Post by Damilola Oluwasimirin

In the spirit of trying new things, I’m starting a series called “My Cambridge Year.” And no, it’s nothing like the popular Netflix series My Oxford Year. 😄 I just got my bike, but honestly, I keep falling every time my instructor lets go. At this point, I’m considering giving up (lol). Still, each fall feels symbolic of this new journey I’m on: learning, wobbling, and rising again. This week marked my first class as an MPhil student in Public Policy at the University of Cambridge. We’re a class of about 40 people, but the room feels like the world: economists, lawyers, social scientists, and dreamers from every continent. During one discussion on AI and productivity, I realised something profound. Coming from my background, I’m used to approaching topics by defining problems and proposing clear solutions. But at Cambridge, you can even question the question itself. That’s both liberating and intimidating and I love it. If there’s one thing University of Cambridge is teaching me already, it’s that bravery isn’t the absence of fear: it’s showing up even when you’re afraid. So, here’s to falling, learning, and showing up, both in class and on my bike. Wish me consistency as I share weekly reflections on this journey through My Cambridge Year. Highlight of the week: Growth begins when you stop trying to have all the answers ,and start asking better questions. #CambridgeUniversity #PublicPolicy #GrowthJourney #MyCambridgeYear #Purpose #mastercardscholar