Shane Brill '03
English and Digital Media Major; Creative Writing Minor
Bel Air, MD

The experience heightened my romance with literature and, in addition to broadening my cultural perspective, intensifed my poetic sensitivities. Traversing the English countryside, romping through the Scottish highlands, and exploring quaint villages, ancient castles, and the miracle of human connection--I loved it all.

John Evans '04
English and Humanities Major
Westminster, MD

This place is absolutely amazing! Humans and sheep living together; smiles that look like they've suffered quite a few hoofs-in-mouths; and the elderly here are hardcore. We've got American grannies back home crocheting and brewing tea but here they climb frickin' mountains! Rock on Yorkshire! I'm proud to have thee in my heritage!!!

Christina Granberg '03
Visual Communications and Design
Olympia, Washington

The opportunity to see my art history and architecture textbooks come alive was such an asset to my college experience. Observing and connecting with the landscapes, architectural masterpieces, and literary wonders firsthand is truly the best way to absorb such rich history. I was also very lucky to have a wonderful group of people to share the experience with!

Rachel Maderik '03
Biology Major; Geology Minor, University of Maryland
Reisterstown, Maryland

Hiking in the lakes was the best. They may have been strenuous but the views at the top made them worth it. Almost as enjoyable were sheep, Crunchies, cream teas, and the Kiplin Hall grounds and meeting college students not from the evil realm of UMD. Less enjoyable were foot-and-mouth restrictions, traffic circles that went backwards, and DJ Pied Piper, but all-in-all it was the trip of a lifetime for me.

Julie Nelson '02
Humanities Major; Art Minor
Fort Washington, PA

My Kiplin Hall experience has been a unique and wonderful one. Although physically demanding at times, I enjoyed the challenge each hike presented. The views were an incentive to reach the top of every mountain as was the sense of accomplishment I felt when realizing how far I had come. The only thing sweeter then the bags of Crunchies I ate while on this trip were the people I got to meet. Wherever we were, whatever we were doing, interesting conversations were always in progress. I've never laughed so much in my entire life. I will miss Kiplin Hall.

Dave Orvis '03
English Major
Westminster, MD

I feel this experience has been an invaluable part of my English studies. Rather than merely reading Romantic poets like Wordsworth and Coleridge, I had the opportunity to live their poetry. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to learn more about myself than I ever could sitting at a desk. This has been a truly enlightening experience and I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Tom Palazzo '03
Business Management Major; English, Political Science Minor
East Meadow, New York

The Kiplin Hall adventure is one that should be experienced by all Washington College students. From high and steep mountain tops to the ruins of famous castles and abbeys, the Kiplin Hall experience is one that I will never forget. Living with random people for three consecutive weeks not only allows you to learn about others, but also learn about yourself... Not to mention the historic and beautiful poetry of William Wordsworth and Samuel T. Coleridge.

Julia Paradiso '04
Humanities Major
Bluebell, Pennsylvania

My experience at Kiplin Hall is one that is extraordinary and impossible to forget. Whether climbing some of the highest mountains in the country to the gentle laughter at the dinner table, surrounded by new friends I have learned much about myself as a student and person. The Gillins were incredible as our "parents" for the three weeks and have helped us all reach new levels of independence as individuals. To my new friends: "Can I finish?" "What time is it?" "How long is this gonna take?" "Are we there yet?" "Draw-ring room" "Cheeky monkey!" "Elo, my name is Simon..."

Britt Ingrid Petzold '04
Drama and English Major
Severna Park, Maryland

I feel that my sojourn in England was beneficial on a physical, mental, and spiritual level. I was so fascinated by the Bronte's parsonage because I always had such an affinity for Wuthering Heights. My traverse across Langdale was by far the most rewarding moment. I've decided to close this with a quote: "Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower, we will grieve not, rather find strength in what remains behind." - William Wordsworth

Patrick Pugh '04
Political Science Major
Laurel, DE

My three weeks at Kiplin Hall were some of the most educational and fulfilling days that I have ever had. I learned so much about myself and the world that I live in. I pushed myself physically beyond what I thought my limits were and I believe that I also grew as a person. I laughed a lot too. I made some good friends that I hope to keep through college and after. The Gillins are wonderful people. I honestly never thought I would get to know one of my professors and his wife like I did on this trip. Kiplin Hall was certainly a wholly worthwhile experience, and, given the chance, I would go back in a heartbeat.

Meredith Scherer '03
Humanities Major; Drama Minor
Silver Spring, Maryland

While I went to England to learn and I did, what made it one of the best experiences of my life were the people. From the first day we were a sort of family.

Laura Walsh '02
English Major
Chestertown, Maryland

Kiplin was an absolute blast! We had the extraordinary opportunity to see some of the most magnificent countryside the earth affords melded with some of the best poetry ever written. There were days in the lakes, nights at the pub, and Crunchies, Crunchies, Crunchies (with careful observance of the eleven o' clock rule). I loved it.