New week

9.30am - Must be very brief as I have a code in a couple of minutes. I had a lovely weekend. Started off with letter writing until 4am in the library for Amnesty International. Was great fun and for a very worthwhile cause. I went home on Saturday and had a lovely day with my family. Yesterday I relaxed, slept and played Ultimate Frisbee. Have Econ now- love to all.

Back to codes...

10am- After the fantastic peace conference it was back to lessons this morning. I had Maths first thing and now I have double free. This may well be my last double free as TOK lessons start next week. Theory of Knowledge is a compulsory part of the IB and is the area in which you gain extra points. I will explain more when I know more!  
    Yesterday was another really interesting day. In the morning we had breakfast in the houses with discussions on issues of conflict/tension within AC. For example, the culture, relationship with governors etc.It was good to talk and I found it beneficial. A man called Conn Mulvena delivered a lecture on growing up during the Troubles in Northern Ireland and how he has now set up a community based peace project. It was obviously deeply troubling to hear of his experiences living in a divided society but his peace project provides a wonderful feeling of hope to those he helps, and all of us too. Kilcranny House (the centre) runs projects which combine both sides of the divide and allows them to encounter the "other side" , often for the first time in their lives. They discover that they are all people and can actually relate to and have meaningful relationships with each other, regardless of religion/ politics and history.
    Following that we had feedback on the house discussions and then 'break-out' groups of a smaller size to discuss these issues, lead by student facilitators. We could choose which issue we wanted to discuss and so I went to the one on culture. We discussed the existence of a unique AC culture, the dominant Western culture and also the demographic make up of AC. We came up with ideas to learn more about day to day life in other cultures, such as "sharing time" when you would share something unusual from your culture. Once again, I really enjoyed it and it is really good to discuss these things with people other than close friends. The last workshop I went to was one given by the school counsellor on mediation. It was very interesting and I find the whole process of mediation to be very psychological and thought provoking. During the closing ceremony of the conference the World Peace Flame was lit. It was beautiful. The candle represents the wish for peace around the world. Try searching for World Peace Flame on Google!
    I have a meeting during Break for Social Service. Really want to read the Guardian now! The outside world seems to be moving along without me! Love to all.

"The only human beings without contradictions are corpses"

9.45pm- The above quote was said by Professor Johan Galtung, who gave our second lecture of the day. I suggest you Google him and read about the incredible things he has done during his life. He is 80 years old but remains youthful, energetic, witty and possesses tremendous wisdom and knowledge. The main emphasis of his lecture and subsequent Q&A session was mediation as a means of conflict resolution. He has worked as a mediator since 1967 and has been at the forefront of international affairs ever since, mediating in over 1000 conflict situations. He never accepts payment for his work. According to him the most important and first step in conflict resolution is listening to the 'other side'. After that, talking with the 'other side' and this results in, surprisingly easy ways to find a solution. The key to mediation is talking to each 'side' individually as this allows them freedom to talk without the fear of appearing weak. This leads to the exploration of possible solutions which hopefully will then develop into something lasting. The first question he always asks is "What is the Nothern Ireland/ Israel/ Palestine/Afghanistan..... which you would like to see?".During his talks he merely mentioned that he was in Cuba in 1972, Ecuador and Chile,Nothern Ireland, Kosovo, has spoken to both the Israelis and Palestinians for decades and has talked to the Taliban recently. In 1971 he proposed a solution to the Arab/ Israeli conflict which he believes is still applicable today- a Middle Eastern Community like the E.C., inclusive of both Israel and Palestine. In his own words, it was a "total failure". Yet he remains hopeful that the next generation will implement his vision. So do I.   He was also able to quote the Taliban first hand, share their beliefs and say how Washington does not know their wishes as they do not talk to them. He said that the Taliban oppose secularism and therefore do not even want water aid as it is 'secular' water. They also do not believe Kabul to be the worthy capital of Afghanistan and, unsurprisingly, are fed up of being invaded. One of the most striking things he said was that he believed the US will become 'extinct' from international politics and economics within the next 15 years. Another thing that struck me was that he said conflict is not due to misunderstanding but precise understanding. The fact that the two sides know what the other wants causes them to deny them their wishes. Therefore there is a need for creativity and to "make a new reality- namely a community."
   Well that was the second speaker of the day but before that I attended 4 workshops. They were, in order, one on understanding stereotypes given by an AC graduate, a follow on workshop from this morning's lecture on conflict by Rae McGrath, an Israel/Palestine workshop and education as a tool for reducing conflict. The highlight for me was the Israeli/ Palestinian one given by my co-years from both countries. They agreed to disagree but to respect each other and both want a Palestinian state. I sat there, just thinking how surreal it was for me to be in a castle in Wales listening to two people, whose nations are enemies, talking about respect and peace TOGETHER. Hearing how one lives 100m from the wall in Palestine and the hardships of life under an 'Aparthied' whilst the other, coincidentally, lives in the city directly the other side of the wall in Israel and talks of the rocket attacks that puncture daily life is a surreal experience. This is why I came to AC and this is why I appreciate every moment I have here.
       Well I am going to go and plan for tomorrow now. It is Diwrnod Santes Dwynwen( Welsh Valentines Day) and so my Welsh co-year and I are going to cook. It is also the second day of the Peace conference and I can't wait. I am going to have a shower and contemplate all that I have heard and seen today. I may need to take a very long shower!! Night all.

