Oxford Thoughts — Upon Return to UA
Most of Oxford’s old city wall has been absorbed into New College, and outside of it runs a street that’s named Longwall. Names and titles throughout the rest of the city are just as uncreative. There’s a coffee house called Queen’s Lane that sits on Queen’s Lane; the widest street in the city is called Broad Street; St. Mary’s Passage borders St. Mary’s Church, and the most magnificent university buildings are named after their...
Interesting Hindu Traditions in India
India is home to many religions, Hinduism is the largest percentage, around 80%, followed by Islam ( only 14% of the population, but with almost 200,000,000 adherents, it is the country with the second largest Muslim population after Indonesia), as well as smaller percentages of Christians, Sikhs, Jains, Buddists, Baha’i’s, and many more. Hinduism has over a million gods and goddesses, most of whom are manifestations of...
Being back in the United States
Being abroad has changed me, and it was for the better. I loved every minute of it, even though some parts were hard. I have been back in the United States for about a month now. Sometimes I still finding myself doing things that I was used to in Japan such as taking off my shoes before entering a house or standing to one side of an escalator. I also miss a lot of the food that I had there. American food is great, but I find a lot of...
Getting to Kyoto from Miami
It’s a little difficult to explain what it’s like to leave the country for a year. At first, you can’t be more excited for it, but then the reality starts to sink in. Suddenly, you’re looking at your wallet wondering how you’re going to survive on more than pasta and rice. That’s about how it felt when I was in the airport in Miami. Though, having stayed up all night unable to sleep, I also just...
Reflection Upon Returning Home
Having spent a few weeks since returning from my study abroad program, I have definitely had time to reflect upon my experiences. During my six weeks in Roatan, Honduras, I learned so much in regards to marine science and field research. It has truly broadened my understanding of the subject and has allowed me to form real world connections to information I all ready learned. Studying the reef systems there has provided me a...
Coming Home
I still can’t believe it’s over. It almost doesn’t feel real that I’m home, like I’m in a dream I’m about to wake up from. I already miss being in Germany and I’ve only been home for a few days. Sure, I did miss my family and friends but I feel like I left part of myself in Germany. Having to readjust to what my life was prior to leaving for Germany has been very hard. I almost didn’t...