First Time at Home Park

Hey everyone,

I know I just posted a few days ago, but with Plymouth Argyle playing away this weekend at Notts County I thought I would tell the story of my first time watching English football.

First let me say this for any of my American readers. When you come here get out of the habit of calling it soccer, it's a dead giveaway you're from the states. It's not a big thing just trying to make sure you don't stick out like sore thumb when you come here. But I will say that I will not look at football the same after going to a Plymouth Argyle Football Club match.

Since I love football and I was coming to England I wanted to see if there was a team in Plymouth to see play when I was here. It only took a few minutes and I found out about Plymouth Argyle. They are a Football League Two side, which is the fourth tier of English Football. Even though the team is a League Two Side they still draw an attendance better than some MLS teams back in the states.

But back to the story, I knew from the first day I was here I wanted to see them play and I asked a few of my flatmates if they wanted to go and Sophie wanted to go. So last saturday we took the half an hour walk to the match. During the walk to Home Park (the name of Plymouth Argyle's stadium) you have to walk through Central Park. Getting to walk through the park before the stadium is great, because I found out the park was just so beautiful. This walk ended with the front of the stadium.

After we got the the stadium we walked over to the ticket office and waiting in a short line to get our tickets. I had to grab a program it was my first game how could I not right. I have to make the journey back to the stadium one of these days to get a scarf and a Custom top with Boateng on the back. After getting the program we went through the turnstiles, and even though it's a small club the moment I went through I felt at home. 

But we both realized that we walked through the wrong turnstyle and the provided for a moment I didn't think I would get to do. We had to get stewarded to our sets, and because of that we had to walk across part of the outer pitch at home park. Even though I will never get a chance to play on a pitch like Home Park in my life it was still nice to say that I've been on that pitch.

We finally got to our seats and I have to say that I wasn't disappointed at all. We were one row back and a walkway across and then there was the pitch. When Sophie told the guy get us close I didn't realize how close he was going to get us. We were only sitting for a few seconds until the players took to the pitch, and from that moment nothing could have pried me from that seat, because there was no where else I wanted to be.

I had an idea of what English football was like, and all I've ever wanted was to see it in person. Well I finally did, and I don't know if I want to watch it anywhere else again. There was a support section, but all they did was start the song everyone else began to sing. All 9441 spectators started to sing, and it's something that I can't describe. Reuben Reid scored for Argyle just before the half and when every single person went up on their feet and started to celebrate I was amazed. Watching as much football as I do back home when our team scores back home only a good chunk stand and cheer, but not here every single person did.

We ended up conceding late in the second half, and a lot of us thought it was going to end in a draw, but Boateng had other ideas. We scored in the 89th minute, and because of that goal it meant that on points and goal difference we would go top of the table, and the chants begin when we realized that.

All you could hear for the next 15 minutes was "We're Top of the Table!", and not even 3 minutes into the chant I had to join in. That day was an experience that I want every person in the world to experience, the heart and passion that every fan showed to the players that day made them dig deep and get the result. That alone is why I love this game. I've walked by the stadium a few times since, and all I've wanted was another home game so I can go and be a crazed supporter. Needless to say I think I might have become a Plymouth Argyle supporter.

"We're Top of the Table!"

-Tucker

First Week is Over

Hey everyone,

So it's been a little bit more than a week since I last told you all what was going on, and the reason being is that I have been a bit busy. When I say a bit I mean really busy, because classes started last week, and I had a huge project that I had to finish by friday worth 50% of my grade. But other than that this first week went really well.

On monday I started classes with ENT 100 which is Introduction to Enterprise. The class is about how to become an entrepreneur, and the different forms of corporations an entrepreneur can form. It is a great class, it just came at me real fast with our first presentation being due last friday. Needless to say it was stressful, but I got a good group of guys as partners and we got the project and presentation done very well. We got a 2.1, which for me was an A back in the states.

Above is a picture of my first classroom at Mast House which is one of the University buildings that isn't on main campus. It's a nice 15 minute walk from my house which is nice in the morning. I feel like a morning commuter to be honest. Mast house is down on the Barbican so it has some beautiful views first thing in the morning to be honest, well more like all the time.