Peace and Conflict

1.50pm- Okay, I just wrote a lovely summary of what I have done in the conference so far and managed to delete it all! First thing this morning we had a lecture by Rae Mcgrath, a nobel peace prize winner. I have met a Nobel Peace prize winner!!!  He is an incredible man and his lecture was fascinating. As a former bomb disposal expert in the British Army and now a peace campaigner, he has amazing knowledge and real- life experience of both sides of "fighting for peace". Just realised the time. Must go. But, I have met a Nobel peace prize winner!!!! Had to say it again, sorry!

Time goes by

2.45pm- First of all, I know I haven't written for a while but a lot has been going on. We had a very upsetting and tiring week as my Chinese dormate left at the beginning of the week and then on Thursday we were told that we were getting a new dorm mate. In the end, our new dorm mate has come from the dorm next door, and the new arrival at college will then go into the other dorm. It was decided that we had had enough upset and energy so we should have someone we know. We have been a new dorm for two nights now and the new girl will arrive at college tomorrow. We are all going to make sure she is made very welcome.
     As a result of all of this, I have been feeling very drained and in no mood to write my blog. I must be feeling better as I am finally doing this now!   This weekend has been AC MUN- Model UN. Students from three outreach schools across the UK have taken part, along with the AC student body. The whole UN was reconstructed here, in a castle in Wales.  The next couple of days will be very exciting as it is the next AC Diploma period. This time it is the AC Peace Conference. This is linked to the IB subject Peace and Conflict and the important issues of conflict, conflict resolution and peace are the starting points. Guest speakers are visiting the college to deliver lectures in addition to Workshops being run by various students. For a taste of what to expect, here is the timetable for tomorrow:

Mon 24th Jan

09am-10am Introduction and Lecture ‘The impact of modern conflict on poor and vulnerable communities and potential for civil society-driven change’
10am-10.20am Break
10.20am-11.20am Workshop 1
11.25am-12.25am Workshop 2
12pm-13.25pm Lunch

13.50pm-14.50pm Workshop 3
14.55pm-15.55pm       Workshop 4
16.00pm-17.00pm Lecture

‘Thinking and Acting about Conflict” Is conflict just another word for violence or does it stand for a big puzzle and what are the consequences of how we act in a conflict?’
17.30pm-18.30pm Supper
19.00pm-20.00pm Question and Answer session
This in-depth session is organised around the following themes: “Theoretical issues”, “Conflict around the globe”, “The role of the peace/conflict worker” and “Other issues”.
Various Films
Here is the list of workshops on offer tomorrow too:
1. The Disarmament of Stereotype Threat

2. Conn’s workshop
3. An intro to mediation as a means of resolving conflict in AC
4. Theatre of the Oppressed
5. Non-violence 101
6. Modern Genocide and Conflict in Sudan and the Congo
7. Tradition or Torture?
8. Understanding Terrorism
9. Sahaja Meditation – seeking inner peace
10. World Peace Flame Yoga Workshop (Part 1)
11. Western Sahara/Morrocco
12. Drawing Game
13. The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Well I definitely think that it will be great!  I am not sure which workshops I will attend yet- definately Understanding Terrorism and The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and then two others. I am going to go and do some work now. I have an aural presentation for English on Inspiration to prepare for the end of this week. I must also do some flute practice later. I will then sleep!!  Because of the Diploma period there is no service this week.  Hope everyone is well.

