Week 2

‘I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.’ (Author unknown)

This week saw the beginning of classes on Monday along with the return of the rest of the student population of Ole Miss. It was amazing to see the influx of thousands of students now occupying the campus accompanied by the excited buzz of beginning a new semester. My own nerves were fuelled with anticipation of the unexpected and desire to learn about the American education and take part in classes. The first shock came with the timing of our classes which include two evening classes beginning at 4.15pm and ending at 6.45pm with two also taking place in the afternoons. This was different for me as the latest class I have ever attended in Stran ended at 5pm. There is also a heavier emphasis on being punctual and if a class is said to start at 4.15pm, we must make sure to be there at least 10-15 minutes earlier. All of my tutors are extremely nice and seem very excited to have international students in their classes. One tutor was heard to comment, ‘you may learn from our American culture but we would also like to learn about yours.’

The classes this week consisted of introductions to the syllabus and discussions of what is to be expected of us throughout the remainder of the semester. I thought this was a huge benefit as I like to know what will be in store for the incoming weeks and the tutors here are extremely organised. They gave us details of not only our homework and assignments but also exact dates for tests, or as one of my tutor calls them, ‘celebrations,’ i.e. to celebrate what we learn. Quite similar to some of my classes back home, the classes here seem to be very interactive and revolve around a lot of discussions. In relating to the quote at the beginning, through ‘doing,’ i.e. taking part in discussions, it is easier to understand and learn. In readings for one class we were to look over the core state standards and frameworks for Mississippi and I found it was very similar to that of the Northern Ireland Curriculum. Kelly and I have also found that through having had the opportunity back home to experience teaching in a SEN school we are better prepared for taking the Special Education class here. I look forward to expanding my knowledge and as Robert Brault said “each day learn something new, and just as important, relearn something old.”

On a final and more personal note, this week also included my first experience of an American basketball game. It was hard to believe that the campus has its own stadium that held all of the 7500 people who attended to support the Ole Miss Rebels against Florida. It would have been difficult to not get involved in the energy and school spirit that filled the stadium. Of course Kelly and I had also been practising the school cheer ‘Hotty Toddy’ and were able to chant along with all the supporting Ole Miss students during the game. Despite the team putting up an amazingly brave fight and losing 60 to 64, I still had an incredible night.

Week 1

After a very bumpy flight from Belfast to New York, a not so friendly welcome in customs followed by another uncomfortable flight from New York to Memphis, Kelly and I finally arrived extremely tired but safe and sound in Mississippi. (However this was after we first went to the wrong hotel and had to catch another bus to the correct one!) The combination of excitement, anticipation and fatigue from travelling resulted in a comfortable night’s sleep to help prepare us for out final part of our journey (1 hour bus ride) to the University of Mississippi in Oxford.

The following day we were welcomed at the University of Mississippi by the International Outreach Team who helped us get settled in through providing lunch and volunteer students to help show us to our rooms. After receiving our keys, we were able to spend the rest of the day unpacking and setting up our rooms. I am sharing an apartment with one American and two Korean students and it has been interesting having so many different cultures under one roof. One of my roommates was kind enough to take us on our first trip to Wal-Mart later on the evening of our arrival. It was funny to watch our excitement at finally being in Wal-Mart. We were like two small children receiving their presents at Christmas time!

The first few days here included, settling in, sorting out any unfinished business with regards to finance and medical insurance and meeting all the other international students. It surprised me at there are students here from at least 24 other countries. On Thursday night, all the international students got together for a dinner called the ‘meet and greet.’ This was a great way to meet other students and also our global ambassadors. The global ambassador’s role is to answer any questions we might have and assist us in registering for our classes. I found this a great benefit and it is a comfort knowing there is a friendly face around campus if we were ever to have any problems. Knowing now, how difficult it is to try and adjust to a new culture and way of living has developed my understanding of those international students who come to Stranmillis every year. It has made me appreciate just how easy it is to feel uncomfortable and scared in a new country and I can now empathise with those who travel far from home.

At the dinner my taste buds were definitely challenged as I got the opportunity to try and taste a wide range of popular foods here in the South. My favourite had to be the fried chicken which the South is famous for. In keeping with food, Kelly and I have also had the experience of going to different restaurants and there were a number of things that surprised us. We discovered that you must always tip the employees, as it makes up the majority of their pay. Whereas in comparison to back home any tip that we would receive would be a bonus! Secondly the sizes of the portions here in Mississippi are huge. The majority of the time I have to take the remainder of my food home in a box as I can not even finish the first helping!

The ‘southern hospitality’ that people associate with this area has made it easier for us to adjust to life here as people are willing to help out as much as possible. I have already met some amazing people and look forward to making more life-long friendships throughout my weeks here in ‘Ole Miss.’