Then I also started my second class here (I start my third class later this month), and I really like this class. It's STO200 Introduction to Operations Management, and it's the biggest class that I have ever had to far. It's a lecture hall of over 100 people, and for this small town boy from the sticks it's a bit of a change. But the lecturer is really good so far I just need to read and study everything that he puts online and in his lectures I should be fine I would like to think. 

Things are starting to calm down with classes here and I'm getting into a pattern which to be honest I think I need. I have joined the ENACTUS here in Plymouth which is great and I'm really looking forward to working with them and seeing what I can create.

And my flat is still great, the girls in the flat above me are awesome. There flat and ours have diner with each other on sunday's, and it's nice makes me remember all the family diners that we have back home.

And I continue to walk around Plymouth here I keep seeing more and more beauty from around the region and its nice. I can see why people from PSU want to stay here, and not leave. I saw the Mayflower steps the other day and it made me think that in 1620 the first people to come to my country set sail from here. I took a minute when looking at the monument of what Plymouth must have been like when they set sail and it really put things into perspective for me which made me think about how thankful I am to be here.  

  

But that's what's happening now I'll keep you all posted on what's going on throughout my time here, and all the adventures that I'll be going on well I'm here. I hope you all are having a great day wherever you're reading this. And remember Stay Classy.

-Tucker 

I'll Call it Home

Hey Everyone!

So I'm alive, but it's been a super busy past few days so I haven't been able to update you all on what's going on. I'm doing well but there is so much that's happened I'll try and tell you what I've been up too.

So the last time that I talked to you all I had just enrolled into the university. And now I have my classes all sorted out. It was a bit of a nightmare at first due to the fact that I really didn't understand the timetabling process here. Timetabling is basically just how a student's class schedule works back home. I had a class overlapping with another class so I had to drop one and pick up another one to make it all work out but it's all good now.

Last Sunday I went on a harbor cruise which was great fun. I got to see the bay and the harbor, as well as see the Hoe from the water. For those of you that don't know the Hoe is one of the biggest parks in all of Plymouth and one of the most scenic ones as well. As you can see with the pictures above and below.

But I learned a lot about the history of the city and how it was a huge naval town, and the fact that the Mayflower took off from here (which I already knew). But it was great to learn so much about the city and about the British flag as well. Fun fact for you all the only time you can call the British flag a Union Jack is if it is on one of Her Majesty's Ships.

I now have flatmates and they are all awesome, and want to see me have the time of my life here. I have six other flatmates, Tom, Rob, Sophie, Ellie, Katie, and Rose who are all great to live with. We have made plans to have thanksgiving here and they are all pumped to do that. They have also made me a list of British things that I need to do, and I got to cross one of those things off my list the other day.

I had proper fish and chips, and I don't think I will ever get fish and chips this good in the states. So I think I might have ruined fish and chips for me back home. Tip for everyone who is going to plymouth go to the Harborside in the Barbican, and get the fish and chips with just salt and vinegar and you won't be disappointed.

I know this is been a crazy update post but I wanted to let you all know I'm all good here and having a blast. I start classes on Monday so I hope to post more often because I will be a lot more structured on how much time I have on my hands. I hope you all have a great day, and I'll talk to you all soon!

Cheers!

-Tucker  

I'm here!

Hey everyone,

So after a long what seemed like two days of travel due to the time difference I've finally made it to Plymouth, England! It was extremely stressful and I still feel drained from the trip but it was worth it. So I started out on a flight from Logan International Airport to Halifax International Airport up in Halifax, Canada. My flight was delayed about a half an-hour due to some weather that had moved in when I was in Boston, so that made getting to my connecting flight a bit stressful. I had to get off my plane, to go through customs (got my first stamp in my passport though), get my luggage to get it on another conveyor belt to get it to my other connecting flight. I then had to go back through security, which I had never taken my shoes off so fast in my life. I then ran through the Halifax airport and I ended up catching my flight by about ten minutes before it left.

