Welcome to the world of Harry Potter

It has been nearly 18 months since I first decided to head to Oxford to do an MBA. Since then, I’ve graduated from one Harry Potterish institution, and worked hard to get to another for different reasons. I’ve tried to fund it by asking 30,000 people (and eventually given the money to two fantastic nonprofits) and asking the bank (more dependable, but much less fun). I’ve started one organization, and one Ethiopian office for another. I’ve taken tests and prepared applications. Obtained visas and passports, plane tickets and preparation material.

The road to Oxford to undertake this MBA has been a long and eventful one. Finally, yesterday, my arrival was embodied by matriculation, the process of formally joining the university. Starting at our constituent colleges (mine is Oriel), we wound our way through the crowds and narrow streets to the Sheldonian Theatre where, assembled over 270 degrees and two levels and dressed in gowned subfusc, we were greeted by the Vice Chancellor in both Latin and English.

But not before the rambunctious freshers decided to give the wave. I was entertained by the sight of a couple thousand new students throwing their hands up in sequence in this 350 year old theatre, as the attendants looked on disaproovingly. I joined in, of course. After the ceremony, we filed out, down wooden seats and creaking spiral wooden staricases and into the town.

There’s an odd feeling one gets upon leaving the induction ceremony for an 800-year-old institution, dressed in black gown and white bow tie, bathed in the early afternoon sunshine. There’s a small amount of pride, thankfully countered by a humility in the face of its history. There’s satisfaction in having finally made it to Oxford, with the realization of the opportunity that awaits. There’s a slight disbelief with the whole scenario, and gratitude for being able to be here, now, doing an MBA at Oxford.

This will be an interesting year. By all accounts, it will be incredibly intense. As Oxford is, the year will be sometimes surreal, sometimes a haze, sometimes sheltered from the real world, sometimes triumphant, sometimes euphoric. There’s a lot to it: life in an Oxford college, the MBA itself, the new networks, the opportunities bred by the experience. Throughout I’ll try to describe it as well as possible, be enthusiastic when appropriate and critical when necessary. I look forward to sharing it with you.