Ups and Downs

9.30am- Hello everyone. I'm afraid we have had a sad couple of days. My Chinese dorm-mate decided to leave AC at the weekend. I did not really feel like writing my blog until now as it made me reflect on the sad situation.  I understand and admire her for realising that she had to do it for her own happiness. We were very upset at first but we respect her for making such a brave decision that will affect the rest of her life. We had a lovely couple of days before she left and I will always treasure the memories of her time in our dorm.  AC is not always the right place for everyone, and recognising that is very admirable.  We will still keep in touch and follow the path of each others lives. This amazing place bought us together - four girls from around the world, and made us sisters for ever.  We have really helped each other over the past couple of days and although there is the feeling of sadness and loss, we have still had plenty of laughter and happiness amongst the tears.
      I still have quite a bit of work to do. I have not done much lately. It will be fine however!  Service sessions have started once again, which meant I was very busy yesterday. I had residential home visits straight after codes and then I had to run to my flute lesson. It was a strange day. It was my first visit to the residential homes in over a month and the deterioration in some people's health shocked me. The ability of life to drain away in front of your eyes is very moving. I just hope that their last days may be made a little better by our visits. I feel sorry for my flute teacher as my head really wasn't functioning properly during my lesson!  After supper we had Gateways club and that really brightened my day.  I was chased and tickled, and made to laugh, dance and colour with the wonderful people. It made me appreciate my own life and being amongst them made me find my energy and love of life once again.
        Well I have double free now and I have English after break. I will see my parents later as it is my Mum's Birthday. Happy Birthday Mum!   Lots of love to you all.

Good times!

9.50am- Hello! I am in the library during my double Economics and so I thought I would write a quick hello on here. I had first code free this morning and so we had a nice leisurely breakfast and then did a bit of work. I'm now working on my Econ presentation, which is due in next week. This weekend I have to write my History essay and prepare for a debate on the peace treaties at the end of the First World War. Three of us are representing the US. Yesterday was a great day. After codes I helped bake a cake for my second years' Birthday today. That involved lots of chocolate and icing, which was tasty! We also had a Social Service meeting to discuss a new programme that we can get involved with. We can help out with a programme that works with children in the Vale of Glamorgan who suffer from conditions such as Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. It involves working with the parents and children whose extra support has been taken away in school. Qualified teachers create unique programmes to suit the needs of the child, and their ages can range from 4 to 18. We would be involved in every step of the programme, from the initial assessment to regular sessions with the child. The organisation has not worked with the college before and so we would be part of a trial, I suppose. I am very excited about this as I feel it would incredibly worthwhile and also vital for the young people involved. I hope it works out.
        We also had Open House last night and we all ate food from various countries and watched the Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother on our houseparent's TV. It is strange to be able to watch TV and I realised that I really do not miss it at all.  Last night there was a double Birthday showering in PK and so lots of people came and ate cake and sang Happy Birthday.   As it is Friday we have codes until all day today. Although I do not have E Systems as my teacher isn't here so I get an early, early lunch. Tonight we will go to the pub to celebrate the Birthdays. Tomorrow a Gender and Sexuality conference is being held in the college, with various guest speakers. I think I might pop in to one or two of the sessions if I get time. Sunday will then be WORK all day!    I have just found out my activities for this term and they are what I expected- Ultimate Frisbee and Made in 48 (the Fair Trade group). I am pleased with that.
      Must go- have work to do!  Probably won't write until Monday now. I'm looking forward to the weekend! Love to all.

Work.....and fun

9.25am- Good morning everyone! I am in the computer lab as I have double English and have to work on my oral presentation. Therefore, I am writing on my blog!! I do have work to do- oral presentation in English (for the IB so it's important), an econ presentation, history essay, preparation for a history debate, some maths and probably something else too...!  The topic for the english presentation is Inspiration, a text that has inspired you. I am going to do a poem I once read by Benjamin Zephaniah. I just have to find it on the internet, which I am doing now.  I have Econ after break, then early lunch. I like Thursdays. I am determined to work now and then relax later. Last night was a nice combination of chatting and working. At times it was probably more chat than work. 
     I have a meeting later today for Social Service. I have only had one service session this week and so it will probably start properly next week. I think activities start then too.  We have Open House later and people have bought food from their home countries. I forgot but we are in Wales and I think people have probably had enough Welsh cakes for one term! This week I have already had, among others, Turkish sweets, Kazakh bread, Chinese sweets and Finnish chocolate. Just one of the privileges of being an AC student- international food.
     Really had better make a start on the work. Love to everyone from rainy, misty but still wonderful AC.

