From July 6th-August 2nd, 2002, I attended the University of Cambridge in England as part of the Florida Consortium of Colleges and Universities Cambridge International Summer School Program. Before I left, Sally gave me a beautiful red blank book called "There and Back Again", from The Lord of the Rings collection. What follows is the Journal I kept in that book of my trip, as well as photos and links to the papers I wrote while there. I have edited out a lot of very personal information in a few cases, but for the most part, it is exactly as I wrote it. I have abbreviated the names to protect their anonymity where needed. JULY 6, 2002 – ORLANDO, FL – 6:31 EST
With the stress of the past few days, I’m actually looking forward to doing not much of anything for a couple of hours in Orlando International Airport. Chris flew over here at low warp (and then bypassed traffic by taking 417), so even though we left late, we arrived here before 6:00.
I had an uneventful check-in (no, I didn’t accept anything from strangers; yes, I packed my own bags; no there is nothing in my bag that the airline could construe as a weapon – not even the safety scissors tucked into my suitcase). I was given a security check sticker for my passport, which proves I answered the questions correctly. Go me!
The Xanax Nancy gave me is wearing off. Must be, because I feel nervous again. For weeks I have been having nightmares of firey plane crashes and me going up in flames. I am not sure what’s wrong with me, since I have never feared flying before. I have been so blasé about the whole September 11th thing not really affecting me, but you know, I think that’s what has me scared. It’s stupid, I know…And yet…
I need to take a Dramamine soon. Maybe when Laurie gets here, she can watch my bags and I can grab some water. I bought headache pills at the newsstand before the security check-in because I was stupid and packed my Excedrin in the suitcase I turned in when I was given my seat assignment.
Everyone has been complaining about long waits at the airports, but I found the whole process extremely tolerable. I’m glad they put us through several check points. It makes me feel safer. At the last check, there was a slow moment while they opened a bag and the guy behind me impatiently grumbled: “What’s the f***ing hold up?” I glared at him. I can’t believe that less than a year after the destruction of the World Trade Center ANYONE could complain about delays for security purposes. Gods bless America and all that jazzy apple pie…
The waiting area at the gate is already crowded, but I’ve staked put my piece of the carpet behind the Haagen-Dazs stand. I'm not at all hungry, just slightly thirsty.
I don't recognize anyone yet, but it's still very early. I don't know most of the students going, but I saw some of their faces at the meeting here in Orlando last month. Professor Wiley is already in England (by way of Greece, from what he said before he left), but the other instructors are supposed to meet us here. I wonder if they'll take attendance...
I need to stretch and take an execedrin.
JULY 6, 2002 – ON THE PLANE, STILL IN ORLANDO – 8:15 PM EST
So far, I have no seat company. I won't be terribly disappointed if I find myself alone here, especially since the armrests go up and down. The seats are a little small, but perhaps my girth is just widening - a sobering thought. I wonder if everyone fiddles with everything when they sit down on a plane. I have to look at EVERYTHING and touch everything like I do. Then again, I do that every where I go. Touch, touch, touch. No wonder I got kicked out of museums all the time when I was a child.
My seat is neat the wing. Not ON the wing, but near it. My lot in life seems to be wing seats.
Cool, each seat has its own little TV moniter and currently, there is a map on mine. Now we have a "cute" (using that word sarcastically) little safety precautions cartoon. Blah. Blah. Flotation device. Blah.
We're taxi-ing and I have no seat mate. (Doing the Snoppy happy dance. Not literally though.)
After we checked in with the Excursion Group, we were given Public Service Announcements, as if we weren't nervous enough. Here is mine (copied exactly without any edits - snarky comments are my own):
WORLDWIDE CAUTION
JULY 1, 2002
This worldwide caution supersedes the previous Worldwide Caution of March 17, 2002 to alert Americans to the need to remain vigilant during the upcoming summer season and to remind them of the continuing threat of terrorist actions which may target civilians and include suicide operations. (One sentence!) This Worldwide Caution expires on October 1, 2002.
The U.S. Government continues to receive credible indications (snort) that extremist individuals are planning additional terrorist actions against U.S. interests. Such actions may be imminent and include suicide operations. We have no further information on specific targets, timing, or method of attack. We remind American citizens to remain vigilint with regard to their personal security and to exercise caution.
