Day 12 was one of those rare, perfect travel days—packed with discovery, laughter, reflection, and spontaneity. Waking up in London felt like something out of a movie. There’s a certain thrill in stepping into a city so rich in history and culture; we could feel it from the moment the day began. Our first official…
Tag: Mackenzie Norris
Hello, London!
Day eleven of our journey was packed with activity, insight, and emotion as we wrapped up our final morning in Birmingham and made our way to London. From in-depth academic lectures and a tour of BCU’s simulation labs to inspiring conversations with alumni, it was definitely one of my favorite academic days so far. We…
How to Love Birmingham in 10 Days – Day 10
Today marked one of the most insightful experiences of our time in Birmingham as we visited the Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. From start to finish, the day offered an eye-opening look into the world of mental health care in the United Kingdom. It was a reminder of how much there is…
How to Love Birmingham in 10 Days – Day 9
We have officially reached the second-to-last full day in Birmingham. I feel bittersweet because although I will miss the city I have called home for the past week and a half, I am so excited to go to London! Today, we took a more educational approach to the city and visited Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form…
How to Love Birmingham in 10 Days – Day 8
We’ve officially been in the UK for over a week, and today—Day 8—might just be my favorite yet. It began on the right note: I slept a whole night and didn’t have to wake up until 8:10 AM. A rare luxury on this packed itinerary! By 8:45, we were on the bus and headed to…
How to Love Birmingham in 10 Days – Day 7
It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through this incredible journey! Time has flown by, and although each day has been packed and sometimes exhausting, the memories I’m making feel like they’ll last a lifetime. Today’s adventure took us to the breathtaking Blenheim Palace, followed by an afternoon exploring Oxford. We had a bit of…
How to Love Birmingham in 10 Days – Day 6
Today was our seventh day in Birmingham, and it was among the most insightful so far. We went on a Black Heritage Walk led by the excellent Marcia, who was easily one of the most knowledgeable and entertaining guides I’ve ever had. She knew much about Birmingham’s history and made the most minor details meaningful….
How to Love Birmingham in 10 Days – Day 5
Today, we went to Stratford-upon-Avon to visit Shakespeare’s birthplace. We took a train to Stratford, which is very similar to riding the NJ Transit. When we got there, we went to the cutest cafe where I got an amazing croissant and cappuccino. The cafe felt so authentic, it was adorable. From there, we met up…
How to Love Birmingham in 10 Days – Day 4
Today, we started our day later, and it was lovely to sleep in! After some quick coffee, we explored the UK general practice healthcare system. In general practice nursing, we learned that GP nurses work to manage chronic (but treatable) diseases like diabetes, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), provide lifestyle advice, and administer…
How to Love Birmingham in 10 Days – Day 3
Today we discussed a wide range of topics from public health to HIV. Alicia Lashley discussed the importance of public health and how it is essential to keep communities safe. We discussed the various ways to inform the public of different healthcare issues, including getting vaccinated for TB. We also learned about the social determinants…
How to Love Birmingham in 10 Days – Day 2
Today, we had lectures from many different educators to help us understand the education system in the UK and in Birmingham specifically. In the UK, the educational path starts early with “Early Years” education for children aged 3–4. These programs emphasize communication, physical development, emotional well-being, and early literacy and numeracy through a thematic approach…
How to Love Birmingham in 10 Days – Day 1
Day one in Birmingham was a success! When we first arrived, we took a city tour, looking at different things, including the City Center, the Library of Birmingham, and the peace garden. It was interesting to see the architectural differences between the US, which is more modern and does not have many historical buildings, and…
Mackenzie Norris – An Introduction
Introduction My name is Mackenzie Norris, and I am a freshman nursing major at the University of Pittsburgh on the Oakland campus. I am originally from Bethesda, Maryland, close to D.C. I am working to pursue a BSN with a minor in economics, a certificate in global health, and an honors degree. Outside of the…