Coming of Age as a Global Citizen

 You'll never leave where you are until you decide where you'd rather be. Not knowing where to go or what to do in order to find satisfaction with himself is one of the primary battles Karim faces.

 Being multi-racial is hard on Karim. Even though the world was changing a great deal, there were still many obstacles to overcome - primarily racism. He was often taunted and called horrible names. Karim eventually learned to go on about his way while worrying as little as possible about what others thought of him.

 "I am an Englishman, born and bred, almost." Throughout the novel, Karim struggles with his combined background (English and Indian). 

His struggles are especially evident while he plays Mowgli and has to adopt an Indian accent, a major struggle for him. It's not easy to play into a stereotype such as the one Mr. Shadwell presents.

 London during the 1970s was dramatically different from before World War II. 

"In a decade dominated by youth, London has burst into bloom. It swings; it is the scene..." - Time magazine, 1966 

 His time as an actor is both fun and challenging, and brings a lot to light for Karim. Unlike Charlie, he doesn't necessarily enjoy constantly being in the limelight. 

"I walked around Central London and saw that the town was being ripped apart; the rotten was being replaced by the new, and the new was ugly." After Karim leaves Charlie in New York, he realizes that home, the place that should be most familiar to you, is always changing. The fact that life is an ongoing process is the insight Karim gleans throughout Buddha of Suburbia. 

Coming of Age as a Writer

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In the British Library, we were able to get a glimpse into the lives of some writers and see what kinds of writing genres are most often considered great or lasting. 

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Novels, plays, and poems are often very strong forms of literature that last through the ages. In novels, the author is god, able to create and control the lives of others. Briony, controlling as she was, deeply enjoys this aspect of dictating the lives of others.

At the Imperial War Museum, it became more obvious than ever that war produces deep affects on everyone: soldiers that fight and see death on a daily basis, women left at home to fend for their families and join the workforce, children forced to relocate to foster homes. Robbie Turner holds on for as long as possible on the words of Cecilia: "I'll wait for you. Come back."

 

At the end of the novel, Briony is unable to change the fate she cast upon Robbie and Cecilia in reality, but she is able to use her imagination to give them the life together they so deserved. 

 Florence Nightingale and her sister had a relationship very similar to that of Briony and Cecilia. Both were baby sisters of flighty, careless older girls. Both were controlling, curious women.

In Atonement, Briony became a nurse to atone for her sins, in a sense. Florence Nightingale became a nurse for the passion of caring for others. She felt it was her calling; Briony felt it was what she had to do. 

Coming of Age as a Believer and a Skeptic

 Religion is full of big ideas, thoughts, and theories that can be hard to grasp. It can take anyone from being a skeptic to a believer - or the other way around. In the novel, Sebastian didn't quite know what he believed in, just that it pleased his family. 

In some cases, finding out what you believe in requires throwing your soul through every open door; it's sometimes necessary to see what's out there - but it's hard. 

 Baptismal fonts are symbolic of renewal, rejuvenation, and replenishing. In Brideshead Revisited, the fountain is used to exemplify all of these things. 

 The fountain in the novel is from Italy, the home of Roman Catholicism - the religion Charles eventually turns to. His time as a soldier brings to light many things for him.

 There are many things one can choose to believe: religion, nation, power, wealth, prestige. What's important is that something in your life shines bright and gives you direction. 

 Walking through mazes or darkened archways can be intimidating - much like trying to grapple with new ideas about religion. The first few steps are often the hardest.

Your path is your own. Oftentimes, you just have to set out and go, with as few reservations as possible, to see where you end up. It was important for both Charles and Sebastian to realize this.

Coming of Age as a Traveler

John Soane Museum

John Soane went on a Grand Tour that lasted 2 years and 1 month. While Lucy Honeychurch's may have been much shorter, it's safe to say that she learned a lot on her journey as well. Italy brought out her passion for life - and is where she found George Emerson.

The Lottery in Piazza di Montecitorio by Giovanni Paolo Panini

The Italians have a passion unrivaled by many others, so aptly demonstrated in this painting. It is only in Italy that Lucy discovers her ability to stand on her own two feet once Miss Lavish abandons her in Santa Croce.

Judith in the Tent of Helofernes by Johann Liss

If ever a stronger, more rebellious woman has existed, I haven't seen her. It takes a great deal of cleverness and courage to behead a man so fierce. Judith "took the bull by the horns," so to speak, and Lucy does the same - but in a less obviously violent way. Lucy's is more a battle of the heart; George has hers, but it's so hard for her to admit as "it's hard to be truthful."

