Yan Xiaoqian (Oriel, 2008 - )

Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get. But for Paterson Trust's kind sponsorship, I can't image that I can indulge myself into the three year's common law studying in Oxford which enjoy an incomparable reputation in the world.

Looking back, there are many things that constitute my memory about the life in Oxford in the past two years. Weekly Essays is one important feature of Oxford legal training. In some demanding weeks, say three essays per week, reading for the essays or writing my essays take up most of my time. However, when I bring my essays to the tutorials, I'll feel really rewarding if my work can be praised by tutors or I can have strong arguments while the tutor try to challenge my essay. Penultimate Prize of Oxford for Academic Excellence is an affirmation of my work.

The life in Oxford is not limited to study. Some weekend trips, a cup of tea with a friend in a sunny day, punting, and many other things add color to my life there. I always show off to my parents that my cooking skills improved a lot and I can even cook some Italian style food, though the so-called "Italian food" is merely pasta.

I always believe that when I am young, I'd better try to experience diverse life and enrich my own story. In that way, I can be more certain about which life style is what I want and can have a more sensible and objective judge about things and people. The three years in Oxford undoubtedly widened my horizon and deepened my insight.