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I made a distinctive choice for my higher education by pursuing a degree in classics. Its worth noting that only about 20 of the 166 universities in the UK, including the esteemed Oxford and Cambridge, offer this specialized field of study, making it a rather rare option.

Having attended a private school that encouraged applications to top-tier universities, I was exposed to the idea of prestigious education early on. However, unlike many of my peers, I didn't feel any intense parental pressure to attend university. My family had no history of higher education, which made my journey rather atypical.

When my teachers inquired about my preferred prestigious university, I was taken aback. Neither Oxford nor Cambridge had been part of my career roadmap, which made the entire experience feel surreal. Yet, I took the plunge and submitted my application to Oxford, subsequently receiving an offer that would change my life.

At first, the allure of Oxford was enchanting. My visits to the city had instilled a deep appreciation for its beautycycling alongside ancient spires and immersing myself in the historic Bodleian Library. I envisioned my life there as an idyllic academic experience.

On matriculation day, the atmosphere was almost magical. Wearing my academic gown and mortarboard, I surveyed the scene, overwhelmed with disbelief that I was actually present at this renowned institution. It felt like a dream come true, and I was ready to embrace my academic pursuits.

However, this dream was soon overshadowed by an unexpected reality: the overwhelming workload that accompanied my studies. Before arriving at Oxford, I had a genuine passion for studying ancient texts, plays, and poetry. Yet, the academic demands at Oxford were exponentially higher than I had anticipated.

My journey began with holiday reading assignments the summer before my freshman year. Unlike my friends at other universities, who were enjoying their summer vacations, I found myself buried in a mountain of readingthree times the amount of Latin and Ancient Greek literature Id encountered during my two-year A-level course. While they reveled in carefree days, I was inside, poring over Homers "Iliad," which set a challenging precedent for what was to come.

As the semester progressed, my academic experience starkly contrasted with that of my peers. While they shared stories of nights out, parties, and socializing, I was largely confined to my room, frantically trying to keep pace with the relentless academic expectations. This disparity fueled feelings of jealousy and exhaustion as I struggled to maintain a balance between my studies and personal life, gradually eroding my initial joy for my subject matter.

To make matters worse, I found myself questioning whether I wanted to spend the next four years secluded in a small bedroom. The turning point arrived when I began dating a student from another university. His tales of beach outings, casual drinks, and bonfires illuminated a life I was missing out on. It struck me then that I might have made the wrong choice in my university selection.

I didnt want to look back on my university years with regret, so I made the bold decision to leave Oxford during my first year. Despite the nervousness that accompanied such a choice, I faced skepticism from friends and mentors who were astonished by my decision. Are you crazy? You can't leave Oxford! they exclaimed. My tutor was particularly dismayed and suggested that I stay, even offering to help me change my subjects to make my experience more bearable.

However, I was resolute. I explained that I wanted to continue studying classics, but at a different university. The following year, I transferred to Swansea University in Wales, embarking on a new journey with my classics degree.

Looking back, transferring was undoubtedly one of the best decisions I could have made. Life at Swansea was considerably more enjoyable and the coursework was more manageable, allowing me to flourish academically and personally. I quickly got involved in extracurricular activities, which enriched my university experience and helped me grow as an individual.

During my time at Swansea, I even took the opportunity to learn Welsh and integrated it into my degree program. I joined a gym to maintain my physical health and became a student union officer for the LGBTQ+ community, a role that ignited my passion for diversity, equality, and inclusiona commitment that has carried through my career.

Most importantly, I rediscovered the joy of spontaneity and fun, experiences that had been overshadowed by the pressures at Oxford. This newfound enjoyment helped bolster my confidence, affirming that my momentous decision was indeed the right one.

Interestingly, in the realm of job interviews, few employers prioritize which university you attended; they are more focused on relevant work experience. Yet, when interviewers have commented on my decision to leave Oxford, they often express admiration, noting that it must have taken immense courage. Ultimately, this choice has also proven to be a surprising advantage in my career journey.