Terrorist groups do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Recent attacks on worshippers in church and synagogue underline the growing possibility that as security is increased at official U.S. facilities, terrorists and their sympathizers will seek softer targets. (If this isn't an argument AGAINST the Homeland Security Act, I don't know what is!) They may include facilities where Americans are generally known to congregate or visit, such as clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools or outdoor recreation events. Americans should increase their security awareness when they are at such locations, avoid them, or switch to other locations where Americans in large numbers generally do not congregate. (Might I suggest foreign film festivals, voting locations and the opera?) American citizens may be targeted for kidnapping.
U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or suspend public services from time to time to review their security posture and ensure its adequacy. In those instances, U.S. Embassies and Consulates will make every effort possible to provide emergency services to American citizens. Americans are urged to moniter local news and maintain contact with the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.
As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to Americans overseas, it will share with them credible threat information therough its Consular Information Program documents. These documents are available on the internet. In addition to information on the Internet, U.S. travelers may hear recorded information by calling the Department of State in Washington, D.C. at 202-647-5225 from their touch-tone telephone, or receive information by automated telefax by dialing 202-647-3000 from their fax machine.
Arrggh. I'm getting queasy now. I have to stop writing.
DISTANCE TO DESTINATION: 4348 miles
JULY 6, 2002 – STILL ON THE PLANE – 9:10 EST
I have the row to myself, but wouldn't you know, I have a fidgety kid in front of me who has his seat all the way back so my knees are in my belly. Every time he moves, I get jabbed in the knee cap.
We're experiencing turbulence or something because the "fasten seatbelt" signs are on and no one may use the toilets. Just my luck because, well, I have had a lot to drink. The map shows us as being just east of Charleston, NC, out in the Atlantic (but in the light blue water, not the dark of the deep ocean yet). 3986 miles left. So far, no food or drinks and I'm starved! The in-flight movie seems to be that awful one starring Britney Spears, so I am REALLY glad I have a book...
We're east of Halifax now and it's 61* outside. 2667 miles left. I wasn't stuck watching Britney Spears after all because the individual TVs mean personal choice of any number of movies. I watched I am Sam, which was pretty good, if not a tad sappy. The little girl in it is an amazing actress. Dinner was a salad, bread, chicken pasta, gouda cheese (my favorite)and cheesecake. Not bad at all for less drowsy formula Dramamine.
The map shows that we are far southwest of Rejkavik. 2875 miles behind us and 1454 ahead. -71*f outside. The sun is rising ahead of us, so the sky is pale blue and yellow. I think I'll set my watch to London-time now. 6:20 AM.
Trivia: There are 5438 pubs in London.
JULY 7, 2002 - 7:50 AM GMT
We are right over the southwest tip of Ireland now, but all I can see are clouds. This is the furthest north and the furthest east I have ever been in my life. When we were out over the Atlantic, I thought about how I have now crossed both great oceans - something I have wanted to do my entire life. I looked out through the cold widow, nose pressed to the glass and looked down through the clouds. It was so clear as we flew that I could make out what looked like ice in the water below. Icebergs. I couldn't help but think of The Titanic. The flight path has taken us far north and then south again. We are now less than an hour from arrival.
The kid in front of me never put his seat up, so I am probably a little bruised. Plus it's hard to write with my elbows jammed into the wall. Damn this claustrophobia that forces me to have a window seat or I would have moved hours ago. As it stands, a few hours back, Dr. H-, one of the accompanying instructors, moved back to this row because the kids near her were loudly playing with a Gameboy and refused to turn down the volume when it was time to sleep. She has been a pleasant traveling companion because she doesn't like to chit chat. That is really one of my pet peeves: stranger who want to tell you their life stories for hours on end while flying. I prefer to put my headset on and settle down with a book. It's quiet time - alone time. But then again, I suck at the whole idle small talk thing anyway. Sally says I am lacking in social skills, and perhaps she's right. But the truth is, I am uncomfortable talking to most people because I get tongue-tied and say stupipd things.
We are between Killarney and Cork with 55 minutes to go, so we are starting to descend a bit. 376 miles left and we are approaching the Celtic Sea. There are still only cloud below us as far as the eye can see. I have a feeling exhaustion may set in soon because I've been up for so long. It's about 3:00 in the morning in Florida. No one has slept much because within two hours of the lights dimming, we reached a point where the sun was rising.