Rain, rain, rain!

9.20am- Well after I wrote about the wonderful sunshine yesterday, we all woke up this morning to heavy rain! It may be damp, grey and miserable but I am still feeling happy!  Last night was the first Social Service session and we went back to Gateways Club. It was very uplifting, as usual.  I found out yesterday that my official activities this term will be 'Made in 48' and 'Ultimate Frisbee'. 'Made in 48' is a group to promote and raise awareness of Fairtrade products. We will be doing various things, from making Fairtrade chocolate to awareness campaigns. I am very excited!  I was told that I had to do a physical activity this term too- Meditation and Yoga apparently doesn't count!  Therefore I chose Ultimate Frisbee. I have never really understood the concept of Ultimate Frisbee (or been very good at it!) but I think it will be fun and a good way to use up some energy.  As an AC student there are various "strands" of activities/ service that you have to cover during your time here. These include "face to face", "global awareness", "physical and mental well being", "environmental awareness" etc. During the two years you should attend activities which fall into all of these "strands" (I think there are 7 all together). I am getting there!
      I have double free now and so I am using this to re-draft my English World Lit Essay (and also checking e mail, facebook and a couple of other things!). I have already had Maths this morning and have English, French and E systems after break. I am really enjoying being back at AC. I'm looking forward to this term, I can't believe that the next long break will be the end of the year! Time flies....   Speaking of time, I had better do that essay.   Hope everyone is well.

Lessons start again

10.40am- Yesterday was the first day of codes and it went rather well. I have also had a good start to today, with double History. We have an essay to do but I'm sure it will be fine.  We chose our activities last night (we get new ones each term). Everyone has two official activities and then it is possible to go to many others unofficially. I put down a group about Fair-trade as my first choice and then a ceramics and sculpture activity as my second. They both sound very interesting and hopefully should be fun. 
        On Sunday we went down to the seafront and I had forgotten how beautiful  it is here! I can't believe I took these photos in January! :

Westwards towards Ogmore

Eastwards towards Llantwit Major

     Must go- break is nearly over. I have Econ now. Love to everyone.

New year, same great AC!

5pm- Hello everyone! I'm back!!   I came back to AC yesterday and have had an amazing time seeing everyone and hearing about Christmas all around the world.  I had a great month at home and it was lovely to see all of my family and friends. Of course I will miss them but I have plenty to look forward to here and lots of things to keep me busy. This term is very long- we don't break up until May! I feel unbelievably fortunate to be able to say I am happy in both of my worlds. The two parts of my life are very different but I am so lucky that I have amazing friends and experience unique and special things in both of them.
     I arrived yesterday evening and it has been a continuous cycle of screams, hugs and lots of laughter ever since. I have realised that a month is actually a long time not to see people but also that it can feel like I saw them all yesterday. There is a strange combination of feeling like we have never been apart and then realising that we have all lead completely different lives in all corners of the globe for the past 4 weeks. I feel privileged to be able to experience this surreal feeling!  Some people still have not arrived and so it will be  lovely when everyone is back. Luckily all three of my dormies are here, my third one just arrived. I ran to see her and it is so good that we have our dorm back together again. Some people, particularly the Asians, are suffering from jet-lag. I felt tired last night but I could not use jet-lag from a two hour car journey as an excuse!!
    Luckily I am up-to-date with my work and so have had a very relaxing day. A couple of us went down to the sea front this morning in the wonderful January sunshine. Everyone says it is like Spring.  Nobody believes me when I say we will get more snow!
    Well I have done my best to update you all as soon as I could. Lots of love to you and I enjoyed seeing you all over Christmas. If I did not see you, sorry, and I will look forward to seeing you in the Summer! In the meantime have a very happy and healthy 2011. This time last year I had just found out about AC. So much can happen in a year......!!!