I feel like I’ve been away from sewanee for years, instead of just a few weeks. I’m having a spectacular time abroad and I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. So far, one of the biggest things I’ve learned is that there are a lot of things about Sewanee that I took for granted. Hopefully you can learn from my mistakes and appreciate all the wonderful little things about Sewanee.
The Scenery
Seeing Sewanee every day makes you forget exactly how beautiful it is. Leed, England is a really cool city, but it isn’t a Tennessee mountain campus studded with gothic stone buildings. I miss walking to class in the morning and seeing All Saints rising out of the fog.
The Safety
While I’m far from unsafe here, it isn’t quite the same as home. I’ve never felt scared walking home from the library or a party late at night. I don’t really feel scared here, but I also don’t like to go anywhere on my own at night. Needing to go everywhere in a big group can be a hassle, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Still, I miss how comfortable Sewanee is.
The Size
We all complain about the long walk from Gorgas to central campus but that’s still half the time it takes for me to get to campus in the morning here. I have the choice of a forty minute walk or a twenty minute bus ride. It’s just not as easy, and I don’t get to sleep in nearly as much, but it is good exercise.
The Sororities
I really miss my sorority sisters, but I also not needing to explain the entire Greek system every time I wear my letters. I don’t mind very much because it’s cool to get to share this aspect of american culture with people I meet, but I worry that I’m not doing it justice.
The School
There’s something so unique about Sewanee that can be very difficult to pin down. It’s that particular Sewanee-ness that makes it such an amazing place to spend four years. Going away for a little while has helped me understand the privilege of attending Sewanee and I hope to bring that appreciation back with me.
I hope everyone reading this will avoid making my mistakes and taking anything about our university for granted. YSR and have a great week!
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