My mouth tastes minty fresh thanks to the toothbrush and toothpaste provided by the airline. I guess they don't want a bunch of sleepy, foul mouthed travelers breathing all over Security and Customs.
JULY 7, 2002 – CAMBRIDGE - 12:30 PM GMT
Right now, I am alone in F-Dorm at Selwyn Old Court in Room 13 on the 2nd floor (which is three flights up, since the bottom floor is called the "ground floor" here). The steps are orange and they are steep and narrow. Since they are not at all carpeted, each step echoes through the empty halls. I am not sure if I am actually supposed to BE anywhere until dinner at 7pm, but I know I'm hungry and I don't know where any one else is. We all eagerly accepted our keys and trotted off to our various rooms a while ago. After I write a little, I plan to go find Laurie. She must be in this maze somewhere!
The last leg of the journey was fairly uneventful as far as traveling goes. We arrived in Gatwick on time, luggage was where it was supposed to be (in spite of belonging to Mike and therefore being jinxed) and Customs was a breeze. (Note: I later found out that others didn't have it as easily as I did. One girl left her luggage behind and it had to be sent to Cambridge specially. I don't know the exact story, but I know that NO ONE was pleased about it. ) My passport stamp gives me "leave to enter for six months: employment and recourse to public funds prohibited".
Wiley was there to meet and greet us, and to put us on the bus. We had to drive our trolley carts down long windy ramps and at one point, mine got a little out of control and I almost crashed through the glass! Laurie gently pointed out the handbrakes at that point and we managed to descend further with little mishap. While waiting for the others to arrive, I decided to get something to drink, and also bought some candy to suck on the bus, since I didn't want to take another Dramamine. Have I mentioned that non-American chocolate is one of my biggest downfalls? I brought back so much from Australia that my bag was twice as heavy on the way back and for months I couldn't eat American-made chocolate at any price. I still don't like how waxy it usually tastes. A month in England was all this access to chocolate will make me bigger than a whale. I'm glad I have to walk every where I go.
The bus ride from London to Cambridge was fairly boring. I kept waiting for that "I am now in England...land of my forefathers" feeling to envelop me, but it was more like "oh, I know this place". When you think about it, the latter isn't necessarily the normal feeling one gets upon entering a new country for the first time, but honestly, that's what I felt and what I am still feeling. There is nothing foreign-feeling about it at all.
I slept (finally!) for most of the ride because I've realized that, basically, countryside off of mainroads looks the same everywhere (not that I am a great world traveler, but that has been my experience to date). I am not sure if that is disappointing or reassuring. Maybe a little of both.
But things did change when we left the main highway and turned into the city of Cambridge. Professor L- (who was sitting behind me and is one of the four accompanying instructors) announced loudly that the "thing to our right" was a mirage - a stone building with the ubiquitous golden arches in from of it. For Richie, I may take a photo of it. I may even eat there, because who can resist the lure of warm beer and saltless fries? I'm kidding!!!!
The College I am staying at is off of Grange Road. Once I am oriented, I will draw a map. The buildings here were constructed in the 1800s and they are simply stunning. My dorm is the furthest from the road and I have a spectacular view. First thing I did was throw open the windows. It's a slightly frosty 50 degrees out there, but it feels wonderful. We don't get much in the way of cold weather in the winter in Florida, much less in July.
A nice surprise was locating the loo in my dorm (preceded by a panic that it was out in the hall - I am so weird about sharing bathrooms and I was bracing myself for the inevitable). It is located two steps up from the sleeping room, which is kind of a closet-like room with a bed, a chair and a wardrobe. I got into the warddrobe (shut the door slightly, as "everyone knows it is foolish to shut oneself into a wardrobe") and searched for Narnia, but it wasn't there. All those years of trying in America, when I was certain one HAD to try in Britain, and here I was, 34 years old and hanging on to a simple, childish hope. (sigh)
It's such a charming suite. I keep expecting the Dorm Police to come in and take it away from me.
Well, I just wandered outside to find Laurie and instead, I ran into four visitors from London. We talked awhile and it turns out they know Florida well. I didn't find Laurie, so I dashed back here to see what time it is and to double check that we aren't supposed to be anywhere. Now I am going to go look for her again. Or for any familiar face.
