Out of Portland

From Portland, Oregon, to Cambridge, England. From Portland State to the University of Cambridge. From a Northwest summer to an English summer. What will I find?

First, let’s examine how this trip is even possible. I became aware of the opportunity via PSU’s online study abroad portal. I have always wanted to go to England and attend a historical and prestigious school such as Cambridge. I endeavored to look into this further after hearing about a friend who was able to go on a European tour through the university he attends.

The extensive process included the typical application documents, references, essays, meetings and so on. That began in February of this year. From there, I met with my study abroad adviser for final verifications. Then, there was the wait to be approved by a second study abroad adviser. After that, I had to be accepted by Cambridge itself. So I waited, and waited, and waited. Finally, on March 21, I received the phone call. I had been accepted to study abroad at the University of Cambridge in England!

Literary editor, writer and public speaker: these are the trades I’ve recently been involved in. I am majoring in communication with a minor in writing, though my true academic pursuit is creative writing. My goal is to paint a window to the world using words. This world is the canvas and humanity is the masterpiece, and that is what I write about.

The courses I will be taking while abroad are “Supervision in Creative Writing,” “Film and Theater Journalism” and “Literary London.” The first of these allows for one-on-one instruction in writing from a Cambridge faculty member who is also an established writer. This opportunity to experience England, attend the university and work with the Cambridge faculty is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. I look forward to sharing with you the experience of fulfilling a dream.

Now, I leave behind Portland: a city of weird architecture, strange people (who are proud of that fact) and multiple avenues for artistic expression. Portland is a city abuzz with creativity and creative energy. There are those who walk through the streets dancing to the music thrumming through their headsets or simply roaring in their own minds. Diversity is a part of the city’s culture, and there are people here from all over the world, from many different walks of life and diverse preferences and beliefs and arts. As in any city, depth is found in the people who roam it. I look forward to finding the differences between Portland’s culture and that of England.

I fly out tonight at 6 p.m. I am ready for this. Cambridge. Who would have thought?

I invite you to join me on this journey through the series of articles that I will be writing. Learn with me about the culture that England offers: the food, the dress, the environment and the people. I invite you to explore with me the diversity of our world as I travel to another side of it. Fare thee well, Portland, I’ll see you soon. We’ll keep in touch.