Robyn Elliott - Kentucky Wesleyan College, Owensboro, Kentucky, USA

Study USA Programme, 2022/23

“An unforgettable experience that I will cherish forever!”

Memorable moments

I have had so many amazing moments during my time on the Study USA program therefore it is hard to narrow it down to just one! If I had to, I think it would be the day I arrived in the US. I remember stepping off the plane in Nashville and being in disbelief that I had travelled internationally 24 hours on my own. Then there was the two hour drive from Nashville to Kentucky where I was in disbelief and awe that I was actually in the US. This was where the journey began!

The American college experience

In my opinion American culture is very different. People are very friendly and welcoming however some people can be a bit forward in some situations. Their education system is also different. Personally, I found it easier as it reminded me of being at high school.

For the first two years of my degree at Ulster University, I was a commuter therefore coming to the US and living on campus full time was a big change for me. The campus itself is small but this means that buildings and residence halls are all easily accessible.

As my college is very small, the campus community is very tight-knit. This made it really easy to meet new people and make friends. In addition to this, there are a lot of clubs to get involved in! The day after I arrived, it was straight into orientation events where I could meet the new cohort of freshman. As the weeks went on, I got more comfortable in the environment and became involved in the college's theatre program and Greek Life.

Challenges

In August, the day before I left, I was inconsolable. The thought of leaving everyone and everything I knew behind was terrifying. Even at the airport, I was emotional but once I got on the plane, all my worries seemed to just go away. I just had to remember that this was a once in a lifetime experience and I needed to make the most of every moment! With less than three months left before I have to return home, I already know that I am going to be an emotional mess but this time, it is because I am leaving some of my best friends behind and I am unsure when I will get to see them again. However, I am just doing my best to stay in the moment and spend as much time with them as possible!

Life outside the classroom

I was the assistant stage manager for the campus theatre's production of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. I also helped with the sound in their production of Trail to Oregon. I am currently in rehearsal as the assistant stage manager and sound technician for their upcoming musical, Chess. I also joined Kappa Delta sorority. As part of this, I have had the experience of attending formals, events with the local Girl Scouts and just getting to spend time with my sisters. In the next few months, we have our Shamrock week and Greek week where all of the Greek Life organisations compete against each other in a variety of events. I have also joined the Kappa Delta council where I am the Vice President of Finance. I am also a member of the club Dance Purple. We have done a lot of fundraising events which is the build up to the final event which is a 6 hour dance marathon. I have also had the opportunity to attend a lot of sporting events, I have watched the college compete in football, soccer, basketball and tennis matches. In the next few months, I will also be attending a leadership conference and volunteering to help with people's taxes.

In November, I met up with a few other girls on the Study USA program and we went to Chicago and Milwaukee for the weekend. The next week, I spent Thanksgiving break with my friend and her family in Michigan. We also took a day trip to Canada where I got to see Niagara Falls. For New Year, I was in Las Vegas with one of my sorority sisters. The spring semester has only just begun but in the next month, I will be going to Lexington for a theatre conference and I will be spending my spring break in Florida. I also would love to go to California before I return home!

Advice

Go for it, you will not regret it! Expect the unexpected! The opportunities you could have are endless!