It's autumn at Keele... can't you tell?
Four weeks. Four weeks until the end of this first semester and I still can't believe it! It seems sooo close... yet so far away. These past 9 weeks have practically flown by. I remember leaving my parents in the airport like it was just yesterday.
However, the past couple of weeks I had been stricken victim to homesickness and a mild, mild case of culture shock... It was a long fight against it, but I finally fell, and I fell pretty hard... I am sad to admit. But, after reasoning with myself and working consciously to change my attitude, I have overcome it, and it is the greatest feeling ever. I'm back to enjoying and appreciating my time here at Keele and in England. I'm also excited that Christmas is creeping ever closer and closer.
It's really starting to get cold, now. But it's not any kind of cold that I'm used to, and, in reality, it's not THAT cold. It is the kind of cold, however, that just seeps through your body and chills you... and the wind doesn't help. On most days, the temperature averages about 45˚F. Like I said, it's not THAT cold, but it is enough to make you feel eternally chilled. My many blankets have become my best friends at night~ ...and in the day time.
School continues to go very well. I got my first grade back on a paper the other day (not a big paper, unfortunately. Just a c.500 word commentary) but it was still quite nice. It was a 68, and I was very happy. (A high 2.1... apparently 70s are rarely given, so a 68 is very good.) I want to see how my essay for American studies comes back. That one was much longer, and I had to contextualise a quote from the 1970's on the role the Atomic Bomb played in Cold War American society. It was very interesting, I think, and I had a LOT of fun writing it. My classes are fun. I mostly like my Russian History and Russian language classes, though. Historical Research and Writing is so... Let's just say, after 3 years in Uni, I already know that stuff. However, I do have to take it for HIS2003 at UTSA, might as well do it in England! It is quite interesting, though, and on the Plus side-- NO FINAL. Woohoo! American Studies is nice, too, but it's just another American history class. :P Although, I have learned more about President Hoover than I thought I ever would.
December and Christmas break is coming up, and I have some exciting plans! December 2nd and 3rd I am taking a quick side trip to London and Oxford to visit one of my best childhood friends who is studying in Oxford. I've also been invited to the BUTEX AGM, which takes place the afternoon of the 2nd at the University of Westminster. The BUTEX scholarship committee is reimbursing my travel expenses, and I had already had plans to visit Oxford on the 3rd. Therefore, it kind of decided to work out. I am really looking forward to seeing Katelyn!
Then, it is time for Winterfest. I'm not entirely sure what it consists of, but all I know is that it was mildly expensive and I was very lucky to get a ticket... so, it better be good. :) That takes place December 9.
Then comes Christmas break. I will leave Friday the 16th to go to Chudleigh (You know... like the Chudley Cannons?) in Devon with Beth, one of my housemates. Then, I am super super excited to make it to Glyfáda, Greece again to see the one and only Sam, one of my best friends from High School for New Years! I can't wait to see Sam and the rest of my Big Fat Greek Family. :) I will leave for Greece on the 28 of December and return to England on the 6 of January.
I am a little sad that I won't be with my family next week for Thanksgiving. I think that is the only thing I am bummed about for the time being. Of course Christmas, but that is further away. I don't have to worry about that so soon. It will be different... the first time in 19 years that I haven't been at home for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Years. It's very, very weird. But I'll get over it! And I look forward to having a really good time in Devon and Greece. I think Skype is such a godsend. It lets me talk to my parents any time I really want to for free. AND I get to see their faces. It has really helped me muscle through this homesickness. While I don't want my experience here in Keele to end, it is comforting to think of how much time has already passed, and how much more time there is left. When I put it in that perspective, it makes me feel better knowing I only have 29 weeks left until I can see my family.
But enough of that nonsense! So far, since the last time I spoke, we've been bowling, out to the movies, and shopping in Hanley... quite a few times. It was all really fun! And the more and more I do here, the more and more I feel like I'm back in the States. Especially when we went bowling! It was set up in a strip mall. I haven't seen one of those in about 10 1/2 weeks. We did find a Toys R Us and BestBuy... and me and a few of my other American friends have decided we have to go to that strip mall sometime soon... just to remind ourselves of the US. Yay American Consumerism! We did locate the nearest Starbucks, Burger King, and KFC, as well. And though I am boasting our excitement about finding these things, that doesn't mean we aren't doing 'English' things, too. But I think everyone is beginning to become a bit homesick... and not just me or American nationals. Still trucking along, though, and still having a roaring good time! ((Nothing beats a simple night walk around Keele Village if you feel you need a little adventure. Keele Uni and Keele village are FANTASTIC places to explore. It's just so quaint and beautiful.)) The thing about study abroad is that you just have to focus on having a positive attitude... and staying positive. Otherwise, you begin to focus only on the differences between the two countries... and that's when that nasty culture shock sets in. However, if you can stay positive, Study Abroad is a wonderful experience! I've said it, and I'll say it again... I am so glad I came to England!
That's about all of the update for right now! Until next time. :D Peace, Love, and England!
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