My Last Days as Editor of The Reflector: Part One

I've spent the past four years in a college newsroom. I've spent the last two serving as editor-in-chief of The Reflector. From this summer onward, I keep having the best time of my life — you know, that mythical experience promised to you as you enter college.

For the past few years, I've always known what I was going to do the next year. I've always had a plan, and that plan hinged on my ideas and goals for The Reflector. I've been happy being a part of the editorial board, and I've learned. And maybe I've taught someone something worth knowing.

Last week, Kaitlyn Byrne was chosen as my successor as editor-in-chief. Yesterday, she announced her new staff. I'm so proud of her and my staff members who have gained new positions. Congratulations to all of them, and they will do a fantastic job next year.

Yesterday, many staff members attended the Better Newspaper Contest Awards Ceremony at the O.C. McDavid Conference.  We learned a lot, had fun taking one last trip together, and picked up an insane amount of awards. 

The two awards I'm most personally proud of receiving: First place in General Excellence (we're all winners) and first place in spot news coverage for our work on the on-campus shooting last March.

Ms. McDavid, Julia, Farrah, Zack, Mary Chase, John, Emma, Me, Eric, and Kaitlin.
See? The plaque is reflecting the light ... get it?

I was so excited. Seriously.

Earlier this year, I missed SEJC because of a scheduling conflict. But, thankfully, I was able to attend one last trip with my friends. Awards aren't important. They are not the reason we write, take photographs, edit, or design. We do it because we want to serve our community. But awards do reflect that we are doing jobs well, so on occasion, it's nice to receive validation.

Tuesday was our last paper before the transition period between new and old staffs. On Sunday (yes, we work on Easter — I've actually worked on Easter for the past four years), we will welcome next year's editorial board members to the office officially. And, hopefully, I can give them a couple of lectures on the importance of ethics, Dickens, accurate reporting, professionalism, Dickens, editing, design, teaching, and Dickens before I leave.

I know I will miss the newspaper next year. But, for the moment, it's time to celebrate our time together and work to pass on four years of editing knowledge.

Again, I'm so proud of everyone on staff (editors, writers, photographers, advertising reps) this year. You deserve all of the praise. I could not have produced a single edition without you.

Scotland: Or, How I Found the Tardis

The bus ride was one of the worst experiences of my life. The less said about said bus ride, the better. Because we didn't book a hostel before leaving for Edinburgh, Josh and I went on a search for wi-fi in order to do so. So with little to no sleep, we pulled our bags across the (very hilly) city.

Someone wanted to stop at McDonald's. It wasn't me. But the point is, we eventually found a hostel, took a nap, and start having adventures.

I have tried to find the words to describe Scotland because it was the best trip of my life. Least importantly, I received a much needed break from work and school after three years of non-stop writing and research. But I also met my best friend on this trip. And I got to prank so many people with random phone calls that started a conversation with, "Hey, by the way, I ran away with a boy to Scotland. I'll see you in a few weeks."

This is a Hairy Coo. It's the only cow I've ever loved. I made Josh take a photo of me with it.

I saw the Isle of Skye. I claim that I could have potentially seen the Loch Ness Monster. And I found the sense of purpose I needed to decide that I did want to apply to grad school to study Victorian Literature. Oh, and I found a cow I actually liked.

I also saw blue police boxes across Edinburgh, so you know that The Doctor is having adventures.

Being away from home made me value it even more when I returned. And I know one day I'll return and make some new adventures.

After Josh and I spent almost a week in Scotland, we returned to London because someone washed his passport. (Hint: It wasn't me.) And I got to see "Wicked" again. And visit the Tower of London and St. Paul's Cathedral.

I'm thankful for being able to study abroad and travel, and the Mississippi State Study Abroad Office, the Honors College, and my family are responsible for a why I could go. I appreciate the opportunity I was given, and I hope others who go to Oxford after me will have similar experiences.

Magdalen: Or, The End of All Things

Magdalen College

Instead of a final day of class on Friday (several of us are flying out of London then), Dr. Snyder scheduled a visit to Magdalen College on Thursday. No offense to Christ Church, but I truly wish I could have been a member of Magdalen just so I would have had an excuse to visit every day.

We walked around the grounds while Dr. Snyder told us about the history of the college. Highlights of the grounds include a deer park, the Fellows' Garden, and the chapel.

Alex and Casey. I think Alex was way more excited
about visiting Oscar Wilde's college than I could
ever hope to be.

