Page 20 - Brave New World

THE ENGLISH SCHOOL MA GA ZINE 2021

“We believe in your ability
to bring about change –
Eleonora has an offer from Hertford College, in yourself and in the world.
University of Oxford to study music. That is our tradition;
THE ROAD this is your opportunity.”

— Hertford College, Oxford —

TO OXFORD

Eleonora Savvidou Missouri 7J

IF I WAS ASKED FROM WHAT AGE I THOUGHT I looming, and the Personal Statement still in debate, the final draft
WAS GOING TO STUDY MUSIC, THE ANSWER between us was entitled ‘Almost Midnight’. Admissions officers talk in
terms of super-curricular activities to support the application. For me,
WOULD BE - I NEVER THOUGHT OF STUDYING this included involvement in musical events and performances. I am
ANYTHING ELSE. MUSIC HAS BEEN IN MY LIFE totally grateful that our school gave me these opportunities, from
FOR AS LONG AS I REMEMBER. FROM THE AGE the music trips abroad to founder’s days to chamber and orchestral
OF FIVE, THE MOST HUMAN OF INSTRUMENTS performances. Even when Covid-19 brought everything to a halt,
music didn’t stop, we continued.
BECAME MY MOST TRUSTED COMPANION. THE Practice, practice, practice…was the advice with regards to the
CELLO LED ME INTO THE JOURNEY OF MUSIC. interview. Talking to a screen needed some getting used to. I am
A few years ago, I had a discussion about studying music with a aware that as I was preparing, so where my music teachers, who
family friend, himself a singing teacher in the UK. Knowing me, and spent a great deal of time searching and thinking of possible
my aspirations, he said “Why not Oxford?”. It was then that I looked questions and material to cover all aspects of the interview process.
into it and discovered that everything about the place from the Offers for practice sessions poured in and I thankfully accepted every
curriculum to the sleepless nights in the libraries (as described by single one of them. I followed through with all feedback which
the students) suited me. The stimulating and included reading current music articles,
inspiring atmosphere felt tangible even through expressing my thoughts out loud (and to a screen!)
“I wonder anybody
the screen. Being one of the oldest and best does anything at Oxford and ‘singing’ an article to the tune of an aria!
study uk could be fierce. The words from Nikos Kazantzakis’ but dream and remember, I found myself looking down at our schoolyard
The pandemic meant that during interview
universities in the world, I knew the competition
week, instead of admiring the Spires of Oxford,
book ‘Report to Greco’ came to mind. When the
the place is so beautiful.
from the conference room. Although I did not
author asks his grandfather for advice he replies
One almost expects
know what to expect, once the college tutors
“Reach what you cannot”.
entered the call, I felt totally at ease. The first
“Oxford?” “From Cyprus?” was the response
from anyone I came across. It felt as if there was
of speaking.”
“I really enjoyed it”. Background reading was vital,
a spell on it. But spells can be broken. Their the people to sing instead interview ended with me genuinely telling them
but what they were looking for was a critical
selection criteria seemed to comprise of certain
18 characteristics. Of course, academic excellence is — William Butler Yeats — process of thinking and enthusiasm. The next
day, I wanted to relate a discussion to the term
a prerequisite. However, other qualities are
necessary in order to stand out, the most important of all being Gesamtkunstwerk meaning “total work of art”. Not being able to
endless passion and a deep commitment to the subject. I cannot pronounce it I told them “a word starting with G that I can never
claim to have read all the books I wanted to, but I can assure you our pronounce”. They laughed and pronounced it perfectly. Being myself
library comes close to being one of the most interesting music felt more important than giving a perfect answer. Over the span of
libraries on the Island! Immerse yourself in the subject, always with a three days, I had met seven tutors.
book in hand. During the interviews, little did I know I was not alone…As I was
After years of living, breathing, and thinking about music, I had to exiting the conference room each day, our wonderful music teachers
convey all this in a 4,000 character, 47-line limit Personal Statement. were there, standing behind the door. Their unwavering continuous
The expectation to go beyond, further, and above the curriculum support, encouragement and advice, have been of utmost importance
needed to be expressed in a personal manner. That was more difficult to me throughout this journey. During this whole process, I felt I was
than I thought, involving numerous draft exchanges with my teacher, not only representing myself but also my school. A school that
even in the small hours of the morning. As the school deadline was believed in me.