Growing up in a family of four children is a lot of work. My older sister plays by the rules, my younger brother makes his own rules, and my youngest sister falls somewhere in the middle of them. I was always different. Kerri, my oldest sister would try so hard for summer reading, I would take her books when she was done and read them somewhere between a few hours and a few days. After seeing my sister and mother read Harry Potter together, I read it myself in first grade. It only took me a few days. I only picked up speed from there, reading anything and everything I could get my hands on. I fall into another place when I’m reading, to the point of not hearing anyone call my name. There was one night in third grade I almost got grounded from reading after not hearing my mom call me to dinner repeatedly.

Reading has always been something special for me. I easily fall into a story as I paint the characters in my mind. Naturally I believe the book is ALWAYS better than the movie, though I must admit Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy did make it difficult to enjoy the book more. For me this trip is about taking something that I love and seeing it come to life. The places we’ll go and the things we’ll see are something I can’t imagine not experiencing. I love to travel as much as I love to read. I’ve been to Italy before and I took in everything my eyes could cover. I had always promised myself that I would study abroad in college, but as I changed majors and schools a few times things had never worked out until I saw the e-mail for this trip. As I approach my last semester of undergrad I’m so excited to see what these next three weeks have in store for us.

Since childhood, I have been an avid reader. My grandmother would often supply my reading addiction with books like Harry Potter. I distinctly remember reading the fourth book in the series under my desk in the second grade. These books gave me a magical view of England, and opened my eyes to a world beyond my own backyard.

In just a few days I will be embarking on an adventure. I get to explore London, and although it may not be a land of wizards and witches, it is still magical to me. I have been to Greece once to visit family, so I think it will be interesting to experience a completely different side of Europe. Not only do I get to visit England, I get to go to Paris for a weekend, too!

Keep an eye out for Rowdy the River Hawk, as he will be keeping me company on my trip. My Charles Dickens actions figure will also make a few appearances. Stay tuned!

-Maddie

With only days remaining before flying to London, I’m looking at the trip itinerary, and am full of excitement over all of the famous places we’ll be visiting. I’m beyond thrilled by the opportunity. Not only am I excited over experiencing London, I’m also excited by the fact that I’ll be doing something so completely different from my personal norm. I’ve lived in Texas for the last twenty years, and I tend to be a bit of a hermit. I even take UML correspondence classes from home. It’s so very convenient and comfortable, and generally speaking, I have a hard time venturing out of that comfort zone. Now, international travel is literally days away. Unfortunately, it took something jarring to cause me to take this opportunity.

Last year, my mother died. Along with sadness and mourning came the realization that my mother did not have a passport, and she had only ever been to Hawaii and Mexico. It then occurred to me that I did not have a passport, and had only ever been to Hawaii and Mexico. I was reminded of a line from “The Shawshank Redemption” – “get busy living, or get busy dying.” I had planned on going to London twice before, but both times my plans had fallen through. Then, this opportunity popped up in my inbox in the form of an UML email, and I couldn’t sign up fast enough. Now I have a passport, and soon it will have a stamp in it. And, in just a few days, I’ll be standing in front of Big Ben as part of my effort to “get busy living.”

Travel and study in London with Professor Diana Archibald. Students can elect to take one or two courses. Required course Special Topics in English: Literary London. Optional course choices: Reviewing the Arts; Directed Study in Literature; or Directed Study in Writing. Students in this program will gain hands-on career experience through working directly with the Dickens Museum director and staff to create a resource guide the museum will utilize for American visitors. Learn more.