 That's when it really hit me "I'm on the way to England!", and I can't tell you how big the grin was on my face. I had a TV on that flight and saw Furious Seven before it came on DVD in the states. And I don't know why every comedian has to crack a joke about airplane food because it wasn't bad at all, well the breakfast was good. During breakfast I got a chance to talk to the women next to me, who just by chance was on her way to Plymouth Uni as well, and we got to talk about that.

I got off the plane about ten UK time and I was to happy to realize that it was it was five back home. It took forever to get through customs because of the amount of non-EU passport holders that were going through at that moment. I got through and went to terminal 3 to meet the Plymouth Uni students that were going to get me on my shuttle down to plymouth. I ended up having to wait, so me and a friend from the states, James, went and got some food, and I had real Guinness for the first time. I don't know if I'll be able to drink it in the states because it tastes so much better here.

After that we got on the shuttle, and started a five hour shuttle ride where I meet a few more people, of which was Jacob from Sweden, and Terezka from Czech Republic. But we all were stuck on that five hour shuttle ride so we slept, and tried to get to know each other. The whole ride I was just amazed at how beautiful the countryside in the UK is.

 But we made it here safe and sound. James and Jacob when out to the club that night, I on the other hand opted to stay in un-pack and most importantly sleep. The first night was a bit rough not being home, but it got a lot better. I did a ton of shopping last night and got enrolled and collected my BPR, all the usual stuff an international student needs to do. I finally got to see Plymouth Uni in the daylight and the pictures online don't do it justice.

Well guys I'll keep you all posted on what's going later this week. I just wanted to update you all on how I'm doing. So I'll talk to you all later this week!

-Tucker

It's Go Day!

Hey everyone,

This is just a quick little post to fill you guys in on whats up. I am currently sitting at the airport waiting to get on my plane. I'll be boarding in about 15 minutes so I'm pumped! A little nervous but thats only natural. I just wanted to let you guys know whats going on, and the next time you hear from me I will be sitting in my flat in Plymouth!

See yah,
-Tucker

Nerves and Packing

Hey guys!

So it's the day before I leave, and I'm really pumped about it. But with leaving comes nerves and just the goodbyes and to be honest I'm not looking forward to that. I think once I get through the gate I'll be good, but I'm just a bit nervous with traveling. Like I stated before its the first time I've left the country so I think thats one of the things.

The goodbyes on the other hand is something that I am not looking forward to. I've been doing the farewell dinners, (I'm actually going to one after I write this), seeing friends, and hanging with family I won't be seeing in a while, and to be honest it sucks. I love my family and my friends, and I hate seeing them get upset. But they need to understand that I'll be back in no time, and I have to do this for me. Yes tomorrow will be hard, but it just means that I have people back home that care and want to see me succeed.

Ok, now that I have vented I can tell you guys now whats ahead. I have to finish packing today and tomorrow, and later in the day tomorrow I will be going down to Lynn, MA with my family hanging at my Uncle's place and he'll drive us to Logan. I'll probably check-in there, and got through the gate. Its going to be a long night of traveling and won't end till around 7pm UK time on Monday, so I do have to say I will be exhausted.

But I just want to say thank you to everyone that's read this. I hope you have found this helpful on your study abroad journey. I'll be writing a post about the visa process shortly because I want you all to know how to not make it a headache like I might have. I also want to take a moment and thank all my friends and family that have pushed me and helped me get this far. If it wasn't for you I would not have got this fair. Well the next time I write I will be out of the country, and I will leave you with the exciting words of Bilbo Baggins, "I'm going on an adventure!"

Till next time,
-Tucker

  

Time to Start Packing

Hey everyone,

So pretty much all of things that need to be taken care of have been its been a nightmare trying to figure out the loan stuff, but I think we have finally figured it all out. So now its down to just getting everything together to start packing to get ready for my flight. Its crazy to think that in two weeks I will be flying to England and living there for the year, but I can't wait. To be honest I think I might feel like I'm going to overpack. I did today get on the Facebook page for my all and I think that I have found one of my roommates which is pretty awesome. I just wanted to let you guys know whats going on right now, but I'll fill you all in more as the next two weeks pass.

Have a good one
-Tucker