My Unexpected
Travel in 2025
My Unique Journey in 2025
I had no travel plans for 2025, but I unexpectedly embarked on a journey back to my alma mater, Durham University in the UK. This unexpected journey allowed me to return to my alma mater, Durham University, filled with deep emotions. Attending the MBA alumni gathering and celebrating the 60th anniversary of Ustinov College in my beloved second hometown of Durham made me feel the strong bonds of friendship. Exploring the new building of the Business School, returning to the student residence where I once lived, visiting the Bill Bryson Library, which went with me through most time of my study, all brought back precious memories. The scenery before me deeply touched my heart, and the whole journey was filled with memories and emotions. I am writing this article to share this unexpected trip.
London MBA Alumni Launch
During my MBA year, I was so busy with coursework that I hardly had the chance to interact with my classmates. Even though I knew that various MBA gatherings held by the school in the UK over the ten years after graduation, the distance travel from Taiwan and scheduling conflicts prevented me from attending. I initially had no travel plans in 2025, but due to the series of 60th anniversary celebrations held by Ustinov College and the MBA alumni reunion organized by the business school, I decided to embark on this journey back to Durham. This return visit allowed me to relive the memories of my study in the U.K. and helped me to make up for the regrets and losses I had felt deep inside for the past ten years.
At this MBA alumni gathering, even though the attendees were all unfamiliar graduates from previous years, along with current MBA students, it did not affect our interactions. Being able to come together with these friendly alumni to our post-graduation experiences, as well as the learning experiences of those about to graduate, created a unique sense of connection and support. Such gatherings are truly inspiring and motivate us to pursue our life goals.
Returning to my Second Hometown,
I was Filled with Emotions
On the next day, I embarked on my journey back to my alma mater in Durham the three-hour train ride brought back memories of my travels across England, Scotland, and Wales. Upon arriving at the station and stepping off the train, the familiar air of my hometown embraced me, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia. Ten years later, I was pleasantly surprised to find the station now had lifts, making it easy to exit. On the way to my hotel, each step was full of memories and thoughts, and as I looked out at the scenery that was both familiar and strange, I could not help but whisper: Finally, I am back!
When I learned that Hotel Indigo where I stayed this time was once property of Durham University, I realized that everything was destined. During the English study in York three years before I undertook MBA programme at Durham University, I paid a trip to Newcastle for weekend. On return trip, as the train stopped at Durham station, I suddenly awoke from a dream and saw the magnificent Durham Cathedral through the window. It felt like I had entered a dream; I thought to myself, "Where is this? How can there be such a beautiful place?" Shortly after, I eagerly visited Durham, not realizing that three years later, my dream of studying abroad would come true here.
Everywhere is Filled with Affection,
Every Step is Filled with Memories
After dropping off my luggage, I could not wait to head to Treats Room & Cafe, which I had been longing to visit. But when I arrived, I found the building under construction, making me worry that I would not even be able to get any cake this time. Just as I was feeling disappointed, I turned around and discovered that Treats had moved across the street and had just reopened. However, I did not see the familiar people and the cake, which was the only thing that could comfort me at the time, left me feeling quite lost. I remembered during my study, I often rushed to catch the bus to the city center after class, hoping to get there before it closed at 7:00 PM to eat a cake and drink a coffee. That was one of my only little moments of happiness during my study. Once, I finished my cake very quickly, and the owner asked me, "You ate so fast?" I answered frankly, "I was hungry." Now, I cannot find that familiar face, and the cakes I miss are not in the display case. I even heard that my favorite Asian snack shop had closed. That was my comforting food, the food that helped me get through the hardships of my study, and even Cafe Esquire, where I used to spend time with my flatmate and friends, has changed ownership.
Revisited My Best Friend, I was Overwhelmed with Emotions
A lot of changes have occurred over the past ten years, the only things that remain unchanged are the World Heritage Site Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, which still stand tall on their original sites. And my best friend in Durham' Bill Bryson Library' is a must-visit place this time.
