Sometimes you do need tell tale signs to reveal the meaning behind things. It's gonna be hard, without them, to judge if doing x or y is really worthwhile?
Strangely, many people I've talked to expressed the same feeling that time is passing them by too quickly. I guess it didn't hit on us how quickly first year has passed until we came back from a long summer holiday and return to uni as second years. The usual comment is "I didn't do much last year!". And suddenly everyone is doing something, society work, volunteering, travelling or internship-related stuff. The biggest difference for me is I only did travelling and that's pretty much it for last year, but this year, I am taking on more responsibilities. Almost doing all of those aforementioned things.
Nishi put it just right. As a freshie you are excited but nevertheless have your reservations. We did bits of this and that but nothing grand. As a second year you claim ownership to your uni life, both academically and in terms of knowing the physical environment, and you sort of feel comfortable perching on more important positions.
In the past month alone, I've spent my weekends to the following cities doing the following things:
1) Norwich
Spent the whole weekend there and sorted out a few things before Uncle left for Shanghai
2) York
Spent a day touring around the pretty city. Nishi and I went to the Shambles, River Ouse, Museum Garden and Clifford Tower. Of couse it's a worthwhile trip, having photos taken in a beautiful place is a bonus plus the weather was on our side.
3) London
Woke up at 4 am in the freaking morning, caught a train to London and came home feeling totally exhausted. But all was worthwhile as the Singapore Seminar I went for was by far the most engaging and stimuating seminar I've ever been to!
4) Warwick
Another conference day with speakers. Topic was the Emerging Market, with a few sub topics being energy, breaking into the emerging markets and growth.
I have not been terribly busy but the time I spent was all fruitful. Among other things we celebrated Nishi's and Stefie's birthdays:) went to watch the Bonfire on Guy Fawkes Night. Fireworks were so beautiful!! I have been putting off writing this new entry but knowing that I will only get busier in the upcoming weeks with the training for Inspiring mentor and monetary presentation, I have to wrap up the experiences over the past month properly before moving on.
To end it nicely here's a good news :
My application and interview for Inspire Mentoring progamme has been successful! I do look forward to working with young people in the local area:)
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| Giant Teddy Bear we saw along the Shambles in York |
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| Sitting along the bank of River Ouse |
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| On top of Clifford Tower. We paid 3 pounds plus to get up here but it's worth it as the view was scenic! |
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| Very happy to have caught his smile! Many street artists I have seen but he is one of the most creative ones so far! |
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| Basking under the sun along River Ouse |
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| Pictures don't tell a thousand words here. Only a video can do justice to the beautiful fireworks but sadly I have neither the skills nor the internet speed to upload one ;) |