JULY 7, 2002 – CAMBRIDGE - 4:15 PM GMT
It is as I feared: this room is too good to be true and I am not supposed to be here. This is the famous F-13 that Professor W- has had for six years. I feel so horrible although it's not in any way my fault. Wiley told me to stay put because he has a "perfectly good room". When I told him I feel guilty, he responded, "Well this is the place to get rid of that". I even checked with the Porter about changing rooms and he said I am officially in F-13. (note: I grew used to hearing that word in Cambridge, as you will soon see). They're all very big on pomp and circumstance and things being OFFICIAL here. So I am going to relax and count my blessings. I am here for a reason - the trip, the room, this entire opportunity is for a reason and I have to feel that maybe I deserve something great like this for once. That said, I am not going to mention it again unless they have me moved.
Registration was easy. I have a huge book to read and I paid 25 pounds (my computer doesn't make the pound sign - I tried) for computer access. The Labs are clear across town, so I doubt I'll be going there much, but at least I can check in with everyone back home and write some papers there.
The wind is whistling - maybe it's wuthering...It's an aching, haunting sound. I think it's moving through the chimneys, but a school this old MUST have a ghost. I'll have to take photos with the digital camera and see what shows up.
Laurie and I finally located one another and decided to tale a walk into town. We asked another girl, D-, to go with us. We had lunch at a Pub which served one thing: Sunday Dinner! It was chicken, three heaping servings of veggies and a pastry cup. I didn't want any peas, but the carrots were excellent. The locals seem to hang out there. We then walked off in search of an ATM (called a LINK here). I bought chocolate VERY cheap (even with the dastradly exchange rate) and some munchies, just in case. I don't really want to buy lunch in town every day, because I can't afford it. If I eat a good breakfast and a good supper, I should be okay snacking the rest of the day.
I am very, very tired now.
JULY 7, 2002 – CAMBRIDGE - 6:45 PM GMT
I took a hard nap and woke up disoriented, hungry and crankly. Dinner is in 15 minutes and it seems fairly quiet outside of my windows (which I just shut because it's getting colder). I know that we arrived a day earlier than the rest of the students, so that could explain it.
I don't want to shop tomorrow all day, so I thought I might check out the many free museums in Cambridge. The university is spread out over several miles in all directions, and it looks like the city sprung up all around it (which is more or less, exactly what happened). There's a History of Cambridge lesson in the packet, which I was too tured to read earlier. Tomorrow needs to be peaceful and relaxing for me to prepare me for classes. I need to regroup and focus on why I'm here.
It's still so quiet here. I have no TV or major appliances, so there is no buzzing ambiant noise to distract my thoughts, just that lilting wind sound in the flue...and birds. More than once, I have wished to be an ornithologist, moreso now than ever, as there are so many unfamiliar birds here.
I suppose I should head down to the Porter's Office and wait for everyone else.
JULY 7, 2002 – CAMBRIDGE - 8:40 PM GMT
Well, my very long day is done at last. I had a cold buffet in a dining room that looks like something out of Harry Potter. We had quiche, salad, bread, potatoes and ice cream. (Note: For anyone reading this who might be wondering about what seems like food obsession, I have to admit that I started writing a lot about the food I eat when I travel because Nancy always seemed to ask me when I went places - I kept copious notes about the food in Australia, and I found later that it helped me remember so events more clearly because eating is time consuming and social. When visiting another country, the food is different in many ways, so it's worth commenting on.)
While waiting for the others to arrive, I met an older man from Melbourne and I bought some postcards. I also purchased a Selwyn College Pin for my collection. I think I might wear it with my Phi Theta Kappa key at graduation - if I actually bother to go to graduation.
The Porter's Office has everything from souveniers to stamps to phone cards. I bought a phone card and called everyone I could for 5 pounds - just long enough to say that I am here, I am save and buh-bye.
Laurie stopped me in the courtyard to say that a group was going to a pub nearby. I bowed out quickly - the last thing I need to do right now is combine alcohol and exhaustion. They'd have to borrow a wheelbarrow to get me back here.
So good night...at long last.
JULY 8, 2002 – CAMBRIDGE - 9:00 AM GMT
It's cold, wet and dreary - just like England always is in novels by the Brontes and Sarah Waters. When I went down to breakfast at 8:00, there was no one around. I heard an owl hoot and it seemed so nearby that I thought I would look for it, but it stayed well hidden because I couldn't find it.
