The Investment

Although, in hindsight, I perceive the process as effortless, as if it were always meant to be this way, I realize it is because the investment has paid off. However, when I truly try to recall the entire process of getting to a university, my entire journey and its struggles become self-evident. As a matter of fact, all I can recall is an endless stream of stress, even after all had been definitively settled and prepared.

In my personal experience, contrary to popular belief, the transition to higher education is not as drastic as it may be intuitively apparent, especially due to the sheer amount of preparation, thought and consideration that such an ambition requires. Before my arrival, all I could think of was the change that was about to be brought into my life – a stressful new beginning, perhaps. A week had gone by, then another and another, all while I was wondering: “Where is the change, where is the stress?”. Then it struck me – it was not that nothing had changed, quite conversely, everything was new, different and unknown. What I realized is that my path here, to the University of Manchester, has made me appreciate the return on my investment, especially since its profitability had never been guaranteed. It had created a new craving – take the investment even further. Stress was no longer relevant in the completion of my goal. My circumstance reminded me of a passage from my favourite book “I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me.” (F. Herbert, Dune). It may come again when it is necessary, but for now I can live in the moment doing what I love. As of this moment, all I can truly think about is where do I invest next.

The first week was a total mayhem – induction programmes, registering with your general practitioner, buying the essentials and a myriad more fundamental tasks, while trying not to neglect socializing. The complete overflow of possibilities, while somewhat confusing, I appreciated wholeheartedly, as it finally made me break from the relaxed state after 4 months of summer vacation. Just the amount of clubs and activities was absolutely mesmerizing, which made it significantly more difficult to make up my mind. In the end, I decided to spend my free time in a non-profit youth-led organization AIESEC, by representing my hall of residence in the Students Union and by creating a new society in cooperation with my friends – Bespoke Volunteering. After all the plans done on ad hoc basis, my life has returned to a regular routine – a life equilibrium, or so to say.

The coursework is finally at full throttle and despite its content being challenging, it is something I enjoy doing. Moreover, the individual courses are way more insightful and informative than anticipated – even modules such as accounting and finance. Statements of cash flow, balance sheets and income statements do not sound particularly interesting, yet the understanding they have provided me with goes well beyond all my expectations, even those formed just a couple days ago. I was somewhat concerned about the level of interaction, since most of the content is delivered through lectures, however, the daily seminars and the approachability of professors more than make up for it.

Overall, I am genuinely happy with all the facilities provided. I truly believe that the choice I have made was the right one. I am looking forward to where my road takes me next, since UoM unlocks endless possibilities and stimulates individual potential quite exquisitely.