My Article On The Parish Magazine

River Exe

Hey fellow humans! So last month I was approached by someone from the parish magazine editorial team of my local church, and I was asked to write a short article about my life in Exeter and etc. I'm very proud to say that it has been published recently. In order to preserve the authenticity of my writing and to share it with you all across the world, I'm posting the original version here, without revision by the parish magazine team. (Well, not that they changed a lot of stuff. I just want to show you the original version of my writing.)

Heart in Exeter

It is currently my second year studying at the University of Exeter. During these two years, I have fully experienced how wonderful this city is. But first, I would like to take you back to the beginning, if I may.

Back when I was doing my A-levels at a college in Sussex, I was told many things about Exeter once I shared my plans to study there with my friends and teachers. All of them were positive. Everyone kept saying how beautiful Exeter is—and well, they were absolutely right.

I first arrived in Exeter on a sunny Friday afternoon. My first impressions of the city are great as I’m greeted by the beautiful St David’s Station building. I was also greeted by one of GWR’s remaining HST sets, which, at the time, still ran to Cardiff (hence stopping at Exeter). These trains revolutionized intercity travel in Britain and, to me, represented British engineering at its finest. This is one of the reasons I chose to study engineering here. Although, unfortunately (for me), British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL), which built the HSTs, was privatized along with the rest of British Rail in the 1990s. Hopefully, BREL will be reestablished in the future if the entire rail network is re-nationalized. 

I thought settling into university life would be challenging, but to my surprise, I settled in just fine. My two years studying A-levels here probably helped. The university itself is lovely (Although whether the amount of study spaces available is adequate is debatable). Once I felt comfortable, I started exploring beyond the university campus. I went to places such as the quay and the city centre. St David’s Church, which I came across on the way to the city centre, became a place where I spent most of my Sunday mornings. With everyone in the church being kind and welcoming, I quickly felt a sense of belonging. I’m grateful that God led me to this lovely church and gave me a chance to serve him in this lovely city. 

The Quay, on the other hand, is probably the best place in Exeter. I get to walk alongside the River Exe and enjoy some peace and quiet after a week’s stressful hard work. 

Nonetheless, being in Exeter have enabled me to meet lots of wonderful people and try various new things that I’d never thought I’d do. I guess what’s written on the Queen Street overbridge is true. At some point, you do find your heart in Exeter. 

So yeah, that's what I wrote for the parish magazine. As always, feel free to share any thoughts and comments on my writing!