JCR Welcoming Dinner

As part of New College, I was cordially invited to a welcoming dinner in the JCR Private Dining Room at St. Catherine's College. This invitation is considered an incredible honor and, after talking to the presidents, many students never receive the privilege of a formal dining experience in a college hall. The evening called for black tie attire, which meant tuxes for the guys and formal dresses for the girls. Luckily, I packed my sister's pink cotton candy gown.

The evening began in a welcoming chamber. We entered and, having been handed a glass of sherry, began making small conversation. After a social bit, we were lead to the dining hall, where we were seated at a table purposely designed higher than the other tables in the hall, symbolizing its importance. The plates had individual name cards, designating seats. I sat to the left of the special, middle head-chair which seated, Deepak Mukhi, our program director.

I took one glance at my place setting, noting the multiple forks, and I knew this meal was no joke. The meal consisted of four courses, accompanied by a separate drink for each course. We started with a pumpkin, bean and autumn green soup paired with a Marsanne Viognier white wine. The main was a chicken braised in white wine with fennel, olives, and sage coupled with a Pinot Noir red wine. Normand Apple Tart with Cinnamon Ice cream and coffee served as dessert. And the final course showcased an elaborate cheese board of four different cheeses accompanied by Mellors Social Reserve Port.
The port was poured, inspiring a series of toasts. Deepak began, toasting the Queen as an English tradition. He then told a witty story of first impressions and encouraged us to share our impressions of Oxford and present toasts. A few individuals stepped up and were toasted. A student toasted to Deepak, who then toasted to "The lovely young lady next to me." That was me! Ah! I was shocked. I stood up, accepting the toast, as custom, and fumbled a few words into my first impression of Oxford. The port continued traveling around the table until it was gone. Four hours of enjoying good food, good wine, and good company was eventually brought to a close.
My first impression of Oxford was the fact that it brims with opportunity. The opportunity is far and wide stretching to various places, extending to many individuals, and open to those who seek. I am excited to have more opportunities such as this evening. I look forward, with eager anticipation, to the good things to come.
May you be hopeful of the good things in store for you, knowing God has "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future!"

All my love,
Gennavieve