Miss Adithya Sharanya
120261626
Stage 2 J701
DearKhubaib,
Hope you’re doing great. Among all the annoying things I do with the privilege of being your best friend, the most annoying is probably the constant persuading you to come visit me in Newcastle. I want to take this mission to a whole new level by writing to you about exactly what you’re missing out by not succumbing to my whim.
Lets start by looking at what we would do if you were to visit on a typical Friday whichfor obvious reasons is my favorite day of the week. The day would start quite early, as you already know I am a tiresomely chirpy morning person. The beauty of mornings in this country even in the midst of summer is fog. The chilled air will renew your breath as we run down to the university gym through Leazes Park. On the morning sightseeing menu here you will see cows, other small animals if you look closely and green as far as the eyes can reach all crowned in the lazy mist of mother nature’s morning grandeur. After a brief work out and shower we will head to the medical school where the strong scent of coffee greets you at the door urging those still groggy to wake for its time to innovate and learn. The medical school is one of its kind even on our campus where time seems to capsulate as it houses buildings ranging from the modern skyscraper that is the business school to the historically relevantmagnificent Kings hall. The medical school has truly seen all sides of me. Seen the awe in its superlative lecture halls and the frustration in the library and 8-hour lab sessions in the shiny laboratories. After lectures we can head to town with the housemates for any meal your heart desires for Newcastle might not be the biggest town in England but it sure is as diverse as it gets in its offerings. Onto Pitchers n’ Pianos overlooking the Tyne for cocktails and then, a true Newcastle night out at Riverside will be the perfect end to our Friday.
That might sound like a typical student’s Friday anywhere in the world to you. Why then Newcastle? Let me tell you a little story. The Tyne Bridge and river are the most important landmarks of this city as one can probably tell from the name. Three years ago, an average built brown girl who had never been to this town hidden away in the north east of England walked across the Tyne bridge; from the cross roads in her life into the arms of beautiful and safe Newcastle. As a 17 year old faced with a decision of literally what to do with my life I had the rare privilege of having the world at my feet. I chose Newcastle, why?
Two reasons: One is obvious. Newcastle university was a brilliant launchpad for an aspiring career in Biotechnology. Ranked among the highest in the country and even the world for biomedical sciences this was the perfect canvas I could start painting a picture of my career on. The second reason is not so obvious. Hidden away in the old buildings that adorn a sleek modern city I identified with this town in a way I haven’t with any other. As one walks through the city center its easy to miss the historical beauties that house modern shops and restaurants, as one goes to Tynemoth to visit the beach its easy to forget about the age old castle where it all began and last but not least as one goes through life with ease in a town full of impossibly friendly people its easy to sometimes forget their culture is so diverse yet accommodating to yours.
Newcastle is your standard British city falling in no way short of any modern amenities but what is unique to it is its soul if I may. Diversity everywhere yet historically and culturally unique. Newcastle took a confused girl in me and turned her into the woman you love today. From being course representative, fashion columnist, holding several jobs and being involved in all my hobbies to whooping in delight as a bacterial culture shows a desired population pattern, this city and university brings out the best in me while staying true to my identity and roots. Three years ago I saw here what I wanted to be: strong, unique yet accomplished in a worldly way, I saw in Newcastle what I wanted to be and I crossed that bridge into a “toon” that has nurtured and punished me in no different way than a parent would. Today I stand accomplished not just on the brink of obtaining a degree from a world class institution but having built friendships, relationships and experiences that will last a lifetime with peers and teachers alike.
Khubaib, Newcastle is where the woman you know today was born and I want to show you each corner of it. On the Friday night we spoke off, maybe the night wont end and we will end up at the beach watching the sun rise on a city that sure as hell sleeps but wakes up to inspire and welcome more beautiful young minds with every passing day. To show them to be just like itself: unapologetically unique and wonderful.
So,
When are you coming to Newcastle?
Lots of love,
Yours always
Aditya