America #1
“Welcome to the Tribe”
Hi again!
Since getting back from Malawi, I was able to spend some valuable time in Northern Ireland and I had the privilege to serve on some of Scripture Unions teams, at Castlerock CSSM and Football camp in Ballycastle. I have since hit the Eastern Coast of the United States to begin one Semester abroad at the College of William and Mary in Virginia.
The College is situated in Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum representing the historic district since British occupation from 1699 onwards. This means that there are some funny looking people dressed up in authentic clothing, firing cannons, marching and drumming to enlighten and entertain the hordes of international tourists. But apart from an incredible old sweet shop called “Wythe Candy” which brings to life visions of Harry Potter’s Hogsmeade I doubt I will spend too much time here as there is only so much Colonial history one can digest.
Believe it or not the College was founded in 1693 by King William III a.k.a. William of Orange/King Billy! It boasts the fact that it is the second-oldest college in America, outlived only by Harvard of Massachusetts. It is labelled as one of the original “Public Ivies” and prides itself on being a Liberal Arts Institution. Lovely.
Unfortunately I couldn't make it to International Orientation but I have gathered that this was quite an overwhelming ordeal, filled with much enthusiasm, copious icebreakers and some speeches, discussions and lots and lots of debriefing. I may have been missed the boat for a lot but I was not to get away without undertaking a pledge of Honor, which had to be done in the Wren Building in front of a small group from the Honor committee. Therefore from here on in, I must not ‘Lie, Cheat or Steal’… Anything other than that is not considered a “Tribe Choice” and you wouldn't want to go against the Tribe Moral Code as there is much “Tribe Pride” and we here are all part of one “Tribe Family”…Don't forget it!
I was also able to observe a proper William and Mary Convocation. This tradition is almost as old as the College and was quite an ordeal. We all dressed up and joined our Orientation groups and gathered in the Wren Yard to celebrate the commencement of the new academic session. This year College President Taylor Reveley was joined by Ted Dintersmith to inspire the Class of 2018 and the transfer and exchange students alike. After their words the bell was rung, and all the students, myself included, got to walk through the Wren building to face a multitude of students lining a pathway to the sunken gardens shouting and with their hands held to clap and slap yours. It would have been impossible to keep a serious face and I must say the incessant hi-fiving was very enjoyable.
We then enjoyed a lovely outdoor picnic in the sunken gardens and with that term has officially begun. It has been great to meet plenty of new people. There are still plenty of names to remember, but one person in particular is worthy of note. I like the majority of American students have a roommate; it is just the done thing here. He is cool, called Kyhl and from the north of Virginia or native slang “Nova”…Despite the heat and sweaty undergarments our room smells fresh. Not because our cleanliness is anything special, but because Kyhl grinds and brews his own coffee…see I told you he was cool!
I have enjoyed spending time with other exchange students from Exeter, Nottingham and Leiden University (Holland) we have been able to congregate before hitting up Frat Parties and the like, which is ideal for most because there are a few over the much coveted threshold of 21, as they are able to purchase and supply liquid ethanol.
Sports wise, despite the font of groups, teams and organisations offered ‘Field Hockey’only as a girls sport, so that has left me to gym and to run on my own accord. With the outrageous amount of food on offer in the canteen it will be clear in the New Year which has had greater an effect!
Last night we got to go to here MKTO the band known for their best selling single “Classic” and despite no foreknowledge of their content, it turned out to be quite an enjoyable night!
I need to go and do some work here. It is quite full on, in that the lecturers tell you exactly what you need to do for each class. This is an adjustment from the more laidback British system but I can guess my parent’s thoughts and decipher that this consistency and academic persistence is probably just what I need to learn. Briefly we have to do 5 classes and unlike the traditional St Andrews system the final grade is constructed from a host of assessments, participation and exams…WHOOOO! My classes are: Politics of Developing Countries, International Law, Migration in a Global Context, International Security and International Political Economy…so there will be plenty to process and read and if this blog is rather irregular you will know why.
Anyway, thank you all for your support and love. I don't yet have a postal box, but for those who don't know I am quite partial to a good old snapchat story so to keep updated on them add me (rsellar). I plan on hitting American church tomorrow so hopefully that will not be too much of an experience in itself. For times of fresh surroundings and change I love coming back to God’s command in Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”…Glorious.
Until next time,
Love: Rob
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