Summer Studies and Supportive Friendships at SCIO

Introduction (written by Cameron Mitchum)

Arriving at the Vines and being met by 20 new faces was intimidating for all of us — if only we could have known what laughter, late nights, and friendships would result from that meeting. Exploring Oxford, watching so many movies together, writing papers, traveling around England, having weekly tea, and walking to class were only a few of the ways that we developed a deep connection with each other and Oxford. We formed memories that we will carry with us for a lifetime, and we hope to share some of them with you. Written by a few of the SCIO alumni from the Summer 2024 term, below are some of our fondest memories and words of wisdom that we hope give insight into the incredible experience we have had.

Group photo at Stonehenge, photographed by Jonathan Kirkpatrick

Life at The Vines (written by Cameron Mitchum)

There were many things about The Vines that made it feel so welcoming. The house not only had a rich history, but also a warm atmosphere that fostered community. The common room became the heart of our home and was the central location for our movie nights, late-night conversations, essay-writing, and post-field trip dinners. An event that speaks to the spirit of friendship that was developed over those 4 weeks was a surprise birthday party that we held for one of our fellow students in the common room, complete with a homemade chocolate cake, candles, and a paper crown.

Elise Berryhill, Mwiza Esperance, and Rachel Paul laughing at The Vines

The beautiful backyard was the perfect spot for our Fourth of July barbecue, where sack races, watermelon slices, and the grill allowed us to recreate that nostalgic tradition in our new home.

Group photo in the garden at The Vines

The backyard also provided the best environment to lay on picnic blankets and read, study in the shade of the old trees, and watch the sunset. The small patio tables were where many cups of tea were sipped and newspapers were read, playing a small role in making The Vines feel like home. The Vines is also conveniently close to downtown Headington, which allowed for many sweet treat walks and dinners at the pubs, which were favorite after class activities of ours.

Students enjoying an evening out to Heavenly Desserts

One of the most exciting parts of our experience was that the Euros were taking place. We were all rooting for England, and they didn’t lose a game while we were in the UK – when we got back to the US, however, it was a different story. Nevertheless, it made for some exciting nights while in Oxford! The common room would explode with cheers and high fives with every goal, and some of the guys had to make sure that lucky jerseys were worn to ensure victory.

Dr. Mallary and some of the guys at South Sea Castle

In the library at The Vines, there were many group writing sessions held, complete with snacks and dance breaks. The support given and laughs shared in those moments when imposter syndrome or writing slumps struck was invaluable. Memories like these will live in our minds with fondness, but they can’t compare to the people themselves. The students there turned into family and made The Vines feel like home. We know that these are relationships that will last forever and could not be more grateful to have formed these connections in such a magical place.

Taco night with Dr. Mallary

Field Trips (written by Seth Bible)

Without doubt, my favorite part of the Summer Term was our Friday field trips all over England. Every Friday morning, we would load up in a luxurious coach bus (the seats reclined!) with our trusty guides, Dr. Kirkpatrick, Jordan, and Dr. Mallary. The motorways were cut right through England’s pleasant green pastures and lent a spirit of beauty to our trips. Our first week took us to the Cotswolds, into a world where rural England reigned. There we were treated to the magnificent Burford Cathedral where clashes over the nation’s religious and political future still resonate. We then were able to exercise our common law right to roam, walking through some of the aforementioned pleasant green pastures on our way to medieval churches that still bear the scars of iconoclasm. At Minster Lovell, we were treated to historic ruins and a brilliant, small parish church. Throughout this excursion, I felt a terrific kinship not only with the land and the culture it created, but my new friends who were experiencing this with me.

 

Salisbury Cathedral

I cannot hide my own biases when I admit that my favorite day of the entire program was the next Friday’s field trip to Portsmouth and the Royal Navy base. In Portsmouth students were able to examine the true roots of British power: her domination of the sea. In this postindustrial town, with cold, wet air and seagulls swirling around us, Dr. Kirkpatrick gave us a tour of the HMS Victory, the vessel key to the United Kingdom’s greatest triumph of Empire at the Battle of Trafalgar. Aboard Lord Nelson’s ship, we were treated to a personal tour, and a bit of pulling back of the curtain on this key moment in world history. We were also able to explore on our own, with the sunken Mary Rose and a tour of the harbor being particular highlights. In Portsmouth, students were able to see where the Empire was built and where the British still cling to their seafaring identity. It was gritty, but above all, it was real.

Group photo during the harbour tour at Portsmouth

Our final trip was a bittersweet conclusion and journey back in time to the places that shaped us. The long drive to Stonehenge and its magnificent reveal will live long in my heart. Yes, they are massive stones, but most importantly, as my buddy Trygve reminded me as we rounded the viewing circle, we were doing something that human beings have done for over 5,000 years: gape in wonder at these monoliths. After making our way to Salisbury, we were treated to another architectural marvel, Salisbury Cathedral, which at least has my vote for the finest church in all the country. In climbing the 343 steps up the spire, we were treated to a monument to both God’s grandeur and man’s brilliance. Outside, as we gathered to get ready to depart both the Cathedral (and the Magna Carta copy contained inside!) the rain began to fall and chimes rang out. While our time in England and together was coming to an end, I know that personally I had a far fuller image of what shaped this great land and the world around it. These trips inspired feelings that I will never shake.

A little bit of rain on an otherwise excellent trip to Avebury stone circle

Courses: Oxford and the Pursuit of Beauty and Contemporary British Culture (written by Seth Bible)

Students studying in the garden at The Vines

Courses: Creative Writing (written by Rebecca Bywaters)

Unlike the rest of SCIO’s summer courses, the creative writing course required students to turn in a piece of prose and poetry in lieu of two essays. Taught by the wonderful and impressive Dr. Alice Stainer, students studied various works of prose and poetry and the numerous techniques and styles which contributed to the authors’ visions. Some of the authors they studied included Joseph Conrad, Virginia Woolf, Charles Dickens, and T.S. Eliot. Students were then asked to take the techniques they learned and create a work of prose and poetry to reflect their newfound knowledge and their own unique voice. Dr. Stainer challenged her students to experiment with the writing strategies discussed, and each student worked diligently and passionately to create something they could be proud of. A large part of the growth which took place in the course was simply being open to criticism about one’s work, given the personal nature of creative writing. Each student, with the guidance of Dr. Stainer, faced such an intimidating factor head-on and completed the course with a greater understanding of all that goes into creating a piece of creative writing.

Students taking a break from studying atop Salisbury Cathedral

Life in Oxford (written by Rebecca Bywaters)

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