England: Addison Peters (Dérive)

Dérive

For my first engagement entry, I chose a Dérive around Oxford. I arrived early in the morning when the streets were empty and silent. I found myself wandering without any plan in mind. Oxford was the perfect place for this as everything is relatively close together. I found my way to a quaint cafe under Radcliffe’s Camera. The details of the building were intriguing. The difference in the stone’s texture as the walls ascended interested me the most. It brought a beautiful depth to the building. The roads in this area were all cobblestone. I felt the soft stones push into the arch of my feet. While the streets were empty, I felt at peace. I could fully take in my environment without the pressure to keep moving from other people. I continued to walk in the area nearby. I arrived at a free art museum called The Ashmolean. Because it was still early in the day with time to kill, so I explored most of the museum. It held many unique artifacts. I enjoyed an exhibit on old currency, in particular, because it related to one of my classes. Once exiting the museum, it felt as if I was entering a new version of Oxford. The streets were crowded with people, and cars were rushing the roads. Instead of taking my time enjoying the beauty of the city, I sped up my pace to ensure I wasn’t in anyone’s way. It was frustrating and stressful until entering the covered garden. I expected it to be busy because of the width of the small passages, but it wasn’t. It was somewhat quiet and peaceful. Flags and paper sculptures hung from the roof. I love Oxford. I was grateful for coming early so I could fully take it in and wished I had come even earlier.

Addison Peters

Major: Psychology

Hometown: Oregon, Wisconsin

One of my goals for this program is to push myself to have new experiences. Change and new experiences are sometimes hard for people, as it stresses them out, but I want to embrace it.

What do you most look forward to learning about London?

I am really looking forward to learning more about London’s history. I have not learned much about England’s history and there is so much to learn so it excites me.