While walking through the forest, Spencer found his true calling (see the photo below). No wonder he always insists upon being comfortable ... he's truly royalty. Dr. Snyder took this opportunity to draw our attention back to "Lord of the Rings" by observing the wooden seats remind him of the Council of Elrond. I have a theory that Dr. Snyder can relate anything back to Tolkien if he tries hard enough.

Spencer, Lord of the Woodland Realm

After walking for quite a bit, we made it to the Fellows' Garden, where we relaxed and took pictures before ending our tour.

Taylor was the tallest person I've ever known in real life.

The Grove (the deer park)

After the tour was over, Casey, Melissa, and I went to Granola to grab an afternoon snack. In a way, it was circular. I began my trip with the two of them, having crazy adventures at the airport. And then we began the end. Almost as soon as we reached the flat, we said goodbye to Maddy. And with promises of making Bueno bar ice cream together in the fall, she was gone.

I took Josh to dinner. The less said about that, the better.

Friday, we completed our book analysis papers for Dr. Snyder and prepared our flat for departure. Because I wasn't leaving until (well, at this point I had no idea when I was leaving), I put off packing as much as possible. Khanh and I went to Christ Church to return our key fobs (which I never used) and to say goodbye.

The Christ Church Library ... I loved it there.

As for the whole Scotland trip thing, Josh and I had yet to make any plans because we had been busy finishing our various assignments. After finishing my paper, Josh threw a book on manners at me that was in Bailey's flat and told me it was something I could read up on. (He thought it was a guide book. I was still kind of insulted, especially since Bailey has called me a shrew since the first trip to London.)

Khanh left very early Saturday in order to catch her flight on time. We said goodbye, and Ben walked her to the bus station.

At a decent time today, Josh and I met at Blackwell's to plan our trip (he was late, surprise).

Mini-rant: Penguin Books are just awful. If you're going to sell a book, the least you should do is learn how to spell the names of the main characters on the back. For example, in Charles Dickens's classic novel "Little Dorrit" (read it), Mr. Pancks is one of the most endearing characters. It's not spelled, Panks, Penguin. And you got it right on the inside so ... I don't see what the problem is.

At any rate, we realized we could catch a night bus to Scotland for a decent price (sixty pounds fare for each of us versus one hundred twenty six a person for train). So we went to the train station and bought our tickets for the Edinburgh that leaves later tonight.

After packing up my stuff and finishing things up at the flat, I recruited Bailey and Cameron to help me transport my luggage to Josh's house, where the four of us were meeting so that we could go to the pub one last time. We went to the Rickety Press, ate dinner, returned to the flat, and Bailey revealed he had written me a song. Which he showed to everyone at dinner and then sang to me before it was time to call a taxi. It's main theme? What Hannah Wants, Hannah Gets. 

Yep.

 So soon, we're off to catch a bus to Scotland, ready for a new adventure. 

I just know one thing: This is going to be a long trip if Josh doesn't cut the crap.

Oxford: Or, How It Came to Be That I Would Run Away to Scotland

Bailey was upset.
Everyone compared his mustache to Hitler.

This weekend, quite a few people gathered in the flat to watch "The Two Towers" and "The Return of the King." Because I had to lead discussion on "The Return of the King," it was more than just for fun. I also decided I wanted to write on the films, instead of the books.

We also had white chocolate blueberry toast one last time.

I am the Lorax, Or the walrus.

At this point, my father presented me with an offer: He would move my ticket so I could go to Scotland like I wanted to in the first place.

On Sunday, we had a Dapper Party because when my roommates went to Poundland (think Dollar General), they found mustaches. And decided we would wear them and have dessert together. Kind of as one last party before we all began to prepare to leave. So I made chocolate-covered strawberries.

Somehow, a conversation between Taylor and Maddy led to us deciding to make the event black tie. With the apartment decked out in English and UK flags and our mustaches on, we began to celebrate our time in Oxford. We had quite a bit of fun ... even if some of us ditched the mustaches early. And even if some of us (I know it was your idea, Taylor. Thanks everyone else who went along with it, it was awesomely awkward) felt the need to play jokes on other people.

Taylor, once again creeping in every picture possible.

Melissa and Taylor know how to party.

