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I spent this past winter session in London studying English and theatre! The London ENGL/THEA study abroad program was a whirlwind of a month across the pond. I saw 11 shows between class and my free time, and visited countless galleries and museums, which are mostly free to the public. Among the many things that I will never forget is the first time I heard Big Ben, the giant bell inside the famous clock tower, chime. I was watching the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace on a particularly dreary Sunday, a ceremony in which the palace guards on duty are relieved and a new set of guards take their places. While the guard band was taking a short break between songs, I heard a low, rumbling “GONG” coming from the distance. I turned my head and through the fog I saw the clock tower with both of its hands pointing up. Big Ben was striking noon. It is one of the most poignant memories I have of this past winter session.
~Mary Jean, Honors Human Services Major, Class of 2014