Hogwarts Crest

The Hogwarts Crest is from the famous seven book Harry Potter series by JK Rowling.  The first book was published in 1997, and the first movie was released in 2001.  The Hogwarts Crest represents the wizarding school attended by young witches and wizards.  There are four houses within Hogwarts shown on the crest: Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff.

Pre-Trip

England is famous for a wide variety of things such as The Beatles, the royal family, tea, etc.  However, this generation most knows England for producing one of the best book series ever:  Harry Potter.  JK Rowling brought magic and wonder into our lives through the boy who lived.  This masterpiece is a part of many college students’ childhoods.  The enchantment of this series has caused the creation of a Harry Potter World in Orlando, Florida, and Harry Potter Studios in Hertfordshire, UK.  Luckily, we get a free day on our trip on January 5th, so I get to take a tour of the studios while in England.

I am so incredibly excited for this studio tour, because it is such a large part of my view of England.  The Hogwarts Crest, to me, represents my childhood.  I still have Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone on VHS.  The Hogwarts Crest just reminds me of all the amazing thing England has to offer, which is why I am looking forward so much to this trip.  This is such an important aspect of England, because it has been a part of so many people’s lives.  Overall, I am so lucky to be able to experience this piece of British culture.

British Pubs

British pubs are located all over England.  They invite social interaction after throwing back a few beers and putting away the TV after a game.  Many pubs have some sort of history, which contributes to their charm.

Pre-Trip

British pubs are very different from American bars.  While Americans typically go to sports bars in order to watch a variety of games, British pubs will only pull out a TV in order to watch a certain sporting event.  Some American bars are 21 and up, while British pubs are usually family-friendly.  However, if there is an age restriction on a pub, the bouncers are commonly pretty lenient.  There are also lots of pubs around London.  You can walk down the street and find a charming little pub.  I believe that pubs are in some old-looking buildings, which adds to their charm.

Pubs seem like they have a very relaxed, fun atmosphere.  I think in a pub they encourage talking more with the people around you, while in American bars they just encourage being loud and rowdy due to the excitement of sports events.  However, Americans are typically being known for being loud, so this type of behavior is expected.  Britons, on the other hand, have the stereotype of not wanting to talk to strangers, so this friendly, neighborly atmosphere within a pub seems to be a bit out of character.  Yet, these pubs are a very large part of British culture, so I cannot wait to experience one.

 

G.O.A.L.S.

Global Awareness: Students cultivate and develop their appreciation for diversity and each individual’s unique differences. For example, consider course work, study abroad, involvement in cultural organizations or activities, etc .

Original Inquiry: Honors & Scholars students understand the research process by engaging in experiences ranging from in-class scholarly endeavors to creative inquiry projects to independent experiences with top researchers across campus and in the global community. For example, consider research, creative productions or performances, advanced course work, etc.

Academic Enrichment: Honors & Scholars students pursue academic excellence through rigorous curricular experiences beyond the university norm both in and out of the classroom.

Leadership Development: Honors & Scholars students develop leadership skills that can be demonstrated in the classroom, in the community, in their co-curricular activities, and in their future roles in society.

Service Engagement: Honors & Scholars students commit to service to the community.

About Me

My name is Lucy Farr and I am a student at The Ohio State University.  I am currently majoring in Spanish, although I am searching for another major to double major in.  I am interested in children and have been babysitting since I was in eighth grade.  I hope to study abroad in Spain the spring semester of my sophomore year.  I have been to England, France, Italy, and Spain, and hope to return.