Reaching the library entrance, I gazed at the building's simple exterior, I could not help recalling the happiest and most liberating times I spent here. Although, I was under a lot of pressure. I always felt calm and at peace while writing essays and dissertation in the library.
Walking onto Level 2, I vividly remembered the scene of my first visit here. I found my favorite seat, recalling how I used to sit there wiring essays and dissertation. Thinking back to the pressures and times I experienced as a student, I was overwhelmed with emotion. I deeply realized that no difficulty and no problem are insurmountable. I felt regretful that I was too busy with studies to fully enjoy the pleasures of being a student here. On the other hand, I was also grateful to return here and experience this place once again in my life.
Visited New Business School, Brought me Back to Memories of Tough Time
Ten years after graduation, the new riverside building of my business school was opened in 2024. I decided to visit it to compare the new building with the one in Millhill where I studied. First, this new building is in the city center on the banks of the River Will, making the area more convenient and prosperous than the old Millhill Business School. It is only a 7-minute walk to the city center, with supermarkets, shops, cafes, and restaurants all within walking distance. Thinking back to the days when I rushed to catch the last bus after class to buy food in the city center, I felt a pang of nostalgia. I remember once during a group discussion, I told my classmates that I had to leave earlier to go to Tesco for shopping, otherwise there would be a corpse at Ustinov College the next morning. My classmates were shocked and asked me why. I told them I had no food left and if I did not go to the supermarket, I would starve to death in my room. This is unbelievable to Taiwanese people, but at the time, it was troubling for a heavy MBA student. Looking back on those tough days, I cannot help but envy today's students who can study in great locations with excellent facilities.
Guided by Ms. Tracey Baker, the alumni relations manager for the business school, I was surprised to find that Viki, who had worked in the registrar's office, was still there. When I expressed my envy for the more modern and thoughtfully designed learning spaces available to business school students today, she suggested I go back and pursue a DBA. My response was, "I survived once, but I'm not sure I can survive twice." She could not help but smile, but I really longed to study in such a thoughtfully designed environment—it is so much better than the Millhil Business School where I had to leave my belongings to occupy a table in the library so that I could concentrate on study after school.
The Castle Dinner Filled the Void
in My Heart.
Durham University is uniquely positioned, possessing the Durham castle, which can host graduation ceremonies, university dinners, and various events.I remember during my studies abroad, my Russian roommate bought two tickets and invited me to join her for a formal dinner held at Durham Castle. However, I was too busy with my studies to attend. I was obliged to turn her down, she then invited an American student to go with her. On the day of the formal dinner, while I was busy in writing an essay, I saw a photo she shared on Facebook of herself and her American friend on a bridge with the castle in the background. I was heartbroken at the time for missing the dinner. Therefore, this year I've decided to attend the Ustinov College's 60th anniversary formal dinner to make up for the regret I've felt for the past a decade.
Since my alma mater has countless international students from 120 countries, it was almost impossible to reunite with my MBA cohorts. On the day of the banquet, current students and alumni gathered. Although those sitting at the same table were all alumni I did not know, we all had in common memories of Ustinov College. I thought how wonderful it would be to return to my alma mater and reunite with my flatmates and friends! I inwardly prayed that one day my wish would come true.
Alumni from Different Generations Gathered,
and Memories Flooded Back
This celebration of my alma mater, Ustinov College, included a series of events, including a castle dinner, lunch, and afternoon tea. We also visited the botanical garden and the original site of Ustinov College, which was forced to relocate, I walked back to my "home" during my student days at Ustinov College, looking at the road leading to Howlland, the road I walked every day to and from school. It was lined with shady trees, but unfortunately, the academic pressure at the time meant I had no time to appreciate this forest-like scenery.
That day, I finally visited the botanical garden at the entrance of Howlands. I remembered my Brazilian flatmate once asked me why I had never been inside the botanical garden, which I passed by every day? I cannot help but sigh at how immense academic pressure was back then! The botanic garden has a fishpond, a café, and plenty of flowers and plants. This trip back to school allowed me to make up for a small regret. I also realised I should have come to the botanical garden to relax and unwind; I would not have felt so miserable then.
