The End of Term

Tomorrow is the last day of the Autumn Semester of the 2007/8 Academic Year. More significantly, it also represents the halfway mark of my undergraduate academic degree programme. Perhaps, it is apt to look back on this year and a half, and recap what I have learnt and experienced. A type of Mid-Term Report Card.

Academically, the second year has proven to be more hands-on, skills-based as well as requiring much deeper knowledge. Thus far, I have been exposed in greater detail to statistical and design softwares, have designed a preliminary housing scheme; but also, delved much deeper into Land Economy & Environmental Policy issues. I do feel technically more proficient on the computer with the relevant software, and importantly, I think my cognitive understanding of the academic texts is also improving. In other words, I am able to grasp and understand concepts faster than before. Perhaps the most important improvement for me, has been the re-discovery of presenting before an audience. I remember fearing that my inability to project a similar accent as the British might hinder my presentations, but 2 public presentations and a debate later, I think I am happy to say that I have overcome these and am now able to deliver quite confidently and coherently in front of a British audience. Managing a 12 person group also highlighted to myself my strengths in delegation, but also a possible weakness in terms of openess to ideas. Nevertheless, being appointed group leader amongst a group of 12 British students might be in itself an achievement for a foreigner.

Socially, this year has seen definitely an improvement in relations with my classmates. Credit for this must go to the group work sessions where we were given an excuse to work with and interact with each other under official reasons, from which, the non-official interaction also emerges and strengthens. I think that aids my orientation and involvement to a big extent. I have always had difficulty orientating to new environments due to a fundamental shyness and maybe a hesitation of self-esteem. Maybe after this overseas experience, that characteristic in me can be overcome in some ways.

Finally, in terms of living standards. I have blogged many times on this in previous posts. So, I'll keep in simple here. Life has been good. I really like my place, its views, its centrality, its cleanliness, its space. Watching serials, movies online still continues to be the main avenue of passing time.

On Sunday, I will be flying off to Venice & Paris with my housemate and some friends. We then return to Cardiff on the 20th, where we will spend Christmas together, during which Zhiquan (my RI classmate) will join us too. After Christmas, I will return to where I believe, is the only place to end a year, and start a new one - home.