us students put together with the help of our lovely intern to show just a glimpse of our semester here. I'll post the link! After the dinner the whole school went out to celebrate our semester together, even the professors and dean! Not a normal outing for the Harlaxton crew but it was something I will never forget!
http://youtu.be/MC8CtJmaeZw
Also this past week I said goodbye to my host parents, Richard and Ernestine Wells! Although we both wish we had spent more time together this semester I am grateful for their love and support, and for their willingness to teach me some of their traditions. A Full afternoon tea with scones, cakes, and sandwiches was the perfect last outing.
Lastly finals started this weekend.. yes we had finals on Easter. Two down one to go! Wednesday afternoon will be here faster than I am ready for.
To end this post I want to share a few things I will miss the most about being at Harlaxton.
1. Walking to the manor every morning for class even if I was annoyed by it some days I am thankful for the fresh air.
2. The normal conversation being "oh hey, how was France?" "Great, How was Portugal?"
3. Nights in the Bistro
4. Ordering pizzas with my friends
5. Constantly being in awe of the beauty of my home
6. Secret passage ways
7. Nature walks
8. The beauty of the English country side
9. Walking around the beautiful grounds
10. Being just a short walk from the people I love
11. My good night blessings from Grumpy the security guard
12. Sitting in the conservatory on sunny days
13. being just a train ride or short plane ride to the most beautiful places
14. The staff who actually make an effort to make a difference and get to know you
15. My host parents
16. Ziggy the shuttle driver
17. The excitement of Thursdays
18. Sunday evening dinners when everyone shares their weekend travel stories
19. Having a glass of wine with my dinner
20. New friends
And many more things..
Although I have had and amazing semester it wasn't always easy, traveling is stressful at times, people are mean, school is hard, the refectory food is barely edible, you get sick from wearing yourself thin far to often, and when you want to call home it's usually not a reasonable time. The current currency rate is so terrible that my money went much faster than planned and I will be working extremely hard this summer because of it. But if I could do it again I would in a heart beat! I have learned more about myself and grown closer to people I never imagined being close with. I have learned how to book a taxi to the train station, a train to another station, a train to the airport, all to hop on a plane to where we want to be. I have learned how to use the metro and buses in different countries with and without language barriers. I have learned how to get all of my school work done before Thursday so I could travel on the weekends. All of these lessons and experiences are more valuable than anything else, and I can't wait to share stories with everyone. What an amazing experience I have been blessed with!
Now on with the rest of my college career! Long Live the Queen!
The famous apple tree at Isaac Newtons home!
Costume Ball!
Loving the Spring weather here!
Giant chocolate egg from my host parents!
Sharing this experience with my Chi O big sister!
End of the year Valedictory High Table Dinner!
Greeks from UE, University of Western Kentucky, Wabash, Texas Women's College, University of Southern Indiana!
High table dinner!
Happy Birthday Queen Elizabeth! Keep looking Fab! I'm sure tea time will fit better into my schedule next time! (a day late)
USA or Bust!
Until we meet again United Kingdom!
All My Love from Across the Pond,
Brooke
