Southwestern Magazine | Spring 2019

43 SOUTHWESTERN Photo by Jason Jones 16–17 Aug. Parent Orientation 26 Aug. First Day of Fall Semester 12–15 Oct. Fall Break 4–6 Oct. Homecoming 7–8 Feb. Charter Weekend 22 Feb. Spring Family Day Parents, mark your calendars for these upcoming events! Using Lizzie as an excuse for a vacation to Great Britain, my wife, Lee, and I booked a trip to London to collect Lizzie after she finished her semester exams in December. Theweek beforewe left SanAntonio to fly to London, Lizzie sent us this text: “I am looking forward to seeing you both next week, but I’m not leaving. Have a nice flight back to Texas.” We can seewhy she didn’t want to leave.Whenwe got toLondon, we discovered a sophisticated youngwoman. She was confident, independent, and happy. And we quickly came to understand how this transformation had taken place. While in London, Lizzie had explored, eaten, and experienced. She had been responsible forwork, school, and free time. She saw plays, sights, and history. And she had gained insights, perspectives, and confidence. She had been 4,986miles fromhome, and she had survived. And she had thrived. Studying abroad, Lizzie had discovered her best self. Tower and St. Peter’s Basilica. I still smile thinking about the excitement in her voice and the joy on her face. Most of that growth, however, simply came from the sheer joy of discovering a new culture and a new city— and the independence that comes with that adventure. Which brings me to the bedbugs—and the fact that we were 4,986 miles away. Eight weeks in, Lizzie’s roommate realized she was being bitten. The two of them had to wash their clothes and take remediation steps. They had tomove all they possessed to a newroom (which, as a nice consolation, came with a beautiful view of London). And they had to confront the dorm management and negotiate a resolution. Lizzie and her roommate discovered they had unknown reserves of strength and capability. They learned how to handle a difficult situation by themselves. And they both became more confident.