Dear Spring Class of 2014,
As reality sinks in with every suitcase packed and final exam taken, there’s no way to avoid the inevitable; departure day. At this point, you’ve probably cried a good percentage of your tears, or maybe you’re an environmentalist, and planned to save them for the last hour. Either way, they’re coming and there’s no way to stop ‘em. In the words of an old, creepy man from a movie I saw ages ago... “just let it happen”.
Like any other good thing in life, this journey must come to an end. While the excitement persists of reuniting with family, old friends, and everyone in between, there won’t be another feeling to replace waking up every morning in a manor with people from all over America who, in just 4 short months, have become some of the greatest traveling buddies and roommates you could ever imagine.
I can truly speak from experience when I echo your sentiments on the confusion, denial, and uncertainty from this point forward. Well, what now? Nothing will ever compare to being an hour train ride from London, or a jet flight away from Ireland. It sucks.
But what doesn’t suck, is having this experience under your belt. You all make up the small percentage of college students who get the opportunity to study abroad, and the even smaller percentage of ones that get to come to Harlaxton. You are officially a Harlaxton Alumni, and that will never change.
Returning to America will be difficult, frustrating, and confusing. You’ll miss the random adventures you got yourself into. The plethora of foreignness every step you turn. The range of accents-- and that’s just in London.
The best thing you can do is go back to the states a changed person. As Americans we are both blessed and spoiled to have the space, luxury, and freedom to do as we please. When you’ve traveled a bit and are exposed to the living conditions and restrictions others face on a day-to-day basis, it’s a humbling feeling but a necessary rude-awakening.
It’ll take a couple days to get used to the refectory not cooking all your meals for you (and this is probably a good thing) and your classes not being a floor underneath you or a stroll away in the morning. The adjustments are, well, first world problems... but problems, nevertheless.
And as if life didn’t punish you enough, there is no more British Studies to take after this (the horror!!!!!) *end of sarcasm*. I do hope you know that on behalf of all the staff members here, we truly care about you guys and hope we’ve made your short time here more enjoyable. The Harlaxton Manor isn’t a manor unless it’s filled with the crazy, talented, obnoxious, trouble-makers you all have been ;)
From one global citizen to another, the world awaits you. Now go out and find your next adventure, or even better-- let your next adventure find you!
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Post-Harlaxton Depression
Apr 22, 2014