Graduation was a very momentous occasion for me. I remember the summer before I left for Leicester, I had framed and mounted all of my highschool and university degrees on a wall in my room, leaving a space for my Master's. And now the wall finally feels complete. Of course it's not the degree itself that matters, but the hard work and dedication it represents. The ceremony was somewhat dissapointing, in terms of the speeches and procession, but having the opportunity to officially be awarded my degree was still special. Even though it was only about 5 degrees outside, Z and I took some pictures on campus. We also went for a celebratory dinner that evening with all of our friends at San Carlos, an Italian restaurant in town we used to frequent last year (for the delicious food and Italian waiters...).
We also made a day trip out to Leeds, where my friend Bindy is originally from. I've always been interested in doing my PhD at the university there as well, so it was nice to go and see where I may end up one day. Leeds is a city in Yorkshire, which is about 1.5 hours north of Leicester (and VERY north from London). In comparison to Leicester, it's also a few degrees colder, and many degrees nicer! Leeds is actually the third largest city in the UK in terms of population (after London and Birmingham), so it's become quite a commercial centre. I've never been a big fan of the busy city life, but there's something very traditional and charming about Leeds. Z actually put it well when she compared it to Montreal. The city centre is comprised of so many historical buildings - there's a very European aura there. I've always found London to be overwhelming for me - it's a nice place to visit and spend a weekend, but I think the city would swallow me up if I lived there. Leeds on the other hand is still a big city, but it's more intimate manageable. I think after visiting so many different cities and countries, I've developed a keen sense of knowing when I feel comfortable somewhere almost immediately. Leicester always felt 'right', and Leeds does too! Who knows, maybe sometime in the near future I'll move out to Leeds for a while (to the dismay of my parents!).
I mentioned in my last post that I'm teaching at a learning centre for kids these days, and it has been such a learning experience for me. The truth is, I probably learn just as much from my students as they learn from me! What I always find terribly ironic about this whole situation, is that I've never been very 'good' with children. I never know what to do with them, how to interact with them, I am completely missing that maternal gene all women are supposed to have. Somehow though, I enjoy teaching these kids! We always have something to discuss (their work) and it gives me such purpose to help them understand difficult concepts, or suggest ways to improve their work - at the end of the day, I feel like I've made a positive contribution. It's true, not all of them are darling little angels! Some actually try my patience quite a bit, and I welcome the challenge because it keeps me on my toes. Actually I've noticed that a lot of this younger generation is really zoned out! Sometimes I feel like I'm talking to a ghost with these kids - their thoughts are completely elsewhere. But, like Eckhart Tolle suggests, I stay present for them, and hope that energy reaches them eventually too.
I'm going to end off here today, but I hope you all have a wonderful long weekend (I have a very special guest coming to visit me and I will tell you all about it next time!).
No comments:
Post a Comment