Starting I am sure is always the hardest part. Whether it is figuring out just where to begin on a blank computer screen (I have been staring at this one for a while), or embarking on a new adventure in a new town. It seems at the moment, everything is a start for me. And this is completely thrilling and just slightly terrifying!
Just a month ago I left a nice, safe and predictable job in the public health system in London for the unknown of an MBA at Judge Business School, Cambridge University. I was lucky enough to be offered a place in January 2007 so it has been a long wait to actually get here.
Cambridge is a beautiful and incredibly old town. The University itself has been around for over 800 years, having been founded by some Scholars who were escaping rioting in Oxford at the time. Well at least that is the version I have heard and certainly explains the ongoing rivalry between the two! The structure is completely different from an Australian University as it is actually a collection of colleges. The oldest being Peterhouse which was formed in 1284. My college is Queens’ College which is one of the older ones down on the Cam. There are many traditions attached to the colleges and Cambridge University including Formal Halls (when members of the college are required to where Academic Gowns for dinner), rowing and punting.
So not only am I starting in a new town I am also starting new friendships, battling with academic subjects that I have never encountered before and learning a whole other language. In the last week I have been introduced to the delights of switchers, spreadsheets, balance sheets and some curious thing called NPV. It is looking like it is going to be a challenging year!