The next day, I gave my presentation, and I think it went well. I didn't get booed or anything, so I'm taking that as a win. Somehow, Josh and I ended up exploring a different part of town (one I don't really know how to get to ... I use him as my watch and GPS; you may have figured that out by now). We ate dinner at a cheap pub, and I got southern fried chicken out of curiosity of what it would look like. Somehow, I was convinced again to watch another German film. This one was called "The Blue Angel" and was just as awful as the last one. 

This was also notable because I revealed that I know film criticism. Specifically, Mulvey's essay on the gaze. I later got Josh to admit that my knowledge impressed him. No matter what he tells you. He said it.

On Tuesday and today, I had my final tutorials with Dr. Ballam. They both went well, and I received two first classes on my final essays. (Not to brag, but I was excited about that.) That was a big relief, especially because I still have two papers to complete for Dr. Snyder before I finish with the Tolkien class.

I think I killed our final moment of the Tolkien class. Somehow, when we were discussing whether Tolkien was the author of the century or not (I argued he was), a door opened to quote Oscar Wilde. Dr. Snyder's reaction?

Dr. Snyder: Are we really ending our Tolkien class with Oscar Wilde.
Me: Well, it looks like it.

Oscar Wilde. What a dandy. But he is Victorian...

So we did. Well, tomorrow we have the tour of Magdalen College (which is associated with both C.S. Lewis and Wilde), so it's not like I was totally off base.

In the midst of finishing up with my classes, I was busy getting my ticket changed to later in July so I could travel to Scotland. After some unnecessary drama with the airline, it all worked out. And, well, I learned a valuable life lesson.

For the record, Josh was planning to go to Scotland already. Seeing as I hadn't annoyed him on any of our previous trips (minus asking him what time it is or quoting Wilde ... that's another story), I decided to ask if I could go with him. And by "ask" I mean, I told him (semi-jokingly) I was following him to Scotland. And he said ok. So I took that as resounding excitement for the possibility of my presence. His indifference can't fool me.

As for the valuable life lesson: Don't call your mother and say, "Mom, I'm running away with a boy to Scotland. See you in a few weeks. Bye." This ends in a lot of freak outs, conversations about safety, and an interrogation of said boy's life story.

That being said, I didn't really learn anything because I kept doing it to everyone I talked to. Including people on the trip who didn't know we were going together. But seeing as Josh's family lore claims there is a mythical McPhail Manor somewhere, it's not like I was exaggerating when I told everyone a Scottish Laird told me he had an ancestral manor and promised me adventure.

Right. I'm sure my maturity inspires all of you.

Stonehenge: Or, the Train Incident That Wasn't As Cool As Inception

Sometimes, I have great ideas. Like, when I was six, I thought if I jumped off the top of a slide, I would fly. Luckily, the only consequences were a really hard fall and a sore landing. Stonehenge was kind of like that. But worse.

Spencer has, on multiple occasions, wisely told me that "you can't live if you aren't comfortable." On the way to Stonehenge, he furthered his philosophy by explaining that comfort is not merely part of the physical, you have to be mentally comfortable as well. This would come into play throughout the night.

We began Wednesday by meeting for class at the OSAP office to discuss "The Children of Hurin." After a spirited debate on whether it was fate or choice that led Turin to destruction, we moved on to other aspects of the book. Finally, it was time for lunch, and the group headed to Pizza Hut.

After lunch, we journeyed to the train station to get tickets to Salisbury. Because of group rates, we had to split into two groups: Casey, Melissa, Will, Maddy, and Meghan went together and Bailey, Spencer, and Josh joined me. Because Josh was being sketchy about what time we needed to leave, our group ended up not buying tickets at the time.

I spent the day getting ready for the journey (and making sure that I was ready for my tutorial Thursday afternoon). Once Spencer finished with his tutorial, he and Josh made their way over to our flat. Then a really stupid crisis unfolded as we tried to figure out how to buy tickets online and on machines at the station. It basically ended with Josh complaining about the British public transportation system and frustration.

But Josh ended up getting pictures of his fox and we got tickets in the end, so it was ok. Although we didn't catch the same train as the other group, we had hopes of getting to Stonehenge on time. We got on the train, we got off at Reading ... and heard people call our names. It was the rest of our group. We all were together again.

While waiting at the station for our train to Salisbury, Will decided it would be a good idea to dance with me in the station to his rendition of Margaritaville. Casey and Josh got a show, and I wanted to crawl into a hole and never return.

Long story short, we got on the train, got off the train, and eventually made it to the point where cars were parking to get to Stonehenge. It was now around 3 a.m., by my estimates. Of course, it was late (or early), so my narration may or may not be accurate. Oh, and it was rainy. And muddy. So we hiked to Stonehenge.

