I just realized (or realised if you will) that it has been over a year since I have posted.  Shame on me.  For the two of you who are following, I will be updating this blog with what is now historical content.  My goal is for the blog to have a memoir feel to it, hopefully giving it a more thoughtful read.  Please post questions or requests as they may effect future posts, hopefully for the better.

Matriculation video

Matriculation

Well that was a long strange trip.  I just completed Matriculation here at Oxford, which is difficult to explain.  Basically, back in the day, there used to be an exam (taken in Latin) before you could consider yourself a student here at Oxford and it included a ceremony.  Well, all that is left is the ceremony (still in Latin).  We got all dressed up in what we call a subfusc (sub-FUS-k), which is basically a Harry Potter cape, and walked from the college to the Examination Schools to hear a short speech from the Vice Chancellor of Oxford.  When I started to think that this tradition has been taking place in the same way since the 12th century (minus the swords they were required to carry back then) it was pretty cool.

The above video is most of the walk and part of the inside.  They asked us to turn off cameras for the actual ceremony.  Let me know what you think!

Why Oxford?

Of all the questions I get when people find out I am attending Oxford for an MBA, the most common is, "Why?"  Well, besides the one they ask silently in their head, "How did that schmoe get in to Oxford?"  While I can't answer why Oxford said yes, I can answer why I even bothered asking.  While the question may be one word, there are actually two parts, both of which I think deserve explanation.  First, why an MBA and second, why Oxford?

First, I love diversity and learning deeply about as many things as possible.  I know of no other vehicle that does gives me a better opportunity than an MBA.  I can go work for any company from tech to social work and anywhere in between.

Second, I chose Oxford for a few main reasons.  The quality of education is important.  The strength of the brand name internationally is also important.  However, the biggest reason is that I believe that the future of business is global and I want to have a global experience.  It is one thing to learn about it in a school, it is another to be working side by side with some of the world's best.  The Said Business School at Oxford also has a focus on social ventures and leadership development, both of which I am interested.  The fact that the MBA here is shorter than elsewhere also helps reduce cost as well, but that was just a bonus.  Most of all, I want to be here because of the culture of ideas.  I came here to find and develop my ideas on how and where I can contribute to the world.

That's about it in a nutshell.  Wish me luck!

The first pictures

There will be many, many more pictures to follow!  But these are the first.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/54452640@N05/

Welcome!

This year I am sure will be a fun packed, adventure filled, soul stretching time for me.  Welcome to the ride!  I will be posting here regularly (about once a week) with the goings on from day to day as well as the more significant events.  The blog will go through some regular changes early in the year as I spend the time getting it how I like it.  Feel free to contact me with suggestions or questions.

I know many of you following me have asked for photos and or videos and I will oblige on a semi regular basis.  However, most of the videos and photos will be links to other uploading sites to keep things clean on the website.  I'll be posting those momentarily.  Get ready!