Goodbye to Oxford: Life Update

I know that no matter where in the world you are reading this from, you’re probably dealing with the chaos that COVID-19 has generated. It seems as if the world we know has disappeared completely, and it can be hard to remain hopeful. At this point, I think the safest thing we can all do is stay inside, practice social distancing as much as possible, and wait for this storm to pass.

As many of you already know, I have been sent home from Oxford, and will likely not be returning to finish my final term. The past week has been completely crazy, trying to find flights home, pack up all my stuff, and return home healthy and safe. In my last couple days at Oxford, I made some amazing memories. I know that while my time has been cut short, I was so lucky to have such an experience.   

Though it was sooner than expected, I got a chance to say goodbye to Oxford, visiting all my favorite shops once more and spending time with the friends I had made.

I will miss heading to the beautiful Bodleian libraries to spend the day reading. I will miss all the cafés where I would sit for hours enjoying a pot of tea and a pastry. I will miss the old city, with its stunning architecture. Too often I forgot to look up, to look around at where I was walking. With the end of my experience in sight, I used the last week to appreciate every inch of Oxford.

In the morning, the city would be still and fresh. Slowly people began to fill the streets, music bounced off the old buildings from street performers. The sky was often bright and blue, unless it was misted with a drowsy rain. Against that pale blue, the buildings were a strong silhouette. There were so many cobblestone streets. They’d been there longer than any of us can imagine, just like the ancient buildings. As I walked over them, I knew my footsteps were becoming a part of their history, a part of the city’s history. Over the years, I will remember Oxford, remember my experience there and the things I learned. Though I have left that place, the place has not left me.  

It was not an easy year. My time abroad was far harder than anything I had ever expected. Often homesickness and exhaustion made my weeks feel long and dark. But when the sun came out, and it always did, I would be ready to turn over a new page and try again. I learned so much, and as I say goodbye to Oxford, I would like to thank it, for all the highs and the lows.

In addition to Oxford, I now have to say goodbye to England. There will always be a part of me there, and I know that when I return, I will remember everything I have found in that country.

I will remember hiking through the hills and mountains of the Lake District in Cumberland, the way the mountains went on forever, soft and fuzzy looking without any trees. The weekend I spent in Cumberland was one of the greatest experiences that I’ve had while traveling. I cannot forget how still I felt, so far from everything; the mystical feeling of hiking the mountains at night and looking out towards Scotland.

I will also never forget canoeing there, on a cold autumn day. We paddled on a grey lake, nestled at the base of so many mountains. They rose up around us, watched over us. On the water there, I had the feeling that I was fulfilling a dream. It was the greatest adventure I had over in England, and also a moment when I was truly able to find peace. I hope one day I will be able to return there again.   

I will also remember London, in all her sparkling glory: the little book market that we found on our way to a museum one day, the chic cafés and brilliant museums, and the old bookshops. So much of London felt like it had been taken from an old, classic movie, and I adored it. When people visited me there, I loved being able to show them around and share a little piece of this great country.  

While there was so much more I wanted to do in England and in Oxford, I will have to save it for another trip. I may have to return home now, but this is not goodbye to Oxford or to England forever.

And to all of you out there struggling with this time of global fear and uncertainty, remember to look on the bright side. Appreciate every little blessing; your health, your family, your home. One day the clouds will part and this storm will end.