It’s so hard to believe that the program is almost over. It seems like just yesterday that I set foot on foreign soil for the first time. I can truly say that I’ve enjoyed every aspect of this experience. While in Durham, I worked for Team Durham. Team Durham is the equivalent of American D1 athletics. The organization has three components: perform, community, and participate. During my time, Jessica and I have spent most of our time working with the community but in two radically different ways. The first week and a half we did various sporting activities with groups of vulnerable adults (the mentally ill, recovering alcoholics, etc). I’m definitely no athlete so the week was full of new experiences. I played my first game of organized football; I also tried my hand at curling. These last two weeks, Jessica and I have been coaching at the Team Durham Holiday Camp, a summer camp for kids ages 4-11. We’ve led various activities like volleyball, capture the flag, dodgeball, and treasure hunts.
In addition to work, I’ve enjoyed getting to experience the English culture firsthand. Going to the many sites like the Durham Castle and Cathedral gave me a better understanding of the rich history that lies within Northern England. I came here not quite knowing what to expect, but will be going back with a greater understanding and appreciation of the culture across the pond.