Snow. snow, snow!

2.30pm- Yes it actually snowed here in November! People had been saying that it was going to snow and I said "No, it's November, it's too warm...etc." and then a couple of hours later it was snowing heavily! I have never ever seen people so happy for snow. It was amazing as there are people here who have never seen snow and I will remember their reactions forever. We had snowball fights and took photos of the castle in the snow. This morning everything had frozen and it was so beautiful as the sun came up. I had a Maths exam at 9am this morning and so now I am so pleased it is over. I don't think (well I know) it didn't go too well but at least it is done. It was the same with E Systems yesterday but we'll see. I am have done some work and then some of us are going to watch the rugby later. Tomorrow a Christmas craft fair is being held on campus and so that will be nice to have a look around. We only have just over a week until Christmas break. I am so excited! It is a busy time but everything is great. Hope everyone is well.

Busy, busy, busy!

12pm- Hello all! Just  a really quick hello before I dash off to early lunch. Life is very busy at the moment, which is great! I have been busy, working, talking, having fun and sometimes sleeping this week. Yesterday my dormie and I got back after codes, chatted for a while and then fell asleep for two hours. I woke up at 3.45pm, which was the time my flute lesson started. I jumped up and ran! On Tuesday the Prince of the Netherlands visited college, as he is a former student. He was around campus all day but we spoke to him when he came to PK. It was quite surreal to be eating my cereal in the dayroom whilst chatting to the Prince of Holland. Life can be strange and amazing sometimes!
   Well really could write so much more but have to go. At least you know I'm still alive! Love to all and will be home in two weeks.

Weekend!

1.50pm- Hello everyone! I know I have not been very good at keeping you all up to date lately but that is because I am very busy! This week we had the Critical Engagement Diploma Period, which I really enjoyed. It is a programme formulated by 8 former AC graduates to encourage discussion and critical thinking. We were split up into randomly selected groups of around 20, with one graduate leading the sessions. My leader was a lovely lady from Korea. Each morning we met in our groups and followed the session prepared for us. It was very interactive and included things like role play, debates and just informal group discussions. Each day had a different theme- Identity, Diversity and Global Justice. However by the end you realise how they are all connected and intertwined in the world we live in. In the afternoons we chose 4 Workshops to attend, again run by the graduates and relating to the career they had chosen/ causes supported since leaving AC. I attended workshops on International Development, Media Production, Social Enterprise and Urbanism. They were all very interesting but my favourite was Media. It really confirmed my interest in the media and the discussion we had about censorship/influence of the media is something I feel strongly about. I also learnt a lot about possible careers which combine the UWC ethos of helping the world with a more conventional "career". Urban development and businesses with a moral conscience, for example. In the evenings two different films were shown in the Tythe Barn (arts centre), relating to the themes of the days. Wednesday night was a documentary film about identity and followed the lives of Bosnians in the 1990s. It showed the complete disintegration of a community before our very eyes. Originally the village in the film was a happy, peaceful mix of Muslims and Catholics (and had been for generations). However the film showed how the quickly advancing war changed this. Amid suspicion, rumour and fear, friendships which had lasted for 40 years began to fall apart. Ultimately neighbours, who had once cared for each other as family, simply watched as the Muslim family fled and their house was destroyed. This was repeated throughout the community. A Catholic house untouched here, a Muslim house burned to the ground there. The documentary was a tragedy for so many reasons. The way in which the personal friendship faltered, the extent of the rascism that appeared but also the everyday suffering and pain of war. The knowledge that in the next village, the Muslim houses would remain untouched but the Catholic houses destroyed displays the unfairness, and to me, illogical effects of war. Terrible human suffering and despair was inflicted on innocent people because of their identity.
       On Thursday night we watched a film called "The Lost Boys of Sudan". Again, a documentary of real footage and true stories. It followed a group of  young Sudanese boys on their journey from a refugee camp in Africa to the "perfect land" of America. It was a story of dashed expectations and broken lives. However through the struggle, there always remained some laughter and affection. Despite being very moving and upsetting, the strength of humanbeings and people who have suffered unbelievably was uplifting in this film. However the problems encountered with diversity within a nation are very troubling.    In the nights after CE, everyone was very tired and sleepy by around 9pm (unbelievably early for AC). This meant none of us got our work done and so now the library and quiet rooms are full of people studying. I have some revision to do for Maths and E Systems and then homework for French and English. Last night over 130 students went to Cardiff to watch the new Harry Potter film together. I didn't go as I am not a HP fan and also we went out for a meal for my Buddy Dorm's Birthday. This morning I worked and then went down to lunch. I now am going to have to work a lot today and tomorrow. Normal codes start again on Monday. Had better go. Love to everyone.

