Kimberly WinardiComment

The Oxford Challenge Diaries: Embracing the Adventure of the Unknown

Kimberly WinardiComment
The Oxford Challenge Diaries: Embracing the Adventure of the Unknown

Hello gentle readers!

Haha wait, that is definitely not me.

I’m writing this from my new home for the year, whilst sipping a hot cup of tea (seriously no joke).

If you don’t follow me on any social media or know me outside of this realm, you might have missed the news that I have moved to the UK for the year to do my go back to school. I am incredibly honoured and privileged to be studying at the University of Oxford for my Masters in Child Development and Education.

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It’s exciting and this place is absolutely breathtaking. I’ve been here for a couple of days just settling in before school starts and honestly sometimes I can’t believe I’m here. From the cobbled stones street to the beautiful historic architecture, it feels like a dream.

However, change can also be really scary. As someone who deals with anxiety, there is a part of me that felt (and still do) that maybe I’m romanticizing this move too much. In reality, being away from my safe space a.k.a my home, my family, my friends, my routines, will be extremely difficult to deal with and adjust to. I remember moving to Kingston, ON for a year for teachers college and the rough adjustment period I went through…and that was 3 hours DRIVE away. This is a 7 hour plane ride away. There were definitely moments of panic and questioning why I decided to do this (even when I got here).

However, I do think this change will be good for me. I think I need to step out of my comfort zone a little bit and do me for a year, even if it will be hard and lonely at times. I told myself and my peeps, that I will do things this year for me and also do things that might be scary or hard, exciting and fun, and things that will push me out of my comfort zone.

And so the list titled: The Oxford Challenge Diaries.

Here is a list curated by yours truly, with suggestions from people around me, of things that I should try and do this year. The list is not exhaustive and there might be additions throughout the year, so if you have a suggestion do comment below! I want to be kept accountable AND also see how many I can do this year. Without further ado, here is the list:

The Oxford Challenge Diaries

  • Visit all 43 Oxford colleges

  • Go on a solo adventure to London

  • Get invited to three other college formals

  • Try rowing

  • Try punting

  • Attend a live sporting event

  • Do a weekend getaway with friends

  • Cheer on a football team live at Premier League Match

  • Attend a concert at Wembley

  • Afternoon tea

  • Be involved in a student group

  • Visit the Harry Potter Studio Tours

  • Take the train to Paris

  • Meet a celebrity

  • Try Haggis

  • Take a picture with a royal

  • Figure out navigating the London Tube

  • Find the best sticky toffee pudding

  • Bake an English scone

  • Ride a bike to school

  • Read the Lord of the Rings book on Tolkien bench

  • Go on a long walk without direction to find hidden gems

  • Dance in the rain

  • Plane/Train spotting

  • Make 1 new friend a day for the first week of school

  • Attend 1 event each day at Freshers Week

  • Journal at a cute cafe

  • Read at a park or garden

  • Go to three new countries this year

  • Visit Stonehenge

  • Visit the Cotswolds