Oxford Has Changed Me

 

How has Oxford changed me?

It's not dramatic as a movie would portray, in fact, I am probably the most boring creature ever with no drama, seeking the quiet lifestyle. Yet sometimes it is the subtle, small bits over many years that grow to become an underlying aspect that you at some point realize affects almost all areas of life. However, on this recent particular stay, I can say there are some bigger impacts that excite me to continue to ponder and study:

- Oxford has helped me navigate independent research and lifestyle. I have never been in the UK for so long at one time before. The experience has helped me enjoy the discovery of how to live in a foreign country, to study and find things in libraries, where to go for lunch, food shopping and cooking, where to spend some exploring time. It has caused me to be more friendly to random people in the daily routine and conversation.

- Oxford has helped me learn to use my time wisely. Being so focused in my research, I had to make sure I dedicated time to that, reading, and writing, whilst I also continued to keep up with my real world work and other daily things that needed to be done. Even with the longer stay, time was limited, so I was very careful with planning out all the books and manuscripts I wanted to spend time with.

- Oxford has propelled me to recognize how content I am with my (seemingly boring) life, how blessed I am. In both places, home and whilst in Oxford. I am happiest when surrounded by books and have a lot to read, study, research, and think about. Add a little bit of good food, coffee and tea, and a few artistic adventures (art museums, history museums, orchestra concerts, lectures) and I am content. It is a quiet, but thoughtful lifestyle. Enjoying the daily routine is key, and setting myself up with the things that bring such enjoyment in the pursuit of creating something good through my writing.

- Oxford helped me appreciate the cosy, familiar home I have full of books and comforts, compared to a more spare stay in Oxford. Living very minimal in the UK came easy for me, but it also made me eager to go home to my little place with my friendly shelves loaded with books. It just made me see how I can live with less. At home, of course, I have a closet full of clothes and shoes, dishes I selected, and shelves of books. I can do both - they each give me a different sense of day-to-day and appreciation, and there are benefits to each.