Beginnings, Broken Hearts, and Wimbledon - Eric Peters

Buckingham. Piccadilly. Westminster. Names in this city. Names of places, buildings in London that conjure up images of greatness, of heritage. This is where we, the GLS class of 2017, now live, in the Bloomsbury District, in the old world. 

Entering into our third week of our stay here in Britain, I, Eric Peters (Economics and Philosophy), find myself finally coming to grips with my present reality. London is a masterpiece, containing frescoes of steel and mortar. We live a dream. A blessing. 

As we settle in more, we all are beginning to find our own rhythms of life. Personally, between classes I have found a local Italian cafe and frequent it daily for much needed introspection, rest, and green tea. London is a very good setting for things like that. I like that. 

However, despite the constant clouds and threat of rain, London is an exciting place, full of adventures and possibilities. For me, I have made journeys to a number of places in my short time here: Cambridge University, The Imperial War Museum, British National Museum, Dunnhumby Analytics, St. Paul's Cathedral, and Wimbledon. Of all of these places I have ventured so far, I believe that my trip to find glory at Wimbledon has definitely been my favorite so far. It all started out so innocently...

So, the previous day, while in my quiet time in the cafe, the grand idea came to me that while in London, I have access to some of the world's premier investment banks, like Goldman Sachs and UBS. Actually being able to visit these prestigious employers seemed too good of an idea to pass up, so I set myself on visiting the Goldman Sachs International location on Fleet Street. I decided that the next day I would go to Goldman Sachs and see Wimbledon.

So, Friday, as I walked up to what I assumed was Goldman, I rehearsed my script... I had no script. I did not have a resume. I had nothing to distinguish myself. However, I did have a well-pressed shirt on and undeniable amounts of charm. That was sure to be enough right? 

Goldman Sachs International: The Evil Empire

I soon found myself in front of a massive unmarked building, which seemed to be the address Google had given me for Goldman. They had doors, more accurately gates, all barred and closed off to the outside world. As I pondered how to infiltrate the corporate giant before me, I became aware of an unassuming set of revolving doors to my right. Looked good enough. I strolled over and noticed a squatty, middle-aged Italian man standing close to the door, almost like a guard... He was a guard. Fantastic. I can get by him, how hard can it be? The following is a transcript of our dialogue:

Squatty, Unassumingly Intimidating Guard: Are you looking for something?

Me: Yes! Goldman Sachs!

Squatty, Unassumingly Intimidating Guard: ...... What are you looking for?

Me: .................................. Goldman Sachs.

Squatty, Unassumingly Intimidating Guard: Well, we own this whole city block. What are you looking for?

Me: Oh, um, well, I, um, am looking for the front desk. 

Squatty, Unassumingly Intimidating Guard: Do you have an appointment?

Me: ............................................................................................. ah, about that....... Not exactly. Ok, look here, working for Goldman Sachs has always been my dream. I am studying abroad here and I am from the states. I just want to be able to talk to someone about what you all do and learn more about investment banking..... (cheesy smile)

Squatty, Unassumingly Intimidating Guard: ......... Well, that's what the website is for.

Me:.............................ah.............. yes. So, um, can I come in?

Squatty, Unassumingly Intimidating Guard: No.

And that was it. No Goldman Sachs. No job. No talking to receptionist. Nothing. I didn’t even make it in the front doors. Yeah, my heart broke right there on the horribly grey sidewalks of Fleet Street. Dreams - shattered. Life value- questioned. Ok, that might be a little far, but it was disheartening. So, what better way to combat sadness? Go find the home of champions, Wimbledon, and revitalize yourself by experiencing a hundred years of tennis excellence. 

So, I did just that, riding the tube all the way out to the tube station labeled Wimbledon on the map. I naively assumed that if tube said "Wimbledon," the tennis center must be right there. Wrong. So wrong. Wimbledon is a neighborhood. The tennis Mecca - nowhere in sight. Splendid. I did not plan this out well. I was hopelessly unaware and slightly lost. So, I started asking around in businesses if they knew how to get there. The first three employees I asked told me they had never been and had no idea how to get there. Ok. Sure. Of course you haven't. It is not like there isn’t a globally televised sporting event hosted here every year. The fourth business finally contained someone who had heard of my famous destination. They pointed out a sign on the street behind me which stated "Wimbledon Tennis Center - 28 Minutes Walking." Well. I had already made it this far out here. I was going to see some tennis today. So, I ran, in full business casual clothes, impatient and ready to see tennis, for 20 minutes before finding a bus to take me the rest of the way. I was nice and sweaty. J

Two hours after leaving the study centre, I made it to Wimbledon. I did it. Goldman may have brushed me off, but Centre Court did not. What a stunning sight. Federer, Nadal, Murray. All of the greats have played here. Wow.

Panorama of Centre Court. 

An hour later, I left refreshed and energized. Another hour later, I was back at the study centre. What a day, what a tale. So, there is story of my favorite adventure thus far across the pond. The lesson learned: If you don't succeed, go explore and get hopelessly lost. Maybe you'll find something worth remembering. Maybe you’ll discover something about yourself. Maybe I don't want to work for Goldman. Maybe that's not me. Maybe I want something more. Hmm. Regardless, those are questions for another day. Adventure on. 

Getting Cultured.