Busy day

10.35am- Yes, today is going to be a very busy but very enjoyable day. Yesterday was also fun. After my social service visit my partner and I had tea in a tearoom in Llantwit, which was very nice. Then yesterday evening I did some preparation for my History essay today and then went to meditation. It was very relaxing as always. We had foot soaks and head massages. Plus some amazing food! After that I went back to PK, did some work and had a relatively early night. It is always good preparing for things with other people, particularly History. We have fun but we also get the work done.
     This morning I have had E systems and then the History code in which we did our essay. It was okay. I now have Economics, followed by French and Maths. Those are my last lessons for the week! I have service at 2pm today and then immediately when I get back from that I have a flute lesson. I have to run! Tonight I am hoping there will be room on the bus for me to go to the club for people with mental disabilities. Once we get back from that it will be the introduction to the next AC Diploma period, Critical Engagement. We will be doing that for the rest of the week and it should be fun. I will share what it is about when I know!
      As you can see life here is busy but great fun. I am living in a beautiful place with beautiful people! Hope everyone is okay. Love to all.

Lazy Weekend

2pm- Yes, I have had a lovely lazy weekend. Yesterday I relaxed, talked, ate and slept.  I went for a refreshing walk along the seafront and also ended up walking to Llantwit in the rain as the bus didn't come. I rang my grandmother in the afternoon and she reminded me that the rugby was on! I ran to get my fellow Welshie in PK and we ended up sitting outside, drinking tea and listening to the commentary on the radio. Wales still lost! Today however I now have to work. I do not have a scary amount to do and I have enough time to do it. This morning I got up at 11am and then had a nice brunch at around 12pm. I have been taking my time to do everything and feel generally very relaxed. I am in the library at the moment as I have to re-draft my English essay and also do some work for History. We have to do a timed essay in class on Tuesday and so I need to make sure I am prepared.
    Next week is another AC mission period for the first years, this time on Critical Engagement. At the moment I am not 100% sure what this entails but I know it is organised by former AC students and should be a lot of fun. This means I only have lessons tomorrow and Tuesday and the remainder of the week will be Critical Engagement. Sounds good to me! The second years are having a Sustainability Conference instead. Well had better go and get some work done. Lots of love to everyone.

A quick look at my world

9.45am-Hello all! I have finally had time to work out how to put photos on here. So, here we go:

 This is the inner courtyard of the castle on a sunny day a couple of weeks ago. My Econ class is the one with open windows.

 This is my house,Pentti Kouri, on a sunny Autumn day (not like today!). PK is the new environmentally friendly house on campus, complete with geothermal heating etc.

This was my little world last night! The corner of your dorm is the closest you'll get to home.

Well that gives you an idea of where I now live. It is a beautiful campus and I will try and get more photos on here sometime soon.

     I have a free code at the moment and I will have double Econ soon. However I have heard that my Econ teacher isn't here and so I may well find I have double free after this. Last night I helped cook American Pie for Open House (when we go into our houseparent's home). I've discovered that American pie is similar to British pie, just without the lid. I called it a tart but was told no way! It was very nice although very, very sweet. After that we had chilled music and chilling time in the dorm, which is the best way to unwind after a long day.  As it is Friday today we have codes all day. I don't finish until 4.45pm and that means it is dark! It will be okay as then I can relax for the rest of the night.

   Well had better go to Econ. I am really hoping I have a free!! Hope everyone is well.



Double free!

9.30pm- I am writing this from a computer in the library as I have a double free code now. I have just had Maths Studies, which was good. My plan for an early night last night failed miserably! At check-in I popped down to the day room for a quick glass of milk but stayed there until midnight! I got up at 7am as usual this morning and I actually feel okay. Last night I went with other people in social service to a club for people with learning difficulties. Although I am in Social Service it is not an official part of my service but for others it is. I really enjoyed it however and if there is room on the bus I will go every week. The club plays such an important role in the lives of those people who attend it. There are many different activities on offer within the hall, including darts, crafts,puzzles and dancing at the end. At time it can be challenging as you never know how people will respond to you (if at all). It was so much fun and the people there are all unique and amazing. I can learn so much from them and look forward to getting to know them better.
      My wonderful Turkish PK sister has asked me to mention that today is the Memorial Day in Turkey of Ataturk, the father of her nation. This is a very important day for Turks all around the world. Here at AC I have learnt so much about many countries' national festivals and significant days that I have never fully understood before. It is amazing to listen and see the emotion with which people talk about these occasions, something as a Brit I don't think I have really experienced before. AC- learning about foreign countries and cultures first hand!
    Well I do have some Math work to do so had better go and get it done. After break I have English, French and then E. Systems. I also have a flute lesson and flute ensemble this afternoon. I'm afraid I have not managed to do that much practice but it will be okay. I have to work on an E. Systems presentation this evening, would love to go to a talk on education and also go to French tutorials. I must also call my best friend as it has been too long since I last spoke to him. Hope everyone is doing well. The sun is shining and all is good here. Love to all.

I know, it's been a while!

