Studying at Oxford has been an experience unlike any other. Coming from UTampa’s small campus atmosphere where it only takes eight minutes to walk from end to end, the vastness of Oxford has definitely been a shock. If someone had told me before arriving here that I would happily walk thirty minutes to reach my college, I would have looked at them like they had five heads. However, at Oxford the streets you walk everyday are surrounded by some of the most breathtaking buildings I’ve ever seen. With cafes, bookshops, and stores scattered throughout, I’ve come to enjoy the slowness of life here. Everyone is always racing around in Tampa in some sort of hurry, but here thanks to the tutorial system, it’s a much more relaxed atmosphere (as long as you’re keeping up with your readings).
For my primary tutorial I’ve had the opportunity to work with Urania Chiu, a DPhil candidate in Socio-Legal studies at Exeter College (akin to a PHD student). The tutorial is interdisciplinary and focuses on English medical law and the legal, economic, and communication-related implications of universal healthcare systems on the incidence and management of medical malpractice cases in European cities. As an Allied Health major at UTampa my aim was to use this tutorial to explore my interests in law in conjunction with my love of medicine. Being able to combine the two throughout this tutorial has been extremely eye-opening, I’ve learned the dance between patients and doctors takes place on a delicately balanced tight-rope. The conversations I’ve had with Ms. Chiu during our tutorials always prove to be enlightening and broaden my view to ethical implications surrounding medical or legal decisions worldwide.
My secondary tutorial is also a multi-disciplinary focus, but this one covers archetypal patterns in classical mythology. When selecting my topic, I was interested in how these patterns influence contemporary understandings of personality and behavior. In addition, I wanted to investigate if these archetypes played differently in classical mythology than they modern literature and media. After meeting my secondary tutor, Dr. Sophie Bocksberger, a lecturer at Brasenose College, I decided to focus on characters within classical Greek tragedies. These characters often fit into archetypal roles and it has been interesting to see how their personalities shine within them. Dr. Bocksberger has been a wonderful tutor throughout my time here; she’s constantly challenging me, and I can see the growth in my essays, as a result.
Besides my studies, through OSAP I’ve explored different castles and cities. Additionally, my flat is a short walk to Port Meadow, and so I often find myself taking study breaks surrounded by horses and chirping birds. Recently, I was able to take a trip to the South of France and explore cities such as Monaco, Menton, and Nice. The trip was definitely a highlight of my time here so far, especially since I’ve missed the Tampa sun. It’s also proved to me that despite my severe lack of public transport knowledge and nonexistent bilingualism, I can navigate the world (with help from locals). Whether they are speaking in French to me on a train platform or on a stopped escalator at four am on the way to the airport, they have taught me that empathy truly is the universal language.
Lastly, I would love to give a big thanks to the honors program for this opportunity. It’s different from anything I could have ever expected, but I’m loving my time here at Oxford. While I’m sad I’ve only got a short time left, I’m excited for all of the adventures that are still out there. I can’t wait to continue exploring the city and the different countries to which I’m continuing to make my way.
