Posted by Autumn @ Bellerbys Oxford
Time flies when you are having fun.
It's my sixth month here leaving and studying and enjoying myself in Oxford. Half a year has gone by.... and I haven't written a single post for almost half a term. With so many exciting things to do (e.g. January exams [how interesting that was...] etc.), I complete forgot about my honourable post as a Bellerbys blogger. My earnest apology!
My Spring term started with two Maths exams. What an impressive and nerve-wrecking way to begin a new term, one is inclined to think. On 10th January, I woke up after a dreamless sleep, prepared to face the first big challenge since the day I set foot on British shore. I arrived at Trajan House much earlier than usual, and saw my friends already there, doing the last revision. The atmosphere was tense. Everyone was nervous. This was so far our first A Level exam, and none of us had the slightest clue of what lied ahead. But we were also excited. This exam was the first hurdle that we needed to clear. The time had come when we were finally able to demonstrate what we had learned in the first term studying A Level. We were to make our teachers, our college, our family and, more importantly, ourselves proud of what we had eventually achieved. We went to the exam room silently, wished each other good luck before taking our seats. The clock stroked 9am, and the exam started....
Those who have gone through such intense emotions can also understand how overjoyed we were when the invigilator collected our last January paper.
The Lunar New Year occurred on the 2nd February, On this special occasion for Chinese and Vietnamese, the Vietnamese students gathered together and threw a huge party. Even though we are far away from how, we spent the first moment of new year together, "our extended family", as one said. Being with friends so nice and kind, one couldn't help forgetting one's own homesickness.
The first two weeks of February also witnessed an important event of Trajan House. It's the Official Opening Ceremony of Bellerbys Oxford Study Centre!! (weird, isn't it? Considering the fact that Trajan House has been used since October...)
I was among some students who were invited to contribute to this special event. We were advised to dress in our national customs while in the event.
At 3h30 pm, 9th February, I, in my "ao dai", Vietnamese traditional custom, was helping to prepare for the event. We were taught how to carry a tray of refreshments and snacks as well as how to open a bottle of Champagne by a very amiable chef.
When the event started, we were asked to carry the trays to wait on and chat with the guesses. Another group of students were singing and playing musical instruments in the background. The event was so merry and exciting. The event was highlighted when our elite students lifted the curtain, officially opening the school. What a fantastic moment!
The event went on, while we were busy helping ourselves with our cooks' fabulous dish.
After the Opening Ceremony, another, no-less-wonderful, event is being held in Trajan House. It's the fund-raising event, organised by our school charity club. We are selling chocolates, cards, hand-made roses and Trajan Mail's love issue to raise funds for Building Futures and to celebrate Valentine's Day. we managed to sell out all the first 50 copies of Trajan Mail on the first day, thanks so much for the inexhaustible support of our lovely students and teachers.
My Spring term started in such a marvellous way. I have experienced new things, have made more friends and have created more memories to cherish. Those happy days will forever be valued. ;)
The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time - Bertrand Russell
PS: Those Were The Days - composed by Boris Fomin
~Those were the days my friend
We thought they'd never end
We'd sing and dance forever and a day
We'd live the life we choose
We'd fight and never lose
For we were young and sure to have our way.~
Posted by Autumn, studying A Levels at Bellerbys Oxford