Gathering with alumni in the college's common area, I remember playing foosball with my MBA cohorts here, and attending a Halloween costume party here. The scenery remains the same, while the students I knew were no longer aside me. But I am so glad that I still can come back here to relive my memories of my time as an international student.
I walked alone to the hall of residence where I had lived. I really wanted to see my room and the kitchen that held so many memories, but for unknown reason, the whole building was empty and deserted. Unable to enter the flat, I could only take pictures outside as a memento.
I walked around the whole building to the window of my room and stood under the window, looking up at the window through which I used to admire the snowy scenery and also felt as if I was living in a prison cell, wondering if I would be able to graduate smoothly after hard study.
Visiting the former college site and botanical garden, now forced to relocate, the sights evoked memories of my time studying there. I could still feel the anxiety from the academic pressure, the struggles my roommates and I shared, and the monotonous daily commute between the dorm, business school, and library. I had no time to enjoy student life. These fragments of my time at Ustinov College filled me with a sense of loss. If I could relive my life, I would so much wish to have come to the UK to fulfill my dream earlier. The regret and sorrow of having my study abroad journey delayed by life's difficulties have always been a source of pain.
Despite failures and setbacks in my life, caused by wrong decisions and misconceptions, had made me deeply saddened. Now, returning to school and reflecting on the obstacles and hardships of my study, I am incredibly proud to have overcome the arduous journey and earned my MBA. I also want to encourage those who share my dream of studying abroad: no matter what, be brave enough to overcome difficulties and persevere in your dreams, one day they will come true, just like mine.
Because Ustinov College is relocated, and the current site has been renamed Stephensen College, we left the old site and went to the new one. The whole retro building gave me a more British collegiate feel.
After visiting the new building of Ustinov College, everyone gathered for afternoon tea and chatted. A couple among the alumni had met during their time at the university. They encountered each other at Durham University, fell in love, and became lifelong partners, becoming a lifelong couple, was truly romantic. Seeing them meet at Durham University, fall in love, become life partners, and return to alma mater together is truly romantic.
I stumbled upon a wall displaying group photos of alumni from previous years' opening ceremonies, and I was thrilled to find myself in one. I remember I was terrified of standing on the high ladder when taking photos; my classmate on my left kept jumping up and down the steps, scaring me half to death. And Laura, a Chinese student on my right, was my good friend who supported me throughout. How wonderful it would have been if they were here with me, having afternoon tea together!
On this day, we also unveiled the site of the upcoming sculpture. The college held a public fundraising event, inviting alumni to donate bricks. The donors' names will be engraved on the exterior of the sculpture.
Back to the Millhill Business School,
I Felt a Mix of Emotions
After afternoon tea, I walked back to the business school in Millhill alone. As I never imagined that I would return to my alma mater ten years later, I felt like I was dreaming when I saw the familiar building and environment. My daily life studying here flashed before my eyes, filling me with mixed emotions.
Unfortunately, it was Sunday, so I could not enter the business school. I walked to the outside of the classroom where the MBA students used to have classes. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, I could vaguely see the round seats inside, and I remembered the nervous moments I felt when giving presentations to professors and MBA cohorts. I even recalled a morning when I entered the classroom and had just sat down, the professor from Germany, walked to me and asked with concern: "Are you OK?" I thought to myself, "Do I look like I'm not OK?". Obviously, I was under a lot of pressure at the time, and even the professor noticed I was exhausted.
Millhill Business School is a streamlined building with a glass exterior making the interior bright and spacious. However, the building is only two stories high, and the library cannot provide enough study space. After class, I often cannot find a seat to study, and sometimes I must leave my belongings to reserve a seat.
I lingered in the atrium for a while, reminiscing about the time I spent here ten years ago. Sometimes when I was feeling down, I would come to the atrium to bask in the sun. I also remembered the time when thirty-three MBA students took a group photo here, and the times we gathered to encourage and support each other while working on our studies.
After leaving the old Millhill Business School site, I took the shortcut I used to take to and from school, passing Van Mildert College and a large pond where ducks often roamed. One day on my way to school, I even encountered a group of ducks strolling along the uphill road leading to the business school.
