So that was day one. The theme of this blog is reflection upon today’s events and attempt to describe some truly memorable moments that I’ve experienced. So where do I start? Breakfast with the president of Macjannet? Speeches from the chairman of Santander and foreign minister of education for pakistan? Maybe even the award ceremony hosted by Santander at their headquarters which is also a ‘city’ complete with hair salons, child daycare and even a full 18 hole golf course on site? I could also look to try and describe what it’s like being surrounded by the world’s brightest and most senior higher education representatives the world over as I casually slip into conversation with colleagues regarding my own life. It seems a challenge to reflect upon the many conversations with higher education leaders from all over the world with hundreds of years worth of experience and expertise. I mean, how can one begin to even contextualise?
That’s why my key moments have come when I’ve least expected them. I’m standing in the most privileged of positions by talking retrospectively about accepting an award on behalf of the University of Brighton, with my colleague Dr Juliet Millican: standing up in front of all of these accomplished faces and being handed 2nd prize award by president of Macjannet, Tony Cook and being told well done. Well done? That came to me as a suprising comment as, yes, we are here to celebrate success stories and take away best practices from all over the world, but as we all know, that’s not why we do it. We are all here because we are passionate about making a difference. Every last one of us care deeply about positively effecting the world and people around us and this is what makes us one. Not a room of vice chancellors, rectors and senior representatives along with us students. We are a collection of the same looking to utilise our own privilege for the good of the many, no matter what level of seniority you possess. The only qualification you need is to achieve within this network is your passion, desire and drive.
Well done, therefore, for me became, wel-come.
Well Talliores, it’s an absolute pleasure!
Martin
