It seems so much has happened since the last blog. I have been having an amazing time in the UK. I have since finished my first semester of my Masters Degree, and it is a wonderful feeling to be part way done! Over the Christmas holidays I stayed with a good friend of mine who I met while I was here a couple years ago on my study abroad semester. She lives in Derby, and her family hosted me around that area of the country and showed me a wonderful British Christmas! I ate SO much food and listened to the Queen’s speech on Christmas Day.

For New Year’s Eve I was lucky enough to meet some friend’s up in Edinburgh for Hogmanay, which is their name for the new year’s celebration. The torch lighting ceremony on the 30^th was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. There were thousands of people walking the royal mile with big lit on fire torches while the buildings were lit up and bagpipes were playing, we then walked to the top of a big hill overlooking the city and there were fireworks. I recommend for everyone to try getting there for that some time in their life.

On returning to York, I started a job at a restaurant in town called Bobo Lobos, to help me make ends meet. I have met more wonderful people there as well. Classes have finally started up again this week, and it is a great feeling to be back in the classroom. I am starting my dissertation module, so it is exciting to begin thinking about what I want my research topic to be about! It is something I am really looking forward to! Volleyball has also started up again, and we have had our first game. I am filling in for our social sect until they come back for placement, so that is a fun new experience as well! And last but not least, Global Friends is also back in full swing, it was lovely having our first meeting and getting to see new faces. All in all, I am completely adoring my time in York, and trying to live every day to the fullest!

Author: Donna Ali

This is my second time coming to York St. John. I was lucky enough to make some amazing friends last time while I was here for the fall semester of 2009, living in A block of Lord Mayors Walk. I loved York so much that I chose to come back for the year to complete a Masters Degree in Leadership and Management. This time around, I live in City Residence and I joined the Volleyball, Global Friends, and I am a social member of Woman’s Rugby. 

My friends here had brought it to my attention that they had never had a proper Thanksgiving dinner, seeing as it is not celebrated here. So, I think that I can say that the most memorable night so far this semester was when my friend Nanse from Pennsylvania and I decided to host Thanksgiving dinner In City Residence for just over 30 people. We went to the butcher on little shambles and ordered two massive turkeys! It was very heart warming how involved everyone got. Most people brought a traditional dish of some sort and we set up tablecloths on the floor of the hallway. We served it buffet style and had everyone form a long line into the kitchen. The best part was before we served desert I had everyone there go around and each say what they were thankful for!  After we had finished eating everyone pitched in and helped to clean up, and we headed to the Student Union to watch the second American Football game that was on!

My friends here have turned into my family, and although I missed home on that holiday, I couldn’t have found a better group of people to spend it with.  I am truly blessed, and am so happy that I have found such lovely friends here at York St. John!

Author: Donna Ali