As Nike says, JUST DO IT!! My experience - Fall 2012

To say this was one of the best experiences of my life would be a complete understatement! I had an amazing opportunity to study abroad with USAC program via my home university, California State University Chico. I decided to attend Brighton University because 1. I had always wanted to visit England due to the amazing English accents (typical) and 2. I wanted to have a unique experience and Brighton was right on the ocean. I had heard from many people it was like the San Francisco of England so I figured it would be my home away from home :)

I can go on and on how much of an amazing experience I had. From meeting people from all parts of the world, traveling to difference countries and attending fun planned field trips with my peers/ mentors (Mary and Becca), and just exploring Brighton itself with all the lovely pubs and the true English culture that it offered.

But what is most important for me to mention is how AMAZING both Becca and Mary were in my transition into settling in and enjoying my overall experience. I had quickly come to learn that no matter how "prepared" one can be, nothing will ever go the way expected and planned while traveling into a new environment.

Prior to arriving to Brighton, my University had provided a list of classes that were offered at Brighton and that would transfer credit back to my home University. On my first week of school at Brighton, a whole group of us had learned that the classes we originally selected were only offered Spring semester, not Fall. PANIC fled my body as I questioned what on earth was I going to do?? We were already missing the first week of studies at Brighton University and on top of it, I did not want to fall behind in school and be forced to take an extra semester back at home.

A group of us rushed to Mary and Becca's office in complete distress and frustration with this huge miscommunication. Now if I were them, I would have thought this group of students were complete frantic animals due to how scattered brained, lost and panicked we acted. Instead, they welcomed us in their office with their warm hearts and tea and told us not to worry. Everything was going to work out just fine, we just needed to take a deep breath and relax. It brings back a smile to my face reminiscing on the situation with how they calmly took charge and helped each and every one of us with finding substitute classes even if it took more time out of their personal day. It truly shows how much they really care and want every student to enjoy their overall experience. They are the true backbone of the program and made me feel so welcomed in my overall experience.