Surrounded by the Extraordinary

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After 10 long days in quarantine, my legs were rearing to get out. Getting to know Oxford began with one of my flat mates, Emma, showing Aubrie and I around on the first day. She provided a thorough tour of the town and university, including Magdalen college. In Magdalen college, we saw the cloister where Tolkien supposedly ran across naked. We took the long walk along the path where Tolkien and C.S. Lewis strolled together discussing various topics. After walking under the replica Bridge of Sighs, Emma pointed out the house of Edmond Halley, who Halley's comet was named after.

On our first Tuesday out, a sweet Blue Badge tour guide showed the group the significance of city. She described the traditions, like the one at All Souls college that involves chasing a duck. She explained where all the characters from Alice in Wonderland came from, real people at Christ college. She presented us with a plaque that signifies the spot where Robert Boyle discovered Boyle's Law and where Robert Hooke created the microscope and identified the first living cell. 

Not only are the buildings here more beautiful than any of seen anywhere else, but this town draws in the most incredible people in history. Standing in a place where history was made in many different fields fuels my drive to be one of those people. For the first time in a long time, I feel as though I am walking forward. I am thankful to be surrounded by the extraordinary.


Written By: Amber Wilson

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