When I first toured the University of Tampa, there were many reasons I thought it could be a good fit, including the campus itself, the weather, and the small class sizes; however, when I found out about the opportunity to attend Oxford through the UTampa Honors program, I knew Tampa would be a great place for me. This semester, having the opportunity to attend Oxford has made me so grateful for that decision. Oxford has been amazing for so many reasons: the tutorial system is incredible because it allows you to go in-depth and explore topics you are interested in with tutors who are just as passionate as you are. The city itself is not only beautiful but also steeped in history. Oxford is where authors of classics like Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and The Lord of the Rings began their stories, and you can feel their influence all over the city. It is so cool to be surrounded by so much art and history! And, while Oxford is beautiful, it is also connected. London is only about two hours away by bus, and there is easy access to international airports and railroads, meaning that as you inevitably learn about the world at Oxford, there is no shortage of opportunities to go see some of it for yourself. Most importantly, I have been incredibly lucky to meet so many amazing people, from students to professors and academics researching at Oxford, many of whom are deeply passionate about their work and eager to share their knowledge. So far, I’ve had awesome interactions where people have taught me about the small sliver of the world they care about and study. When I go home at the end of the term, I will absolutely be left with both the best memories of this place, but also of all the people who made my time here so special.- Sade Reyes
