From Classes to Castles

"Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught."

-Oscar Wilde

Hello, all!

I know it’s been forever since I’ve updated you.  School has definitely kept me busy.  In addition to classes, I’ve started two different part-time jobs.  I’m working as an International Student Ambassador at King’s – which means giving tours, answering emails, helping out with open houses, etc.  I’m also working as a server for a company that provides waitstaff for high-end events here in London.  It’s turned out to be a really fun way to see the city and earn some money! 

I’m also one of the founders of the Women in War and International Politics group at King’s.  I, along with a handful of other women (Master’s and PhD candidates), decided we needed to support one another in this very male-dominated field.  So far we’ve just had one event, but over 100 women showed up!  Our hopes for WWIP include hosting lecture series with experts in our field, organizing career skills workshops, creating a mentoring group involving women from the BA level to alumnae, and of course having social events throughout the year.  I’m personally heading up the social aspect of the group – so if you happen to have any grand ideas as to what we could/should do, let me know!  Next Tuesday is our first social at a pub near campus called The George.  Hint, hint: single males looking for a group of incredibly brilliant, driven, and beautiful women – that’s where we’ll be ;)

One of the highlights of my past few weeks was getting out of London with Courtney.  We spent the day visiting a good friend of hers, Sylvia, who lives just 40 minutes outside of London by train.  Sylvia took us to visit Hever Castle – the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, and where King Henry courted her.  It wasn’t as big as you’d think, but it was full of so much history that it gave you chills just walking through.   

Courtney and I in the gardens of Hever Castle

Courtney and I will be traveling to Switzerland in December and I’m greatly looking forward to that!  Only five weeks of classes, 2 papers on al-Qaeda, a presentation on cultural diplomacy, a paper on congressional oversight and secrecy in intelligence, and a paper on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict stand in my way! 

Before I leave you, I want to take the moment on this Remembrance Sunday to remember the men and women (British and American alike) who’ve given they’re lives in defense of freedom.  May they never be forgotten.