Spencer and Meghan, happy to be at Stonehenge.

Stonehenge turned into a giant party scene.

I'll come out and say it: We were crazy for wanting to go. We were crazy for going. And we're lucky we came out of it with our only problems being tired and smelling (Unless you're Josh and accidentally washed your passport. Or me. But that comes later).

We lost Josh. We went to go find Josh. I lost Spencer to the Druids (who, by the way, were the only sane people there). I went into the crowds, which made me want to cry. We found Josh. Josh went to save Spencer. Spencer made it into the center of the Druid circle, to the front. I'm still not sure how we retrieved him. Taylor and Alex showed up, in their suits, from getting a lift from some guy they paid to drive them. Finally, our group left and walked back to catch the bus.

I went to Stonehenge. I didn't hear the pipes of Pan.

The group, except Bailey who took the photo. Love you, Bailey.

We went to the Salisbury Cathedral, which may be one of the most beautiful places I'll ever go, ever.

Salibury Cathedral

We explored the cathedral, and I came across the prettiest stain glass window ever. On a disappointing note, a copy of the Magna Carta is at the cathedral, but we wouldn't be able to view it until later on in the day. So we missed that.

The Prisoner's Conscience Window. I love this.

After finishing, we went to the train station (we also grabbed breakfast at a place called The Boston Tea Party. That made me laugh. It was good.) and waited on our train. We got on the train, which was full of people making their way back from Stonehenge. I sat on the ground and fell asleep. That should have been a sign for things to come.

We changed trains several times, and finally made it back to Oxford. I thought I was free ... and then Bailey informed me that we needed to go one more stop. So we hopped back onto the train ... and saw Oxford go by. As I was preparing to throw him off the train, Spencer ditched us, and Josh started quoting "Inception":

"You're waiting for a train, a train that will take you far away. You know where you hope this train will take you, but you don't know for sure. But it doesn't matter. How can it not matter to you where the train will take you? Because you'll be together."

Either that, or we'll eventually kill that joke.

Eventually, we made it back to Oxford. I took a shower. Went to sleep. Slept through my tutorial. Sent my tutor panicked emails apologizing. Rescheduled my tutorial for next week. Prepared to go to Dr. Snyder's for a dessert party and a viewing of "The Fellowship of the Ring."

Bailey fell asleep multiple times through that. Snyder also impersonated Gandalf. That was entertaining. And so ended a very, very, long day.

Oxford: Or, How I Fell in Love

Yeah, don't get excited by the title of this post. I'm talking about food — specifically, white chocolate blueberry french toast. I thought breakfast was my least favorite meal of the day. I was wrong.

On Sunday, Josh arrived at our flat to make us said french toast. At this point, we realized that our kitchen was poorly stocked in terms of cooking supplies, so we stole some things from upstairs. In return, Bailey was invited to join us for breakfast. So, after working hard with what he had, Josh presented us with breakfast. And, in return, became my favorite person of the day.

I still felt horrible, and I spent most of my day working on my paper for "The Children of Hurin" and reading "Measure for Measure" for my Shakespeare tutorial. I thought it would be funny to call Josh (the only person who bothered to sit with me all day, in hindsight I'm sorry about this) all the insults I could find in "Measure for Measure." His reaction to that was kind of like my reaction to his speeches on camera angles and lighting.

Monday, I felt better. And I finished my "Measure for Measure" paper. Which meant I was completely done with my papers for the week. Honestly, not much happened Monday. We spent the majority of it planning out the possibility of going to Stonehenge for the summer solstice. Because on the solstice you can touch the stones.

Today, I came across this outside my door on the way back into the flat:

Photo by Maddy Cook

Melissa, being the kind and good friend she is, left us treats to help us get through our second to last week in Oxford. This week, many of the MSU students are either finishing up their tutorials or, like me, getting their final assignments. 

Today also marked the day that I began quoting Oscar Wilde, randomly in conversation, just for fun. 

Several examples:

"A little sincerity is a dangerous thing, and a great deal of it is absolutely fatal."

"Arguments are to be avoided: they are always vulgar and often convincing."

And, my personal favorite, "By giving us the opinions of the uneducated, journalism keeps us in touch with the ignorance of the community."

Maddy and Bailey found my little game amusing ... everyone else a little less so.

