The Experience of a Lifetime

After being back in the United States for about 2 weeks now, I am finally having enough time to make my last blog post about my trip. Looking back on my experience, I wonder how I got to be so lucky. I would have never been able to travel out of the country without the help and support of the Fulbright Commission. Not only was I able to travel, I became part of a prestigious and wonderful programme known worldwide. I feel so honored and indebted to the Fulbright Commission for the experience that they gave me this summer. Coming into the Summer Institute, I knew nothing about Wales. I have vastly expanded my knowledge on this amazing country, but that is not all. I learned about myself academically, socially, and personally. I formed strong relationships with the most amazing 7 students I could have imagined to spend my summer with, but most importantly, I had the time of my life. This past summer is something I will remember forever. I am already looking forward to the next time I will be able to see my cohort again and when I will be able to make it back to Wales. Thank you so much to the Fulbright Commission and especially Rebecca Cobby. Without your help and support, I would have never had this life-changing opportunity. In Cardiff: thanks to Bill, Cerys, Rhys, Ed, and the rest of the Cardiff staff. In Bangor: thanks to Tecwyn, Molly, and the rest of the Bangor staff. In Aberystwyth: thanks to Rachel, Kate, Jen, and of course Iona. I miss you all already! You made this summer one that I'll remember forever. Coming back home was bittersweet; I got to see my family, friends, and sorority sisters, but I had to part ways with 7 of the closest friends I've ever had. Teary goodbyes in the airport will hopefully be followed next summer with a cheerful reunion. I will be talking about my trip for weeks to come in my boring life here back in Kentucky. I still can't believe that I was chosen for such an amazing experience; I have so much to be thankful for.

7/30-8/2

Sorry I haven't updated for the past few days! Things have been so busy here. We're trying to fit everything in before we have to leave to go back home :( Between the journals, presentations, field trips, and social life it's been a hectic past couple of days (but so much fun!). On Sunday night, we hung out with our friends that we met on Saturday. They are all so sweet and welcoming! Believe it or not, we stayed up all night with only a 30 minute nap! For breakfast, we all went to a pub and got so-called American pancakes, although they were not nearly as good as the ones back home. Pancakes here are completely different from those in the states. The people here all take a strong interest in what our lives are like back in America. And I am still so surprised at the amount of knowledge the people here possess of the United States. I can't determine if it's just because they are really smart or if it is because America is such a global force. On Monday, we went to IBERs farm, which is the university's research farm. It was interesting to see all of the really innovative ideas they are coming up with through all of their research. They are very into sustainable energy, as well as efficient farming techniques. That evening we went to see a film on Welsh culture and then did some journals and caught up on our sleep! On Tuesday, we went to the Centre for Alternative Technology. This was a place where they had all different types of exhibitions on different energy forms such as wind power and wave energy. This area of Wales is very much into researching alternatives to conventional usage of energy. After CAT, we went to the Corris Railway, which is a cute old steam railway. We took a ride and the conductor even made us bacon sandwiches right on the steam engine. That evening we went to our friends' house to hang out again. It's going to be sad to leave them, because they've been so welcoming and fun to be around. Yesterday we had an assessment with Dr. Cobby from Fulbright. She came in to get our feedback on the Wales Summer Institute. Needless to say, there was barely any criticism of the program. It has been more than any of us could have ever imagined. The staff has been amazing, the program was nearly perfect, and we've learned a lot. We've all had the time of our lives here and it's so sad to think that in three days I will be back home. I'm excited to see everyone, but devastated to leave the amazing people I've made friends with here and this awesome country. The assessment made me truly realize what an opportunity this has been for me. The Fulbright Commission has given me so much and I am forever grateful. After our assessment with Dr. Cobby, we went to the Arts Centre which was really cool! We met a local shoemaker who makes all of her shoes by hand that last over 20 years! We also met some local artists and got a tour of the Arts Centre where we will be seeing Hairspray the musical tonight. This morning we had our presentations and a class discussion, then marketing interviews in the afternoon. Tonight will be spent seeing Hairspray, which I am super excited about, and then finishing up journals to be submitted tomorrow morning. With tomorrow being our last full day in Wales (and my birthday), we have some really fun things planned to make the most of it!
P.S. Sorry there haven't been any pictures lately. Like I said, we've been so busy and I haven't really taken the time to take any pictures like I should have!