Do You Ever Get That Feeling, the Feeling That You Can REALLY Get Behind Something?

So, you know that feeling, that first time you realize you had something really good? It could be a situation you're in, or someone you're with. But initially, there were all these concerns, and issues that you mentally had in your head. But when you committed to the situation, or were forced into a relationship with someone (I probably should of switched the analogy), but my point is.... that when you start realizing just how amazing the potential, and the opportunity that it provides, not to mention the experience.... and your attitude begins to change for the better. Earlier issues might still exist, and it's not like new issues won't be arising, but the difference is, the lens you're viewing through the situation/someone has changed. Now the things that would of bother you are becoming challenges that you WANT to overcome.

Maybe it's me finally settling down in Cambridge, but this is really a town and school I can get behind! I use to think it can be snobby, and expensive, not to mention the difficultly I kept facing in trying to dress and fit into the shirt, tie, and suit environment, but dealing with the rain, long walks, or bike rides in these clothes.... I was like.. ARGH, a car really helps when you're all dressed up. Anyway, my point was this, you start finding solution to these problems, and in the process, you begin to see what this town/school is about. Here are some cool things about the school that I really admire:

1. Your research paper belongs to YOU! Unlike most school I've come across, the research paper you do for the phD or Masters belongs to the prof., you might get recognition. But it's how the game is played. But Cambridge gives credit where Credit is due. I love that, these ideas that have been entrenched in the school!
2. Here in Cambridge, they really do try to put learning first. As a student, you can audit ANY COURSE with the Lecturer's permission. And in most case, I hear it is encouraged. So you're saying, what's the big deal? All Unis encourage auditing. So let me clarify by saying that when i say audit, i mean FREE. I am so looking forward to sitting down and in some Eng Lit Class. Check out the free classes you can attend if you come to Cambridge this year :) http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/reporter/current/weekly/6121/
   
3. Absolute emphasis on work/life balance. I mean some colleges gets hired chefs! A well kept college property that is second to none. And 16 hour per module over 8 weeks per term! Amazing.
4. At the Cambridge library today, and i'm not that big on books... but something about being in a library that has 7 million books with all of UK's history published journals in the library. I must say it was pretty cool.
5. Oh, another thing I love, but it's probably not very efficient for those of you who love efficiency :D But applying for jobs, these guys have a great website, but they are reluctant to set up a system where we the job seekers post our resume, and have the company contact us. I love that, i feel like the onus should be on the job seeker to impress the employer for an interview. Back at home, it seems like sometimes it's impossible to get an interview. And for me, one of the thing is i just don't get a good feel on what the employer is looking for in a "posted" resume. I'm looking forward to trying to find a job here :)
6. Everywhere I've needed to go is a 5 minute bike ride. Or i can park my bike and walk around town for 20 minutes getting everything done. It takes some getting use to, but so efficient!

Alright, enough boosting Cambridge, i'm sure i will find lots of bad things about it.. (later posts) But yeah... The only thing I would change is to bring you guys over for a week to enjoy this with me... It would absolutely be so cool!

Speaking of cool... our class is taking us on a field trip! Going to a wind turbine farm, Stone Henge, and doing some basic studying of old vs new highway systems! Overnight trip Friday Saturday! So cool! I'm so excited about visiting the Henge... Definitely going to bring my camera!

Tomorrow, I'm going to talk a little bit about these interesting shoes I keep seeing here in Cambridge.