What Goldsmiths has taught me about Denison

I thought getting off Denison's campus would be the highlight of my college career. No more entrapment on the hill. No more stinky Huffman food. No more BUBBLE! And while being at Goldsmith has given me the freedom and flexibility I've always wanted from my college career, I now realize why Denison is .... well Denison.

As a tourguide, I hear all the anxious parents asking questions about how to better the chance of their children getting into Denison and hearing those that know they have the funds or connections to send their children there. But, I never did understand what made Denison so darn wonderful that people's jaws would drop when I told them I went there.

As Denison students, we don't appreciate all we do have on the hill. Here are the some reasons I now have a brand new respect for the hill.

1. You get your MONEYS worth.

 Now I complain as much as the next person on how much Denison costs and the eternal debt I will be in for having 4 years on the hill. However, after paying the same exact amount to be at Goldsmiths, I have realized that the money does go somewhere. Primarily, the faculty. I love Denison faculty for many reasons but the first one is, they always know my name. After sitting in a lecture hall here with 50 other students and attending seminars, which NO ONE attends, I've realized the real perks of being in a classroom where there are 19 students, and your obligated to speak. You can't blend in if you tried and the professors, will ALWAYS know your name.

2. Everything is there. EVERYTHING

Denison has everything. Let's be serious now. I get bored on the hill as much as the next person but in all honesty, I never went without anything. We have food. We have beds. We have friends. And plenty of work to keep us occupied if we really want to act like we have nothing to do.

3. Motivation.

Denison is competitive. Everything is competition. From classwork to student leadership opportunities, Denison is cut throat and it's motivation. Students encourage you. Faculty encourage you. Now we don't hold strikes and burn building downs, but we fight for what we believes, whatever those believes are.

Traveling

When choosing where to go abroad, I had one criteria, the ability to travel. I've been wanting to travel Europe, since about the age of 14. So when I got the opportunity to come to Goldsmith, the first thing that came to mind was simple, all of Europe, here I come!!

And my first stop... IRELAND

I must admit that Dublin was not on my top list of places to visit during my time here, but I was definitely proven wrong. The Irish have to be some of the most welcoming and inviting people in the world. From the time we got there to when we left, we were not short smiles and a lot of help.  Not to mention the social scene in Dublin is awesome. From pubs to clubs, the Irish know how to have a great time. I must admit though my favorite times were spent outside of the Dublin city center. I spent a day in Howth, a fishing village 30 minutes north outside of Dublin. From the moment, I got there I fell in love. 

Just taking in the scenery made it so I never wanted to leave. For the first time since I arrived, there was peace. No one was rushing for the tube, or attempting to cross the street with only 1 second left before the light once again turned green. No ipods barely any cell phones. Not to mention the seals :)

The best have to be it's people. No matter how I try to put it into words, I cant. Irish people just make you feel good. Their music is energizing, there food is delicious and their beer... Well I love me some pear cider !!

Onto WALES

Adventure. Adventure. Adventure. Wales has provided the only physical activity I have had sin

ce being in London, besides going to the gym. Now I hate hikes, but I dont think anyone can complain about a hike along this coast. Absolutely beautiful!!

  Being in Wales was more than just beautiful though. Talking to a lot of the staff at Preseli Venture, which is awesome by the way if you ever want to visit Wales and do ANYTHING outdoors, these people love what they do. They love the outdoors, they love Wales and nature. Definitely inspirational. Sometimes what you love doesnt pay the most, or isnt the most presigious but you'll wake up every day happy to be there.

And if these two trips were not great enough, I also got a visit from the roomie. No matter how much I'm loving my abroad experience, it always is great to have someone you know and love come visit. Especially someone who's experiencing the same thing as you just in a different country. I hope she enjoyed London!! Better yet, I know she did.

Cheers!