That day, I slowly walked along the path by the pond filled with memories, and sure enough, I encountered a flock of ducks again. I wondered if they were the same flock I had met before. They were, in a way, long-time alumni of Durham University, having spent their entire lives there. I wanted to greet them and chat, but they warily slipped into the pond.
Arduous Student Life Shaped
the Strong Person I am Today
Passing through Van Mildert College, I found myself on a tree-lined avenue I walked every day to school. Beyond this avenue, the path to the business school was all uphill. Walking back to my Ustinov College from the city center after grocery shopping was also uphill. This road was once a "path of torment" for international students. Now, as I walk back to my hotel along this still verdant "smooth road," looking back on countless trips along this route, it feels like traversing the difficulties of life, overcoming countless obstacles, and passing through life's traffic lights. Finally, difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations. After completing my studies, I became a fighter, courageous in facing challenges and overcoming difficulties. In 2024, I overcame countless obstacles to complete a 70-day solo travel across five European countries. All thanks to the "incredibly strong" person I became ten years ago during my study at Durham University, which had enabled me to repeatedly push my limits. I hope that my future journey will be full of "fragrant flowers, singing birds, and a spring breeze."
Looking back on the Journey,
I am Filled with Gratitude and Blessings
I am grateful to my parents for sending me to the University of Sheffield in the UK during the summer of my second year of university. It inspired me greatly, and from then on, as a Japanese major, I began to yearn to study in the UK. However, many unforeseen circumstances and unfavorable timing prevented me from pursuing a master degree in the UK.
I am grateful to three UK universities for offering scholarships to me at the time that I nearly gave up my dream of studying abroad. This encouraged me to embark on my dream journey after 24 years. I once thought this journey was the most tough period of my life, but as the saying goes, "No pain, no gain!". After graduation, I realised that I had transformed into an iron-willed Linda, able to face and overcome all obstacles in my later life journey with equanimity.
Thanks to my flatmates, they were my cheerleading, my strongest support, and my most steadfast pillars of strength during my studies in Durham University. They generously donated food to me when I was hungry and made me feel their heartfelt care and help when I was exhausted and disheartened. Their sincere friendship is a treasure I will never forget.
Special thanks to the cheerleader, my Russian flatmate , Irina. She was always very worried and earnestly encouraged me to persevere whenever I wanted to give up. It was all because of her repeated comfort and encouragement that I was able to complete my studuy.
While writing this article, I received a message from a Chinese flatmate. She saw a photo of us taken before leaving our hall of residence on Facebook and it reminded her of me. We talked on the phone, catching up. She mentioned that the political situation between China and Taiwan prevented her from traveling to Taiwan, and hoped I would travel to Beijing so we could reunite. I pray for world peace, for an end to war and political turmoil, so that we may finally meet again and reminisce.
Thanks to Ms. Tracey Baker for organizing this London MBA alumni reunion and all the staff at Ustinov College for the 60th anniversary celebration. Their hard work and thoughtful arrangements enabled Durham University alumni scattered around the world to fly back to their alma mater to participate in such a meaningful birthday celebration.
From four short-term study trips to the UK to obtain my MBA from Durham University. During these journeys, I not only learned language and knowledge, but also had been greatly influenced by British culture, art, and customs. My study at Durham University has made me stronger and more resilient. My profound connection with Britain is something I never anticipated, and it is also the biggest reason my life has been so extraordinary and remarkable. Finally, I wish everyone I met at Durham University a wonderful life sincerely.
開學典禮後我和MBA同學一起在Green Palace前合影
Describe your image
開學典禮後我和MBA同學一起在Green Palace前合影
Preview
My Last Class at
Durham University Business School
My last class during my MBA studies in the UK
was something that left me and my classmates bewildered.
This class filled me with doubt and resentment for ten years.
After ten years, I finally understood something clearly at last in the distance. I understood the professor's dedication and grasped the true meaning of that last class.
Sharing this lesson, I hope it can contribute a tiny light to the world.