The view nearest to my window is that of Selwyn College Chapel, built in gothic style in the late 19th century. At 9:00, just now, the clock tower chimed once. In spite of the rain, birds are chirping loudly and the flowers smell fragrant. Everything is so green here. My windows are surrounded by green leaves that have grown yo the sides of the building and everywhere I turn is some sort of foliage.
I'm currently debating what to do next. Suddenly, I am very grateful for Nancy's London Fog jacket because it's colder and damper than I anticipated it would be this time of year. B-, a girl I met at breakfast, and I made plans to go to the Anthropology Museum today at 1:00, but I forgot that most of the museums are closed on Mondays. I think I'd like to stay in and do some course reading and just relax. I have a month to explore and see things - I don't have to do it all in one day.
I am in England - the land of my ancestors - and it doesn't feel in the least bit like a foreign country. It's like I have been here before, only I know I have not been. It's so familiar...Maybe it's just all the Miramax Films I have seen over the years...
I think I'd like to check out a book store or two in town, rather than stay cooped up inside. I know what I just said about wanting to stay put, but I changed my mind!
JULY 8, 2002 – CAMBRIDGE – 4:00PM GMT
Well, so much for staying put all day! I decided to go bang on Laurie's door, but she was already gone, so I though I might brave out alone in searh of the Phoenix Computing Centre where my email lives while I'm here. It was a long walk away - it took me 45 minutes to find the place (even taking into account stops and photo opportunities and a wrong turn down a cool alleyway...). It's much to far to go to daily, but if I can't survive without a computer, then more is wrong with me that I thought!
Amazingly enough, I suddenly know my way around pretty well. I wandered downtown and saw the Zoology Museum on Downing Street, but it was closed between 1:00 and 2:00 - just my luck to be there at 1:15! When I left the building, I saw Dr. L-, who accompanied me down to the main shopping area at Trumpington Street and King's Parade. He didn't seem at all bothered to hear that I have the famous F-13 for my lodgings (for some reason EVERYONE I have seen today asked "so what stairwell are you in? do you like it?"). He was actually really nice and he pointed out where the Cambridge Shakespeare Festival is held. They're doing Antony and Cleopatra, The Comedy of Errors, et al this summer. At one time or another, I have seen almost all of the shows they are offering.
Anyway, I walked down Sidgwick Avenue to Silver Street in search of the Computing Centre. I came across a beautiful old church labeled Saint Botolph's Church and learned that Botolph is the patron saint of travelers. The word "Boston" is a contraction of "Botolph's Town". It has existed pretty much as I saw it today since 1400.
I couldn't get in to Saint Catharine's College because there was a tour going on, but I peeked through the gates and snapped a photo. The College was established in 1473 and the gates have what is called a `Saint Catharine's Wheel', so named because St. Catharine was put to death on a wheel.
One really cool thing I saw off of Silver Street was the famous Queen's Mathematical Bridge ***, designed by James Essex in 1749 (but reconstructed in 1904 - the third edition, so to speak). Apparently it can stand and hold weight without nails. As I walked over it, there was a punting boat going under it, so I got a nice picture ***.
I walked around a bit and found an herbalist that did NOT sell Purple Sage (my quest for Mike's purple sage may turn Holy Grailesque), but they had red sage and I might go back and get some of that. I found two other nice herbs for Mike. Around the corner was a handmade cosmetics shop where, for 1.45 pounds I could get some wonderful-smelling soap called "psychedelic".
I found Borders, Burger King, Starbucks and the Disney Store, much to my dismay, as well as a Claire's Boutique and a Gymboree. I only went into one store - guess which? Let's just say I bought Sally The Cambridge Ghost Book. 
I walked around the Lion Yard, which is a semi-enclosed mall next to the Market Place, which is a typical flea market selling fruits and veggies, breads and cheeses, herbs and cheap tourist items. I wonder how I can take some cheese home for Dave!
Right now, I am resting until dinner. I'm not up for Happy Hour for Grown Ups in Laurie's room just yet and if I shower now, my hair will still be wet for dinner. I don't have a blowdryer because I can't use an American appliance in England...I wonder how many electrical devices are fried to a crips by American students abroad each year?