6.45pm- Hello everyone! Sorry for not writing for a while but it can be difficult to find the time to do anything other that eat, work, play and sleep. Actually, the past couple of days I have failed to do just that (sleep was the one that suffered!). I had a lovely weekend. I went home for my beloved Grandmother's Birthday and it was so nice to see her. I must say that I was so happy when I got back on Sunday night and everyone gave me such a nice welcome. I had only been away for a night but it felt like ages. So much happens at AC every single day. I missed my dormies and luckily they missed me!
        Well I have been busy working quite a bit yesterday and today. I have been working hard on Maths and French. It was so frustrating- I can't do my Maths Studies homework!! I will get help tomorrow. I feel as though I am getting on better in French now. Every night before bed I read my French Grammar book and I hope something, somewhere will stick! I ask other people for general help but I do not get them to do my work or anything. I believe it is important that my teacher knows which level I am on and not the level of the computer etc. I went to service this afternoon- residential home visit. It is so good as I feel I am starting to get to know some of the people. They don't really remember you but they know we are from Atlantic College and the reaction on their faces lets us know that that is a good thing! Two people told me today that I made a difference to their lives. It is a very emotional thing when somebody tells you that. I now really enjoy my residential visits. First of all, and I know I wrote about it on here, I felt angry at the way elderly people are treated by society. I still feel that way but I also no longer feel powerless. I feel as though I am hopefully helping to improve that situation, albeit just for a handful of people for a couple of hours a week.
      I am going to another social service activity tonight- a club for disabled and disadvantaged people. My dormies both do it as an official service and really want me to go unofficially. I usually have lots of work to do on Tuesday nights but today I have some free time. Therefore I have to be gone by 7pm. I will just go and help my dormie follow her clues to her secret Santa gift. I helped arrange it with her Santa earlier. Will write more when I have eaten, worked, played and slept enough!! Love to all.
         
      

A sad day for Atlantic College

1pm- I feel very sad as I am writing this. Yesterday it was announced that Neil Richards, the great Principal of this college, is resigning at the end of term. There was an understandable feeling of shock in the hall as the Chair of Governors read out a statement from the Board of Governors. Some students started to cry and Neil was given a standing ovation as he left. I was (and still am) shocked and upset. Neil is the most inspirational person at college and I know I have written on this blog in the past about his great knowledge and understanding of life. Since arriving at college three years ago he has tried to introduce new rules and has many ideas about how to take this college forward. However he has constantly come up against opposition from various figures in the college and he is resigning following "a difference of opinion between the Principal of the College and its Board of Governors about the leadership and management of the College". Therefore I now feel the college faces an uncertain future, and I await the coming months with some considerable fear.
    All that remains to be said is that Neil Richards is a man who lives his life according to very honourable principles and values. His departure means that, in my opinion at least, Atlantic College has lost the one person who has truly dedicated his life to serving the world. I also feel that I personally will miss out on so much that I could have learnt about life from Neil. I am just so grateful that I have had the privilege to listen to him on various occasions for the short time I have been here at Atlantic College. I will always remember his talks and later today my dormies and I are going to go and tell Neil the effect he will have on the rest of our lives. If all the people here who feel the same way tell him that then hopefully it will help him feel better at this terribly sad time. Neil Richard's wise words will remain with me for life. I know Neil is taking this in his usual philosophical way but I genuinely feel a real sense of loss. It has made me really consider life, why I am here at AC and also sadly is AC everything it could be? On that somewhat sad note I will go to Llantwit and discuss it on the way with my dear friend Divya. Hope everyone is well.

Back into the routine

11.30am- It is only my second day back after the mid-term break but it already feels as though the break was a long time ago. Lessons continue as normal and the work is mounting up. Last night we received our first progress grades and I was relatively happy with mine. A Level 7 and effort grade A in History was my favourite! I know I need to keep working hard on my grammar in French but my tutor said it was a good start. 
    I had E. Systems first thing this morning and then we held an exciting debate in History. It was good fun. I am currently on the computer in Economics as I have re-drafted my coursework and have 10 minutes before the next code, French. I can't say French is my favourite subject at the moment! After that I have Maths. Hopefully I will receive my grade as I did not get it last night. Following that my day is a bit of a rush. I have Service at 2pm and then a flute lesson the moment I return from that at 3.45pm. Straight after my flute lesson I think I have flute ensemble, which should be good. This evening then I will work on French for a while and do some other general bits of revision. Had better go as I need to get from Econ here in the castle to the languages block for French.
  Love to everyone.

Back to school!

10.30am- Okay, so I have just managed to delete the blog post that I had been writing for the past 10 minutes! Oh well, I'll start again.....   Last night I returned to college from mid-term break. I had the best week at home, relaxing and seeing family and friends. Work was a very distant thought!   I must admit that I was happy to be coming back but then on the way I started to get excited. I realise how close I am to all of my housemates, classmates etc. Being back with my dormies was amazing- they really are my sisters. We have only been apart for a week and everyone is acting hysterically. I can't imagine what it will be like after the month off for Christmas! We are a very close community and do live as brothers and sisters.
        Well I was up bright and early this morning at 7am and managed to be in the dining hall for breakfast by 7.20am. I am taking less and less time to get ready in the mornings!! I had English first code and then assembly. Neil (principal) spoke about why we are here and how it is important to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. I have Economics now and we are working on our coursework. I have already done it and so I get to check my mail etc. I have History after break and then Approaches to Learning. I get early lunch today, which is always nice. I do not have my Monday service session this week and so I will probably take the time to go for a lovely walk. It is a beautiful Autumn day here and the campus looks gorgeous.
    Well am going to go and take a quick look at the Guardian before History. Love to everyone.