Mattie Garrell '07

Mattie was one of 17 Wingate students who participated in the Fall 2006 Wingate-In-London program. The group of juniors and seniors lived together in flats and studied art, history, theatre and English literature with one Wingate faculty member and British adjuncts. Mattie grew up in a small town in North Carolina not too far from Wingate. She enjoys reading, watching movies, hanging out with friends and family, and art (especially photography).

I'm Home!

Posted by: Mattie on 12/18/06

I had the best time in London and I know that it is the best thing that I have ever done. It has taken me out of the little box that I lived in and exposed me to a great world out there. But let me tell you about getting home...

We had to get up so early and get on the bus that I left some gifts in the living room of my apartment and I also left my stash of English Tea that I was planning on taking home. Some people were so excited to come home but I have to say that I was so sad to leave London and all the friends that I met there. It became my home during the time that I was there. I find it strange that I can feel so comfortable in a place so far from home but I love it there in the city. I was so tired that I slept the whole time to the airport because the trip was about three hours long so I had quite a nap on the way. 

We arrived at the airport and the lines for our airline were outrageous – not only were the lines crazy but there were limitations on the amount of baggage that we could take on the flight home. Everyone in the group from Wingate had two bags to check under the planem a carry on and a personal bag. The thing that was so bad was that leaving the UK, a passenger could only have one carry on and a woman’s purse counted as that bag so we all were trying to cram all the extra stuff from the other bag into the three that we had and let's just say that it didn’t work all that well for everyone. I managed to get all my stuff in my bags but a few people had to check an extra bag and some had to pay extra for it as well. The flight was long but I needed the rest considering I knew that my family would want to talk to me the whole way home from the airport. I was able to watch one of the in-flight movies and then have some dinner, finally next was to sleep but of course I couldn’t because the seat that I was fortunate enough to get was not a window seat so I couldn’t lean my head on the side of the plane. All in all the flight was not that bad, it just seemed so long and I was sad because I had to go home. 

I fell in love with London and all that it had to offer. Upon arrival in Charlotte we were able to get through customs without any mishaps and I found my family at the end of the terminal waiting on me. My little sister was so cute because as soon as she saw me she ran up to me and just hugged me and wouldn’t let go. I missed her so much and how big she was – so tall and wearing make-up and looking older that I think that she should look. But I guess I’m a bit biased because I am the older sister. Coming home was a big adjustment and was a bit hard for me in few ways.  They came from me having my independence there in London and then coming home to live with the parentals but I also think that it is a feeling that all college students feel after living away and then coming back home. I love living at home but it is kinda weird….hehe. I was looking forward to Christmas because of all the great gifts that I got for my family during all my travels. I didn’t even care what I got, I just wanted to see the looks on their faces when they opened their gifts. I have to say that they were a great success and they loved them all! 

Now that life is back to normal, I simply can’t believe that I was really there in London for an entire semester. They all told us that it is an experience that you can’t believe that you are going, while you are there you can't believe that you are there, and then after it’s over you can’t believe that you were there. I have to say that is exactly how I feel. It is an experience that I will never forget and one that has helped me know myself better. I grew as a person and most importantly as an individual. Being on my own there made me make my own decisions and do things for myself without the influence of others. It is the first time that I can truly say that I felt grown up and responsible for my future. I now know that I can do anything that I want and all I have to do is have a plan and work towards that goal because there are limitless opportunities out there for me. I just have to find them. 

Also I want to thank all of you that have been reading my blogs over the semester and praying for me. I hope that you were able to live vicariously through me. If you cannot go to Europe, but if there is a way that you can go on a study abroad program with Wingate or any other school I strongly suggest that you look into it because the experience it priceless.