Name: Nancy Oura
College: Josephine Butler
Year: 1st
Subject: PPE
This week, I caught up with Nancy Oura to find out how she’s getting on as a Fresher at Durham, what keeps her motivated in summative season and what her thoughts of Durham are!
What motivates you and how do you stay motivated? I try to plan ahead so that I have things to look forward to. For example, I have plans to go back to the US to see my family for Easter, and in the summer I will be back in Japan to see my grandparents and friends. If I feel overwhelmed by assignments and readings and feel like it will never end, I can think about what I have planned a few months away and it’s reassuring to know that I will get there soon.
How do you relieve stress? I quite like cooking or cleaning my room when I’m stressed. I can keep busy and don’t have to think about anything else (my main source of stress is overthinking). Other than that, running really helps.
Favourite part of the day? Why? I’m a morning person, so I’m more productive then than in the evening. I guess it’s because I have energy enough to actually get stuff done. I also really love spending time with my friends though, so evening/night is a close second.
Favourite place to be in Durham? I like strolling around town on Fridays and the weekend. Its lively, full of people and different from Durham on the weekdays. I went into the cathedral alone once and I really enjoyed that too. It’s really peaceful and gave me a bit of headspace.
Thanks Nancy, good luck with the rest of your first year!