Countdowns and Goodbyes
It’s quite nice to see that we are already counting down to a lot of things as the year gradually ticks to a close. It’s such surprise how fast things happen. The normal Christmas countdown is already being done in earnest in some places (as much as I get baffled by this). There is also the countdown to Halloween. But, the most immediate one is the countdown to a new session and welcoming students (new and old) back to campus.
New session, loads of activities
Another session is fast approaching, but for me, it feels like a continuation of the present moment of academic work. I can understand the enthusiasm that grips almost everyone during this period, as we get to welcome the new students, both international and from around the UK.
The campus usually come to life with a lot of activities designed to make the new students feel at home. It’s never easy for those leaving home for the first time. I always advise new students, including the postgraduates and international students, to take part in these activities. Apart from getting to meet new people and potential to make friends for life, there is also the opportunity to experience most of what the university has got to offer, including its rich history and renowned places amongst students without having to spend a long period discovering these places by oneself during the course of the year – fun, but takes longer.
The |Students’ Union organises a lot of events during this period, an event a day for the first week to welcome first-year students, and later hold a Societies Bazaar, where all societies tend to recruit new students into their society. There are loads to choose from.
One of the event I always look forward to is the International Day, where students represent their countries to display their various cultures, including food . This is an event not to be missed. Different halls of residence and departments/schools also have their own events to welcome students.
I hope to get involved with some of these events, just so I can experience these things again. It’s never a dull moment, especially considering I have been working in the laboratory and writing up for most of this summer, attending conferences and all the other ‘boring’ things we research students get involved in. I’m very much looking forward to the vibrancy returning to the campus with returning students .
School games
One of the activities that took place during the break was the 2017 School Games. It brought together hundreds of young people from UK and Ireland. It was fun and very enjoyable, with a fantastic atmosphere. I was a paid volunteer to cater to the families of the participant. We organised some fun events for the kids such as egg and spoon race, bowling, limbo and other fun events for kids. It was fun seeing kids having a go at these events. Seeing them getting competitive to set records and being on top of the leaderboard. It was also a nice sunny way to enjoy the last bit of summer.
Saying goodbye…never easy
It is never easy to say goodbye to a very nice person. Kay has been such a wonderful person to work with over the years. She recently informed me that she’s moving on to go back to academic. Despite it being difficult to accept (selfish, I know), I can only wish her the best. I have come to accept that we lose friends and people move on to better things. I will like to wish Kay all the very best and thank her for all her help.
Till next time…
David
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