WANG PENG, PALOMA (ORIEL COLLEGE, 1999 - 2002)
Nine years had gone by since I first arrived at Oriel Square, Oxford, with butterflies in my stomach back in 1999. The lunar new year of 2008 just kicked off - the fireworks outside mingled with the buzzing sound of the heater in my room, the coldest winter in 12 years in Hong Kong - I was gradually recovering from the hectic all-nighters I just pulled through before the holidays and I can't help thinking what a long way both the Trust and myself have come. Over these years, the list of scholars gets longer, new faces turn up at our annual reunion dinner in Hong Kong, new schemes and initiatives were discussed and subsequently implemented (such as two scholars per year).
Truth be told, the Trust never fails to amaze me - the way how it develops and expands, how systematic and mature the selection process becomes and how open and easily accessible information is, in particular after the launch of the website. As the first Paterson Scholar, I have taken a unique and incredible ride alongside the Trust to see how it all plays out, specifically, how the Oriel experience unfolds on each of us. A snapshot of different scholars shows the different stages of our paths:
Oxford - the newest members are still settling in with Mods coming up and punting in Trinity to look forward to; the second year lawyer is probably enjoying the exam-free year and should have been around a number of European countries; and the finalist may already feel the pressure and may have to struggle between exams and job interviews.
Outside Oxford - the freshly graduated scholar is studying PCLL in Hong Kong, despite of the heavy academic workload, the most frequently received reminder is to sleep more and play harder - a luxury when one starts working; the trainees are mostly being slaved under IPOs, having been constantly deprived of sleep and fed up with ordering food from Tsui Wah; and the 'associates/solicitors' are eager to put down bigger numbers after 'PQE' and compile a more impressive deal list in their CVs.
As for me, I jumped ship from a UK firm to a US firm early last year doing similar type of equity capital markets' work and being reasonably content with my current life/work balance. Another upside of being the first Paterson Scholar is that I am the undisputable 'big sister', which is something I am indeed proud of and I am sure my fellow scholars will continue to make the Trust, themselves and their 'big sister' proud. A new year with new achievements at all levels for us all.
Truth be told, the Trust never fails to amaze me - the way how it develops and expands, how systematic and mature the selection process becomes and how open and easily accessible information is, in particular after the launch of the website. As the first Paterson Scholar, I have taken a unique and incredible ride alongside the Trust to see how it all plays out, specifically, how the Oriel experience unfolds on each of us. A snapshot of different scholars shows the different stages of our paths:
Oxford - the newest members are still settling in with Mods coming up and punting in Trinity to look forward to; the second year lawyer is probably enjoying the exam-free year and should have been around a number of European countries; and the finalist may already feel the pressure and may have to struggle between exams and job interviews.
Outside Oxford - the freshly graduated scholar is studying PCLL in Hong Kong, despite of the heavy academic workload, the most frequently received reminder is to sleep more and play harder - a luxury when one starts working; the trainees are mostly being slaved under IPOs, having been constantly deprived of sleep and fed up with ordering food from Tsui Wah; and the 'associates/solicitors' are eager to put down bigger numbers after 'PQE' and compile a more impressive deal list in their CVs.
As for me, I jumped ship from a UK firm to a US firm early last year doing similar type of equity capital markets' work and being reasonably content with my current life/work balance. Another upside of being the first Paterson Scholar is that I am the undisputable 'big sister', which is something I am indeed proud of and I am sure my fellow scholars will continue to make the Trust, themselves and their 'big sister' proud. A new year with new achievements at all levels for us all.