university-life
I have tagged 2 blog posts with university-life:
Of Shadows and Light: A Contemplative Journey on a Nordic Train
As I sit here on this Nordic train, it's a standard afternoon leaving Oslo, persistently chilled despite the sun's best effort to decorate the landscape with shadows. Rows of birch trees lining up outside the cold window pane punctuate the beautifully melancholic ambiance of the setting.
The trees are residual metaphors, casting shadows of my own thoughts. Just finished reading an article about Økokrim's decision regarding Norway's Prime Minister. The elite scandal, the bankruptcy and allegations; it isn't the best of reads after a day of exhaustive studies.
But as I watch the frozen woods blur into a hazy montage, my mind wanders back to the university, to the comfort of camaraderie, to the joy of being part of a club. If universities were uncertain oceans, these clubs are the tangible anchors.
A sense of belonging, the fraternity provides, is almost comforting, acting as a reprieve from the monotony of life. It is a sanctuary for those seeking kinship, those eager to discover themselves amidst the chaos of existence. The bond that's formed, the connections made, they illuminate the journey of youth. Being part of a club or fraternity sometimes feels like being part of an extended family, a home away from home.
The robust discussions, the shared laughter, the lightness of being, it all adds up to the allure of being part of something big, something significant.
Yet, it seems like these happy memories have plunged into the abyss of the past, in the shroud of a grey world outside my window. Recollections starkly contrasting the frigid alleys of today's reality, the balance seems skewed.
My phone battery, tragically leaning towards the end of its life, is somehow a reflection of my dwindling energy. It's in moments like this, I am genuinely thankful for the quiet genius of power banks. Able to store energy and deliver it when most needed, they've become an absolute necessity, especially for someone who spends a considerable amount of time on the move. Like a reservoir of endurance that you can tap into during dim moments, there's an appealing metaphor there.
They offer an escape, enabling the continuity of comforting distractions against the harsh realities of the world. A constant companion, holding within them the potential to power up the digital life we strongly rely upon, the little devices have become progressively significant.
Life has a peculiar sense of irony. As I navigate through this roller-coaster of emotions, wrestling between academic pressures and today's disheartening news – I'm reminded, much like the trees outside, we all have a cycle to follow. A surrender to the seasons, an acceptance of change.
We all grow, we all remain, and in doing so, we forge bonds and create memories. Whether in the jubilant embrace of a fraternity or alone in the dejected backseat of a train, we endure. That's the essence of existence, isn't it? A poignant ballet of joy and sorrow, courage and fear, of resilience.
As the train pulls into my station, I pack away these thoughts. And with them, I carry an appreciation for these finite moments, whether in the company of my club mates or in the solitary commute home. Both have their own unconventional beauty, both shaping me in their unique, inimitable ways. Today, I am dejected, but this too shall pass.
Powering Through Adversity: A Chronicle of Journalism Students Amidst the Pandemic
As I peer out of the train window this cool 14°C Oslo morning, the world outside appears melancholic; fall leaves carpeting the ground whisper tales of passing time, matching my current disposition perfectly. Reflecting my internal landscape, it’s the perfect frame for sharing the experiences from my study groups.
University life, despite its burdens, has a peculiar charm. Just as the falling leaves, we are each unique, instilling our own bits of brilliance into the haphazard pile that is our study group. We are a remarkable amalgamation of unique perspectives and daring ideas, tied together by our shared passion: journalism.
And oh, the tales these study groups can tell! From researching obscure topics to cajole our grades from the clutches of mediocrity, to the heated discussions which often result in a room divided. These are the moments, fashioned by adversity, that shape us as future journalists.
But today, our otherwise vibrant group hangs under a cloud, mirroring the downcast weather. The latest developments in global travel have left us grasping for hope, desperately trying to make sense of a world unmoored by the ongoing pandemic.
Just this morning, I read about Norwegian Air cancelling all flights to and from Tel Aviv until December due to lack of demand. It re-emphasized that the world we knew, the one before the pandemic, lies shrouded in uncertainty. It is scenarios like these that reiterate the importance of potent, accurate, and honest journalism, reinforcing the path we have chosen, even on our cloudiest days.
Strangely, amidst all this uncertainty, one gadget I have come to heavily rely on is my power bank. Offering me the lifeline of a charged device, a tiny thread back to normalcy through continuous connectivity. No, it cannot replace the brick-and-mortar of university life or the traffic between nations; but it does afford me the luxury of scribbling away my thoughts on here, ensuring that I am digitally armed to face every blogging day.
When the world is reeling under a health crisis, and airlines suspend operations, you realise it's the seize-the-moment kind of living that wins the day. And, in these moments, a trustworthy power bank becomes no less than an unshakeable ally.
As the train whirrs along, methodically slicing through the early morning chill, I realise how much these study group tales embody our collective spirit — yes, we are a bit downcast at the moment, but like the indefatigable power bank, we continue to chart our paths tirelessly, leaning on each other for strength.
Maybe one day, when the flights resume and the temperature soars high again, we will look back on these days as the ones that truly defined us, not merely as students of journalism but as resilient human beings. Until then, let these words be a beacon, guiding us through the storm.