Given the options, I am choosing to go read. Just choose books!
JULY 8, 2002 – CAMBRIDGE - 10:00 PM GMT
Dinner was very good. The lamb was a little spicy for wimpy me, but the apple pie and cream were out of this world. I met a guy from Hamburg, Germany and an older woman from Japan, whose name I did not catch. At the meeting tonight, we were informed that 1100 of us represent 40 countries. 58% come from teh United State and 12% from the European Union. They challenged us all to meet someone from each country, so I am keeping a list in the back of the books and also counting States. I saw on the bulletin board that there is a group from SUNY RCC (the college I attended in the 80s) here. I would love to find them!
Tonight, we also learned that there will be a lecture given by Stephen Hawking on Friday and that there are only 80 seats available to Cambridge Summer School students, so anyone who wishes to attend needs to get a lottery ticket. I will get one, but I won't count on winning - my luck has been too good lately and the other shoe needs to drop some time.
As I walked around the courtyard (never through it) this evening, the scent of jasmine danced on the air. It's in full bloom, along withthe lilacs and heather. I snitched a small blossom of jasmine to press for Sally (note: a year later it still smells nice).
Well, it's after 10:00 and classes start tomorrow. I hope they're interesting and fun!
JULY 9, 2002 – CAMBRIDGE - 5:20 PM GMT
THE SEARCH AND DESTROY MISSION OF FUTILITY: OR WHY I CAN NEVER FIND A TOILET IN CAMBRIDGE
I'm home now. I mean in my room - but Taureans tend to consider any place they sleep for more than a day to be ipso facto home. There's over an hour left until dinner and I am just relaxing. The howling down the floo is really loud because it's a typical blustery day. It rained all morning and since my umbrella is in Florida, I got wet. I dried during my first class, went to Orientation #2 (required) and got wet, dried out during that lecture, went to my second class, got wet, dried out again, ran to the Buttery for tea and a scone, got wet, ran to my room and dried off. Then it stopped raining, so I walked to my third class. All day, I have just felt soggy - like our carpet for days after the fish tank exploded last November.
Since I had to run down to the Phoenix Centre in order to avert a personal crisis, I took the London Fog along, thinking I would get soaked and freeze. But the sun came out while I was there and the walk back was a bit toasty.
Enough whining. Here's all the news that's fit to print about my classes....
The British and American Women Short Story Authors class should be fun, especially since I am not being evaluated or graded for it. I can just sit back and enjoy it - in spite of the homework. Tamsin Palmer is a small woman in her 50's with blonde hair and frameless glasses. She smiles broadly and warmly, and laughs like someone in love with life and literature. She referred to short stories as "art" and spoke with deep passion about her subject.
Her husband, Dr. Douglas Palmer, is just about the opposite. In a way, he seems to be the quintessential British professor I have been reading about since a young girl - kind of resembling David Warner, but with the elegence and charm of John Gielgud. He seems more serious than his wife, but no less passionate about his topic (on which he as written several books I have read). He is teaching the subject I am most excited about: Our Ancestors and Darwin.
I felt very sleepy during his class, but it was not his fault, so I ran to get tea during the break. I don't like having an hour-long lunch break in the middle of the day, but everyone else seemed happy about it.
My third instructor is Siân Griffiths, a classically beautiful Welsh woman with the grace of a dancer and a soft, melodic voice. Her accent is slightly different from that of the English instructors we have been hearing and she has already made clear her politics, which I found interesting. Given the chance. I would love to sit with her over tea and ask her questions. She is teaching the course on Elizabeth I. The class was very lively and her teaching method lends itself to a lot of discussion, as she sits on the edge of the desk and lectures without notes.
I am looking forward to learning a lot from these three very different, very intelligent and interesting individuals.
JULY 10, 2002 – CAMBRIDGE - 10:45 PM GMT
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!!!!!
New Report: I actually WON Stephen Hawking lecture tickets! Too incredible...maybe Nancy is right that this is my year. For once.
Classes were very interesting today, but I am starting to get the impression that most of the students here know nothing about their courses and/or have not done the readings. It's a shame really, because our lecturers have so much to offer us. Tamsin Palmer thanked me for being in her class because I speak up and today, I started a discussion when she asked for participation.
