It's hard to believe we are just 5 days away from traveling to Cambridge! My name's Kelsey and I'm writing this first post to introduce all of us before the trip. We are six students from Mount St. Mary's University and we are each going to be taking three classes at Pembroke College this summer. This blog is meant to keep you updated on life in Cambridge and our adventures around Europe! We are all seniors except for Katherine, who is a junior (she'll have seniority someday). Katherine is majoring in Biology and Theology. Caitlin Flay is double majoring in History and Music. Joe Appleton is majoring in Computer Science. Anna Bradley is double majoring in Criminal Justice and Philosophy. Molly Gerwig is double majoring in History and English. Finally, I'm majoring in Elementary and Special Education.

I cannot believe that on Saturday I will get on a plane and fly to England. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to travel to England. I think it all began when I read Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. I was convinced that I was the next Hermione Granger and that my letter from Hogwarts would arrive any day. Alas, it didn't, but I received something almost as good back in March: a letter from the University of Cambridge saying that I was accepted to study at the Pembroke-King's Summer Programme. I say this news is almost as good as a Hogwarts letter because  - come on! It's every fan's dream for the Wizarding World to be real. All Harry Potter craziness aside, I am very honored to have this opportunity to study at one of the oldest universities in the world, and I am so indebted to the the wonderful faculty and staff at Mount St. Mary's University for giving me this great opportunity.

I have never traveled abroad before, so this is going to be insane. I keep trying to picture myself walking the streets of Cambridge, listening to lectures in halls built 800 years ago, and punting the River Cam but I can't seem to do it. This all still seems like a dream. I can't wait to share with you all of the awesome, dream-come-true things that are bound to happen this summer. And I can't wait for you to get to know my fellow Mount students through their posts - I have an awesome group of people to share this experience with!

Stay tuned!
Kelsey