Weeks Like This…
You can attach any adjective to describe your mood. Some may be happy and others sad. It can differ week-by-week. For me, weeks like this excite me.
I think we all have weeks which we want to end by the time Monday is over.
The weeks where we wish we didn’t have to start.
We dread Monday and rejoice on Friday.
This week was quite the opposite.
I appreciate the week has not drawn to a close, but this week displayed a window into the future.
Being on the cusp of a personal breakthrough is quite exhilarating.
I felt on edge (in a good way) and under pressure for the whole week, and I loved the productivity.
I felt a sense of real purpose.
Arguably, I had the perfect balance of social interaction and business work.
I would have preferred to meet more new people, but I learned a lot in a week at my internship — putting me in good stead going forward.
There is an Instagram account, shown below, where this guy called Rob is attempting to meet 10,000 people in a year and spent an hour with each one — learning their story and sharing it with the world.
It amazed me, and as much as I would like to do that myself, he has the time and connections to do a better job than me.
Starting four days a week instead of my previous two has allowed me to be involved in deep work. A greater depth of understanding into corporate communications as well as business marketing and practice.
It is not the field I would have seen myself in, I must say, but I know that in a capitalist world — some business knowledge will only assist social missions.
Apart from the learning, I managed to meet many people this week. Whether that be during lunch or after work, there were undoubtedly many engagements keeping my mind away from work.
Meeting with Roya, Livia, Hana, Catarina and QM School of Geography head, Alastair at lunchtime on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday respectively was interesting. It got me away from the office and engaged in other people’s lives. Something I take great interest in and will continue to do so.
After work, meeting friends for part one of Roya’s leaving get-together on Tuesday, part two commenced on Wednesday and today the most exciting and spontaneous was meeting Ian and Co.
Ian and Co. have just graduated from Northeastern University in Boston and have come to London as their first stop on their Europe tour.
I met Ian when he studied abroad at QMUL during my first semester of the first year.
I nearly met him in Austin, but it was during my first few days in the city and got lost and missed meeting up.
Ian is someone I’ve missed, and it was great to meet up with him and meet his friends.
Who makes up Ian and Co?
Evan — a former NASA intern who still wears his NASA top. He loves Elon Musk with a passion. Every conversation related back to his South African idol Elon in some capacity. He is a registered Republican but admits he is moderate in his views despite making references to Texas’ notorious for being a hard-lining Trump state. We connected on sports such as American Football as well as baseball. I impressed him with my knowledge of American Football teams; my knowledge is rusty but will do for my return to the ‘Land of the Free’ in July.
Alex — a computer science graduate and the tallest out of the group. I noticed that my neck started to strain looking up at him. His family are from Naples and connected on the lack of safety in the city, advising Ian not to spend long there. He doesn’t like football but was annoyed when his uncle sold tickets to see Chelsea play in NYC. His family supports Chelsea; we briefly shared a moment reflecting on this fact. He has got a job in NYC when he returns, and his job sounds very interesting. Something I hadn’t cared to think about but makes a lot of sense once he explained. I’ll shy away from explaining as I may misrepresent (inside joke to myself as a corporate said I misrepresented them yesterday).
Ian — nearly had his fingers returned to him by a crazy man in Costa Rica. Apart from what I have already mentioned about Ian and our chance encounters, Ian has found a job in his hometown and start working after his extended Europe tour. After his study abroad, you would have thought enough is enough. Not for Ian. Next stop: Australia.
Drew — the sh*t talker. The real North East coast native. He likes banter and wore an Arsenal shirt which made the conversation all the more uncomfortable for him. We spoke on many things; he is an intriguing character who is unapologetically himself. I think that’s why I connected with him so much. Some brief topics we covered included cultural appropriation, my reasons for studying geography and career path options. We also spoke about race as he has Japanese roots. He was born in the right place and would have fit into British culture if he was a native. A naturally sarcastic attitude which will take you far. His British accent needs work; maybe I’ll give him some lessons if I ever visit North Carolina.
Matt — the dual major, computer science and communications. We didn’t get to speak much, but he appeared very intelligent and was quick to call me out on my American generalisations. I like that because it shows someone who is aware of their nation’s position in the world. The others labelled him extremely smart, and I think he discussed with some people standing by a rubbish bin which shows he’s entirely comfortable getting himself out there.
I stayed for an orange juice which Ian and Co. gracefully bought for me.
I loved this week.
I met old friends and made new ones.
I said goodbye to one friend for now, but just like Ian — there is always a way to connect.
I want more weeks like this.
I’m exhausted but positive. I’m happy.
Weeks like this…