Page 28 - THE ORACLE MAGAZINE October'23 EDITION

I was asked to write a few paragraphs about post-
IB and university life as one of Park Lane’s last
graduates. After the IB exams, I decided to focus
on work and ended up working the entire
summer; saving up for university was an
important step for me as I wanted to make sure
that my parents did not need to take care of
everything. Of course, it was also important to me
to have a few days off for a well-deserved vacation
after 2 very demanding years of IB - therefore,
summer to me was all about making money but
also making sure I got some rest before starting
the next chapter of my life.
As I had decided to attend university in Groningen,
Netherlands, it was very hard for me to find
housing, so the first week of living in Groningen I
was staying in a hotel trying to find an apartment
for myself whilst getting to know many new
people.
Although I did not find anything by then, I was
very lucky to have old friends in Groningen who
graciously let me stay with them until I had
found housing. I guess that was all a part of the
university experience.
Currently, I have my own apartment, I'm almost
done with my first block of university and
heading into final exams. I could not have asked
for a better start to this next chapter. I have made
many friends in my course as well as outside,
found a few things I am passionate about and am
getting on very well. I hope every one of you is or
was as lucky as me.
I graduated from Park Lane last year and since
late September I have been living in the UK,
studying Land Economy at Newnham College at
the University of Cambridge. So far, it has been
quite challenging but at the same time very
rewarding. There are lots of different societies
worth joining and all the people here are
incredibly interesting and intelligent. Overall, I am
having a very good time at uni and I'm hoping my
journey continues along this path.
Cambridge is unique in the way it does its
teaching; apart from lectures which students
have at all universities, we also have sessions that
are called supervisions
where you are in a group of only 2 or 3 students
along with a supervisor. This makes the
experience really special because there really is
no place to hide when faced with difficult
obstacles, you are taught to challenge your
uncertainty until you have attained the proper
understanding, and even when you do
understand, you are constantly pushed outside of
your comfort zone, broadening your learning. The
people that you get to meet are usually some of
the most recognisable academics from around
the world which is outstanding as it is clear that
they have digested so much knowledge, making
it an amazing environment for learning.
2023 Graduates
28
THE ORACLE MAGAZINE
by Nina Fořtíková
by Nathalie Vondráčková
What are they up to now?