Tomorrow, we head to Stonehenge. I'm excited. It's where a man's a man and the children dance to the pipes of Pan.

The Return to London: Or, How Bailey Fell Asleep At the Worst Time Ever

When we were in London on Friday, someone suggested sleeping on a park bench or walking around until daylight so we wouldn't have to go to Oxford and then come straight back. I protested, mainly because Khanh was supposed to return with us today to explore the city.

That didn't happen. And thus, Khanh joined The League of Sketches. Which is a lot like The League of Shadows, except not at all.

Running on about four hours of sleep, I went to the bus station to meet Bailey and Josh. (Side note: Josh out dressed both of us. I don't remember getting a memo that we were dressing up. Although, in fairness, I may have just blown it off.). We caught an early bus, and I attempted to read The Children of Hurin. Because I'm a responsible student who understands that play must also be accompanied by hard work. At least, that's my story (and I'm sticking to it).

When we arrived in London, Josh had a few ideas of where we could go for breakfast close to the British Museum, but those didn't exactly work out. So we ended up getting coffee at this place with random Bollywood magazines.

Bailey was clearly made to be in front of the camera.

Josh and his magazines. I don't think I was enough for them.

After finishing breakfast, we headed to the British Museum, where we spent the greater part of the day. The best part about said museum? It's free. Basically, the British Museum is full of stuff from all the countries Britain managed to plunder. Oh, and there's a small room of Victorian England china. I'm exaggerating, but the collection and its variety is astounding.

As a fan of the Victorian poet, I was glad to see his words in an unexpected place.

The Rosetta Stone

Bailey and Josh became obsessed with the lion hunts. Boys.

We ran into a small conflict when Bailey wanted to go see the mock gladiator fights ... I told him to go, just without me. So he ended up not going. Josh and I went one way, and Bailey went the other so we could finish our preferred parts of the museum before we had to leave.

I loved seeing the Greek and Roman exhibits. It was like the myths came to life.

The Lewis Chess Set

Josh and pocket watches. I found this funny.

Josh and I ended up seeing a room full clocks, which I found entertaining since he keeps telling me to get a watch. Fun fact: I can't tell time. This makes a watch quite useless. Sadly, he didn't see my point. He instead decided to teach me to tell time. Similarly, Bailey thinks I should learn to ride a bike. This also will not happen.

Finally, we reunited with Bailey and left the museum to head to Harrods for lunch and The Sale. But not before we spent quite a bit of time taking pictures outside.

I really love the British Museum.

Harrods was a mistake. I do not like crowds. But we did see the toy section, which I enjoyed. Bailey disappeared. We ended splitting up to find him. We eventually got food and went to Hyde Park to eat. I was also sad we did not get to see the pet store part of Harrods. As Josh would say (not for the last time), it's something to come back for.

By taking me to Harrods, Josh cured me of my desire to shop.

After eating lunch, we rushed to get to Westminster Abbey for evensong. Once we reached the abbey, we waited in a long line with others to be seated. While we waited in line, we saw the graves of many famous scientists, including Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton. As some of you may know, Charles Dickens is buried at the abbey. One of the main reasons I wanted to go, I admit it, was to see his grave. And worship God.

Soon after we were seated, the service began. And at that moment, I realized that I did not feel well. Again. Of course, throughout the service, I fared better than Bailey ... who fell asleep while standing. Although he may correct me, I believe his story is that he woke up as he was falling and almost caught himself before crashing into his chair. But, at any rate, I was amused.

Once the service ended, we left — but not before seeing The Poet's Corner, which is where Blake, Tennyson, and my beloved Charles Dickens are buried. And that's when I realized pure joy. True story.  So then we left.

Outside the abbey; we couldn't take photos inside.

We stopped by the Turkish Coffee place Josh wanted to go to yesterday after the show but couldn't because it was closed. Bailey and Josh seemed to enjoy their coffee, and I became a storm cloud by asking if we could go home soon because I was starting to feel really unwell. So we left.

And, here I will admit (again) that I'm an unreliable narrator, somehow Josh agreed to make me white chocolate blueberry french toast in the morning. And by "me" I mean my flat. But I'm going to pretend like I'm special. Because, let's face it, I am. (I kid. Mostly.)

We went to Tesco to grab some stuff, and I decided I really, really, really wanted to make cookies. The only problem? I couldn't find cookie dough. I made the mistake of asking them for cookie dough in front of the ice cream, and they pointed me to the ice cream. So that wasted an hour of our lives.