The England Impression

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Innovation Symposium

Special - Innovation Symposium

Written by By Matt Russell / Assistant Editor

Thursday, 04 September 2008 23:46

When invitations to the Innovation Symposium were handed out before Christmas break, no one except for Professor Karla Stouse knew what to expect. The class included travel to England, and there also was a thorough application process. Disbelieving that I would be chosen, I nearly didn’t fill out the application. But I did, and a month into the spring semester came good news.
Suffice to say those chosen were ecstatic. But we didn’t know the long road we had to travel before we even left the country.
Despite having a full schedule, Karla asked us to take on the workload of another class. Actually, it was nearly the workload of two. Part of that work came from begging and tugging at people’s wallets to afford the $3,000 plus normal class fees. It was challenging, but we surprised everyone (including ourselves) with what we were able to accomplish in such a short amount of time.
The other work came from assignments that were given out like any other class. What was different was the subject matter. During the weeks before our travel, we studied philosophers and innovators, discovering how their minds worked. It was all foundation for what we were about to experience and be inspired by in England.
With barely a week after spring finals to catch our breath, we were off to London. It was an exciting time for most, and a nervous time for some as well. After all, some of us had never before left Indiana, let alone the U.S. However, it was something we all believed would change us for the better.
From the moment our feet touched British soil we were swept up in a fast pace lifestyle. Our home for the first part of our journey seemed surreal. I have been to big cities before, but none compare to London; which just feels so alive. The entire city is constantly moving, and it can be exhausting at first. But the amazing thing is that once the initial culture shock wore off, it was easy to feel at home amidst the bustle.
With the rich history London has, there was plenty to visit. The Tower of London was a must for me, as was riding the London Eye. The group also visited several other historic sites and museums throughout London, and everything I learned prior to our departure allowed me to take a more in-depth look at my surroundings.
Before leaving London, we had the chance to meet John and Marsha Ratcliff, founders of the Gold Heart campaign. Hearing how the charity came to be, including challenges they overcame, was very inspiring. What stood out from the experience for me was how warm they were. When we got to the Variety Club, the first thing Marsha did was give each of us a hug and treat us as if we were family, which is something that will stay with me for years to come.
Next, the group travelled to St. Austell in Cornwall, which was a vastly different experience. St. Austell is a quieter city and felt like the town I grew up in. There was no Underground to zip around in, but as long as I wasn’t burdened with luggage it was great to just walk around.
Another change came in the weather. From what I had known of England, I packed for cool, wet weather. The sunny 70’s/80’s in London were a contrast to what I was expecting. So, even though it wasn’t always fun getting caught in the rain, I don’t think I’m the only one who was a little relieved at the change of weather.
Our main place to visit in Cornwall was the Eden Project, a massive environmental-themed education park. The moment I saw the biodomes set in the clay pit, I felt like I had stepped into the movie Jurassic Park. Once inside, we were greeted by our guide Mark who, like the Ratcliffs, greeted us warmly and asked each of us questions about our studies.
Before exploring the grounds, Mark told the group about the history of the Eden Project and the role those working there hope to play in the future. He then led us on a behind-the-scenes tour of one of the biodomes. A dome that was empty as our discussion had gone past the park’s closing time. However, Mark was eager to accommodate us.
The following day the group had some free time, but I was so amazed by the Eden Project I was eager to return for a more in-depth exploration. On the second day of exploration, Jonathan Guse and I bumped into Mark as he was leaving the cafeteria. A simple hello would have been nice, but instead he spoke with us for about a half hour, which amazed me.
Not only is he passionate about the work he is doing, but his willingness to spend time with us, sharing his knowledge, was something I was impressed by. The rest of our time in Cornwall was spent taking in some of the scenery. Traversing the Cornish coastal paths in Looe was something I loved as an outdoors person. But the real breathtaking scenery came standing amidst the ruins at Tintagel. Looking out onto the ocean, without any noises around me … was so amazing that I joked how I wished I could build a house there.
At this point our trip was half over, but we were about to be given the best treat of all; staying in Karla’s “home,” Harlaxton University.
Harlaxton has the appearance of a small castle, and the moment we arrived I was in awe that we would be staying there. The places we had our discussions simply can’t compare to a classroom, and I loved exploring the gardens and campus grounds even more than the outdoors in St. Austell.
After running at full steam since before coming to England, Harlaxton gave me the chance to catch my breath and process all of the amazing things I had experienced. This was the final leg of the journey, and it was time to start focusing on the final project. But it also gave the entire group the chance to just hangout and bond, which is something that doesn’t happen often at a commuter campus like IU Kokomo.
Amidst our time at Harlaxton, there was something else I was able to do which was a highlight for me: visit Stonehenge. As far back as I can recall I have been fascinated by Stonehenge, and I knew that I had to take the opportunity to see it in person. When that day came, it wasn’t the most ideal as the cold and rain made for terrible weather. But the moment I saw the monument, a lifelong dream came true, and there isn't another moment in the entire trip that can compare to that one.
While the work to get to England seemed to take so long, the three weeks seemed to go by so fast. Most of the time I didn’t even know what day it was outside of “Today is day X in England,” but before I knew, it was our final night in England. Sitting there with everyone during the best meal I’ve ever had at Sally Clarke’s, I realized two things:
That I had gained more than memories during the trip, but a second family as well.
And that, at some point, I need to go back. Especially to Harlaxton.
Everything from the trip, to the people, even the course material, made the Innovation Symposium the greatest thing I have been a part of. It wasn’t always easy, and I can’t believe I almost didn’t go, but in the end all I can do is say thank you to everyone who made this experience possible for myself and my amazing travel companions. It truly was a life changing experience.