Hello from Oxford Mississippi, it has been a great few weeks here. The weather is great it takes a little getting used to but I am loving every second of it! Since I am here by myself I am excited to tell you about everything I got to do on this trip! lets get into it
The day after I arrived in Mississippi, I was met with such an amazing welcome on the University of Mississippi Campus or Ole Miss by some amazing individuals. Sally my liaison is truly the sweetest human you will meet. Anything I needed she was more than happy to help me with me or arrange for me. She arranged for me to meet Dean Rock first, who is the dean of the Education department. Dean Rock was so happy to meet me because, he loves Calgary knows a lot about it. There is a program through Ole Miss that takes you abroad similar to our program. He has travelled to Calgary been to the University of Calgary campus as well. He was kind enough to give me recommendations of what to during my stay here. Sally and Dean rock gave me a welcome gift bag it was filled with t-shirts, a cup, stickers and so much more and some hand written cards as well. Sally also arranged for me to sit in on a few classes during my stay here which was super kind of her. She took me to a class, Music and Movement taught by Dr.Prior who is just amazing at what she does. Her approach to teaching her class helps you break out of your shell and really immerse yourself which I loved. After her class her graduate assistant Sarabeth treated me to a lunch at the Rebel Market which is one of the dining halls on Campus.
Rebel Hall is one of the Dining halls on campus and it is the one I got to eat at, there were so many options to choose from I was overwhelmed. There was a salad bar, pizza place, BBQ place so many different options. It is definitely an upgrade from Mac Hall and the Tim Hortons, Subway, they even have a Chic Fila on the campus…. so lucky.
Ole Miss vs Georgia State
One of the highlights for sure has been experiencing a college football game. I am blown away it is amazing the scale that football is played here in the states. I was gifted two tickets to attend the opening game I have never experienced a football game with so much energy and excitement. These seats were in the Field Club some of the nicest seats in the stadium (the bougie seats). I was lucky to attend with my mom who was here for the first week to help me settle in! There was fireworks any time the Rebels scored a touchdown goal which was so exciting, the band was amazing as well during halftime. The rebels ended up winning 63-7 so you can only imagine how exciting it was to be part of this amazing game, I do truly believe everyone needs to experience college football at least one it is unlike anything we have in Canada. My brother always tells me about college football but getting to see it in person was truly an amazing opportunity. I was truly thankful for the university for giving me these tickets to experience a football game.
Another big part of the football culture is tailgating, again it was so surreal to experience this. I went to tailgate the next weekend and it is amazing there are hundreds of tents set up on The Grove which is on the centre of the Mississippi campus and theres food, drinks and lots of energy! You can visit other peoples tents they offer you food and drinks showing off lots of southern hospitality again. I met lots of people and made lots of friends while Ive been here which is really nice. Everyone has been so kind and compassionate to me, Offering me help with anything I need. I have been really enjoying my time here so far I am truly excited to see what else this trip brings me.