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The
online introduction to the Oxford University Scholar's Semester program
stated that coming to Oxford would  “broaden your
thinking by living and
learning in a major crossroads of the academic world.” That was the
understatement
of the year. In the three months that I was fortunate enough to live
and
participate in all that is Oxford, I moved outside my comfort zone so
that
I could think about things and think in ways that I did not know were
possible.
The first thing
to confront the sixty or so of us in the program was a new and unique
system
of education at Oxford. Class time, as we understand it, amounted to an
hour a week with a primary tutor and every other week for an hour with
a secondary tutor. Our group initially reacted to this information with
naïve expressions like, “this isn't going to be so bad” and “I
thought
this was going to be hard.”
Within the
first week it became painfully obvious that our newly acquired “free
time”
granted to us in this system was not meant for idle play. Soon, we all
had memorized the opening and closing times of the Bodleian Library
[established
in 1602, which now houses 8,458,000 items], where all the books from
our
extensive reading lists were carefully guarded. Just as we all began to
wonder how hard it would be to sneak a book out of the library, we
realized
the scandal-hungry English tabloids would have a field day with us
Yanks.
Our “free time” was filled with intriguing lectures on a variety of
topics,
thoughtful group discussions, the writing of our weekly papers well
into
the night, and plenty of hours spent with our noses in books, as it
should
be.
 In
addition to our course load, we also participated in the Coalition of
Christian
Colleges and University (CCCU) lecture series and seminars on a weekly
basis at Wycliffe Hall, our “sponsor” institution at Oxford. These
lectures
and seminars helped us learn more about the unique aspects of British
life,
but also dealt with the overriding questions of the program: what is
the
optimal relationship between the scholar and her faith? and how
should
her professed faith influence her academic endeavors? The discussion
and
opinions of different scholars on these topics were extremely thought
provoking.
The highlight
of every week, perhaps because it signaled a moment’s rest after its
completion,
was our tutorial. We were lucky enough to meet with some of Oxford's
most
brilliant tutors, readers, professors, and scholars. Each tutorial
meant
standing with nothing but one’s arguments and essay in hand, followed
by
serious discussion of the topic, and always the ever present “why”
questions.
There was a constant emphasis shared by all of our tutors regardless of
our specific tutorial on not just regurgitating learned lessons but
defending
one’s conclusions and statements. At times, the experience was
frustrating
and not a few tears were shed by exasperated students. But what I found
so exciting was that the challenge was always inspiring, even when we
fell
short of the high expectations demanded of us by our tutors. All of
life
should be this challenging; not just our academic but our personal and
spiritual lives as well.
The Scholar's
Semester website also stated that students are encouraged to “Read,
learn
and live in the City of Dreaming Spires.” I would be remiss if I did
not
mention that Oxford is not only a place of learning but is also a place
to live out the experience of a lifetime. The opportunity to walk by
such
beautiful and old buildings every morning was breathtaking, regardless
of the seemingly continual rain. Some of us began to think the reason
people
studied so much in Oxford was because the rain made so many outside
activities
less attractive. Attending an Advent service in Christ Church
Cathedral,
site of John Wesley's ordination among other things, with the
world-renowned
choir leading us in Christmas carols was deeply moving.
 There
was a vibrant community and social life in which we were all encouraged
to participate. I was able to take in plays put on by fellow students,
participate in a belly dancing class through the Middle Eastern
Society,
and sample the “ever popular” British cuisine. In addition to
program-sponsored
trips to places like St. Alban's Cathedral and the city of Bath, I was
also fortunate enough to travel throughout Europe. Living in a restored
Victorian mansion with a group of forty students who were serious about
their academic studies, but also excited to be there, was one of the
highlights
of my experience at Oxford. Discussions in the house that we shared
ranged
from Christian Platonism to figuring out how to get television
reception
to watch the World Series, airing at 3AM. A few of us even became
accomplished
croquet players with our personal croquet pitch in the backyard.
I returned
from this experience with a deep appreciation of not only the value of
studying at Oxford but also of the ability we all share to have
experiences
that can bring about reflection and perhaps positive change in our
lives.
Even in a place so imbued with traditions like the familiar black
scholar's
gown, there was always a balance between understanding the past and
doing
something with our present. Regardless of where our focus might be,
inside
and out of the academic world, we were taught to strive to develop an
attitude
of thoughtfulness in all we do. Oxford, like a miniature city inside of
a snow globe, is a world onto itself. It is truly a place for people of
all walks of life to treasure. To have been allowed a glimpse into the
traditions and life of this vibrant, rich city, will be a highlight of
my college experience.
To learn more about the Scholars' Semester at Oxford, click
here. |
