First Steps — Reflections from Week 0
Stepping into the unknown is an equally thrilling and frightful endeavour.
It may involve leaving the creature comforts of a well-paying job, the satisfaction of healthy relationships and a strong and close network of support in the place we call home. Be that as it may, once we’ve made the decision to embark on this journey, there is simply no room for hesitation.
For many of us, the magnificence of Oxford embedded in fairytales and fantasy, now finally within our grasp, is nothing short of thrilling. Sometimes, this magnificence blends with the mundane, in a single magical moment. For instance, spending most of Sunday struggling through theoretical textbooks, getting ready for the first week of class, is the student’s daily grind which is known universally. Not nearly as common, though, is the experience of walking home from the library, looking up at the warm golden rays of the setting sun as they hit the Bodleian’s roof - the dreaming spires of Oxford infinitely right above. We have stepped out of our comfort zone, but are so very glad to be here.
Beyond the wealth of knowledge we stand to gain, is the nest of encouraging, genuine and supportive encounters we’ve had so far through the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust Scholarship and Leadership Program. Mentorships through a vibrant network of Alumni, continuous self-development and academic support, assistance in logistics of travel and settling in, and friendships which organically seed through the commonality of force of ambition are all part of the magic that is WHT. The leadership program exposes us to different perspectives about the world, enriching even more our learning experience. The WHT is much more than just a stepping-stone to Oxford – it is a pathway to opportunities, growth and friendship.
The experience of quarantine at Oxford could have been much more difficult without this support. Simply having help and advice on how to adapt to a new city and to settle down into university, has been key in easing us into this new life stage. This support started long before our arrival, as for most of us, it was a struggle to find a way to travel while our countries were still in lockdown. Although we are all of us now safely settled in Oxford, the support continues to strengthen between us, which allows us to grow together, living this experience to the fullest.
Coming from very different countries, at least one of each continent, each of us brings a history to tell - a story we want to improve. It is a privilege to meet people with such a different backgrounds and to have a cultural exchange that opens our minds to learn and think in different ways. Nevertheless, it is the desire of improving our own story that connected us since the beginning, and though we’ve only been here for a few weeks, this bond of friendship continues to grow.
Here are the start of another great chapter, we reflect on the short time we have spent here in Oxford, and look ahead with great anticipation to the next stage of our lives – we will surely be more than equipped to step forward and step up to serve the countries, communities, and causes that brought us here on this thrilling and wonderful adventure.
