May I be the first to say hello and welcome to my blog detailing the trials, joys, and misadventures of me, Kayla Haffley.
As a fortunate member of the Oxbridge Honors college at William Jewell College, I have been given the privilege to study at the University of Oxford Regent's Park College for the next year. That's right a Year! or really 9 months, but that is practically a year academically speaking. I get to immerse myself into the wonderful culture and luscious history of England and have the biggest opportunity to travel through the greater areas of Europe which will be but a small hop, skip, and a jump away!
But I haven't left quite yet, as you might have guessed by my future tone. No, the classes haven't started yet, and yes, it is nearly October, but the English collegiate system is a little different than what we, yanks are used to. The school year is divided into three terms of 8 week periods. The first term, Michaelmas, begins October 13th and runs until December 7th. The second term, Hilary, begins January 19th and runs until March 15th. The final term, Trinity, begins April 27th and ends June 21st. Between each term is a 5 week period where I will be free to travel to my hearts content. It is an amazing opportunity.
During my studies in Oxford, I will get to engage in British tutorials in the subjects of Neurobiology, Philosophy of Ascetics, Philosophy of the Mind and Economics of third world countries. An eclectic mix, but I am more than excited to begin my studies. Unlike American classes, Tutorials are largely independent with a one hour meeting every week or every other week with a tutor. Meetings consist of the tutor and one student or the tutor and a small group. Lectures from the worlds greatest minds will be given and students are expected to attend lectures relevant to their studies.
I'm sorry for the information dump, but I needed to get the paperwork out of the way.
So all this to look forward to and my flight is next Tuesday. I couldn't be more excited. But before that Packing! ALL the packing!
Only having two checked bags and a carry on really puts one's life into perspective. What is important, what can I buy when I get there and what can I live without? College has helped a lot; The moving back and forth between Indiana and Kansas City on a regular basis has severely restricted the amount of things I can own and comfortably travel with. But still with such limited baggage, it is difficult to determine which personal affects make the cut. For example, I have a few paintings and pictures which are very precious to me, but I don't know if I can bring them. This certainly makes me fear the stark image of a white sterile flat. I have always been a person who enjoys lived in clutter and a few personal adornments on the wall. Similarly I have a few gifts and trinkets that I normally litter my desk, that there is no way I would have room to bring.
So faced with this dilemma I have decided to list the things that I have decided to bring with me.
One of my paintings
A mug given to me by one of my dearest friends
Loose Leaf Tea holder and Tea from that same friend
My Dresden Files RPG books
Fate ring, Fate Dice, Regular Dice
Not much but certainly little touches of home. Which I think may end up being the most important of all in the coming months. I'll leave you to analyze what these things say about me.
That's my quick (maybe not so quick) Update of pre-travel bits. Expect a Post soon all about my arrival. I hope this blog can act as a portal into my adventures and will give everyone the opportunity to keep in touch even without actually keeping in touch! I will miss you America, but maybe not that much!
Adventures Await
-KH