Sun Setting Over A Lake by JMW Turner

A better painting to exemplify life cannot be found. A constant swirl of color - of energy, emotion - is life. Lucy overcomes the oppression of women of her time to find what truly matters to her, despite the obstacles she must overcome. 

The Great Clock (Big Ben) and Houses of Parliament 

You'd be hard pressed to find a more classic, better known view of London. While the joys of traveling are many, so are the comforts of home. Lucy recognizes this and appreciates what she has to return to. 

"Do not cry knowing you can never see the entire world; rather, rejoice knowing there will always be an unknown to explore." 

- anonymous

Love, love London.

Woke up in London yesterday...well for the past week, actually! Tomorrow will mean that we have officially been in London for one week. It definitely doesn't feel like we've been here that long, but we've done and seen SO much!

I'll never get tired of seeing this. The Houses of Parliament and the Great Clock are beautiful. 

Hanging out in front of the Somerset House. This summer, they're having an outdoor movie festival here that we're planning to attend at least once.

This picture pretty much sums Tiff and I up; it's hard to keep us from talking long enough to take a picture. This day, we made it out to Abbey Road - gotta love The Beatles!

This was the 4th of July...we dressed festively :)

Love this.

Texas Embassy! Such a neat place over near Trafalgar Square. It's nice to have a little bit of Texas in our home away from home. We colored dollar bills in true TCU style to hang up over the bar.

 

Walking 10 or more miles a day is nothing over here...but sometimes we get tired, so we sit down wherever we are to take breaks (and possibly to "borrow" wifi...)

City cruise down the River Thames to Greenwich was a lot of fun, except Tiffany got cold. I laughed at her bundled up in her scarf (right before I took this picture, she had it over her face like a robber, silly girl).

 Our first London rain! Definitely didn't mind though. It's pretty and actually not all that bad. Unlike in Texas (where storms terrify me), this is pretty mild.

 Harry Potter Premier! Tiff and I stood in Trafalgar Square for almost 5 hours - but we got to see the entire cast! Incredible experience. Just wish we could have gotten the wristbands to get inside the fence.

 Days off mean even MORE exploring. Today, we took the tube up to Chelsea to wander through the Psychic Gardens and to tour Stamford Bridge, home of the Chelsea FC. Such a neat experience! I now own my first European football shirt :)

After a long day of exploring and, of course, walking, ice cream at Harrod's seemed completely necessary. Tiff and I had no trouble finishing this off in record time.

Coming of Age as a Worker

The Foundling Museum

"You are not my little girl anymore."

"Stop putting on your bloody make up."

"Regret for me is, there's no such word." - Stan Nelhams

The Geffrye

"And you felt self-satisfied with the result of your ardent labours?"

"Far from it. I was tormented by the contrast between my idea and my handiwork: in each case I had imagined something which I was quite powerless to realize."

"The truest love that ever heart,

Felt kindled at its core"

Tate Britain

"Do you consider me handsome?"

"No sir."

"Indeed! I considered it a very natural and necessary one: he had talked of his future wife dying with him. What did he mean by such a pagan idea?"

Forever a Frog

The point of this first blog is simple: I love TCU and being a Frog. A lot has gone into my Horned Frog journey, starting largely with my family and friends. Leaving home for college is daunting - as is realizing that I’m a senior now.

This is me with my dad and big sister when they came down for Family Weekend last year - right before we watched the Frogs take down those silly Baylor Bears. I’m fortunate to live close enough to home to be able to see my family fairly often, which I love.

Graham, me, Diego, and Trev

Dana, Tiff, and me

Roomie boys! Graham and Trev

I’ve met some of the most amazing people since attending TCU. My friends are wonderful, and so much fun! From game nights and movie nights to going out and dancing, we always have a blast. It’s hard to imagine how different my life would be without them in it.

All of our traditions (rubbing Addy’s nose before a test, playing in Frog Fountain, Riff Ram...) go a long way in making TCU awesome. This building, Winton-Scott, is where I spend the vast majority of my life - and my picture with Batman and Robin is a good reason as to why I don’t mind that! These are 2 of our best psychology professors after “winning” the Dress my Professor contest during Psi Chi week. 

Fort Worth is a great place to live. The Stockyards, it's my backyard; that's where I grew up (well practically - but does anyone get the song reference?! :) and downtown is so beautifully lit at night. The Fort is a laid back and friendly place, but with more than enough to keep you busy for a long while. 

Coming to TCU has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve met the best people and had a fantastic time, all the while learning SO much. I’ve had some of the greatest opportunities you could ask for, including studying abroad this summer in London - the very reason for this blog! I’m a Frog no matter which side of the pond I happen to be on. Happy reading :)