People, Juxtapositions, Exchanges, and Endless Possibilities
"From thence we proceeded to Oxford. As we entered this city, our minds were filled with the remembrance of the events that had been transacted there more than a century and a half before," (Chapter 19, 2) stated Mary Shelley in her novel Frankenstein, whose original manuscript is located at the Bodleian Library here in Oxford. Two-hundred-and-four years later, it is 33 Scholars who entered a city with much more history, traditions, and immortalized events.
My favourite word in English is ineffable, which comes from the Latin ineffābilis. Ineffable refers to something that goes beyond what language can describe. Although Oxford is indeed an ineffable place, as you might have guessed, I have been thinking lately about a few words that could explain what Oxford is. These are not the only words that represent what Oxford is, but rather, words that describe what Oxford is and has been for me for the past 30 days since I arrived here.
The first thing that comes to mind is that Oxford is People. People who are curious and eager to make a more remarkable change in society, advance scientific understanding, enhance policy-making processes, open avenues for new sustainable solutions and research, and, most importantly, people who know the significance of knowledge and kindness. Oxford is what it is because of its people, and it has become such a special place for me in such a short time because of courageous people who are called students, professors, and staff, and most importantly, leaders in what they do. People made, make, and will continue making Oxford what it is by shaping it one way or another.
Oxford is Juxtapositions. From walking around places built in the 10th century, such as St George's Tower in Oxford Castle, to buildings constructed in the 21st century, such as the Blavatnik School of Government, Oxford shows a variety of astonishing contrasts. Additionally, these juxtapositions allow us to think and reflect on how many memorable conversations throughout history have taken place on the same bench we have sat down, and how they might have perhaps gone on to slightly or significantly shape the world. Juxtapositions are unique and full of small details that pictures do not do justice.
Oxford is Exchanges. Whether at a seminar, pub, café, classroom, or MCR event, Oxford is an exchange of ideas, experiences, aspirations, and discoveries. These exchanges deepen our understanding of new fields we have not fully encouraged, such as particle physics. Additionally, they allow us to think differently about moral philosophy issues and understand the power of intersecting different areas for the common good, ultimately allowing us to see how we can move forward and utilize the tools at our disposal. These exchanges are treasures that make this place special, and that we will carry with us after Oxford.
Last but not least, Oxford is Endless Possibilities. The environment speaks: Anything is possible, and this may look like creating a new social enterprise with the support and mentorship of the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust team, closing significant knowledge gaps by embarking on challenging but rewarding academic adventures, or developing and planning innovative solutions with experts and passionate individuals in different fields. This atmosphere full of endless possibilities not only teaches us and enables us to grow, but also reminds us the that it is up to us to transform them into reality, whether that may be in the short or long term.
Oxford is people, juxtapositions, exchanges, and endless possibilities that embody a sense of belonging, global citizenship, and social responsibility.
