Make a Smilebox slideshow

All happened too fast and I'm sad

Now the semester is over at the University of Prince Edward Island.
Exams are almost done. Everyone is going back home.

As for me, I am not too excited to come back. I must confess this semester has been a fun, productive one for me. Being able to travel to Canada and to see snow for the first time, participate in winter sports, meet students from over 50 countries, share cultures, meet new friends get acquainted with faculty memebers and being involved in many school activities, all explains why I will definitely miss UPEI. Not to mention I know more people here than at COB. I wish this exchange program was fifthfor 8 months rather. I gain many exposures the and now tohave a broader and well established look at the world and others.

My studies went great and I learnt a lot academically and socially. I must say this was the best thing that ever happened to me, since knowing myself.
I am going to miss all my friends here.

As they say,"All good things must come to an end."
I hope I can get another chance to go on a trip for my studies.

I will again like to thank President Hodder, Mr. Russell, Dr. Davis and all the staff of The College of The Bahamas who have made this possible and a wonderful success.

DFAIT Roundtable discussion in Ottawa

On Sunday of last week, I travelled to Ottawa to attend a roundtable discussion.
I was invited by the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) to participate in a roundtable for students from the CARICOM countries currently on GSEP or CUSEP program in Canada, representatives from your High Commissions or Embassies in Ottawa and representatives from DFAIT. The goal of the roundtable was to discuss the scholarship program, consider other education initiatives in place with the Caribbean, and explore opportunities for collaboration between Canadian and Caribbean institutions. The roundtable was organized on behalf of DFAIT by the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE).
Ottawa is also the capital city of Canada and it is where Parliament House is located and the Prime Minister of Canada resides.
Our rooms were booked and ready for our arrival. On Sunday afternoon, other Caribbean students and my fellow Bahamian companions arranged to mee in the lobby. The purpose of it was to give us the opportunity to get to know one another. To me, it was nice to see Caribbean students-felt like family was in the midst.
The roundtable discussion was the following day. We were placed in groups, where we all gave our input on ways to improve the exchange programme that will help it to develop between Canada and the Caribbean countries. Present at the event were High Commissions and representatives for High Commissions of different Caribbean countries. I also met the High Commission for The Bahamas- Mr. Michael Smith. Representatives of Host Canadian Universities and the DFAIT International Scholarships team at CBIE were present as well.
After, one of the coordinators, Brian Molerio took the us(Caribbean students) on a tour of Ottawa. Amazing things were every where, such as statutes, House of Parliament, great ancient buildings. Everyine had a camera and cameras were snapping by the second. It was a blast!
We (Caribbean students) all will like to go again.
The trip was a very productive, yet a fun experience for everyone. It was my first trip to Ottawa and will sure not be my last one.
In other news, I have my final exams this upcoming week and the week after. Therefore I’m in the process of studying.
Until next time, this has been words from Shavado

Semester coming to an end: Exams are at Hand

Many students are now having a sigh of relief because the semester is practically over, and another school year is finished. This semester, as an international student has been my first school semester abroad and I must say I really did enjoy it, and was very rewarding in many ways, from the my first encounter with snow, meeting new people from all over the world, participating in winter sports and to getting “down” with the school work. UPEI is an enjoyable, learning environment and one that offers students to express themselves academically and socially.
During this year, students have been “strapped down” with homework assignments, writing papers and studying for exams continuously.
Many students complained about the amount of work they are “bogged” with and saying that it is, “stressful.” But I bet there is a wide smile on many students’ face, knowing that the school year has finally come to an end.
Some students have mix feelings of school coming to an end.
Some will miss their friends and is happy school has ended.

UPEISU General Election

UPEI Student Union held their election this week. There were four Presidential candidate, five Executive Vice President cadidates and three candidates running for the Vice President Activies position.

There was a significant voting turn out of 50% compared to last year's 30% voting rate.
The President elect is Timothy Cullen who captured 500 votes.
The Executive VP is Jarrod "J-Rod" Faria, who also happens to be the DJ at the 'Wave' the campus pub and an international student from Trinidad. Also I have known him very well and he is a good friend.
The VP of Activities, Shawn Younis who happens to also be a good friend of mine clenched the position by getting 813 votes. Moreover, he is the current VP of Activies and decided to run again and he did get re-elected. Shawn is also well known among most of the students and faculty, here.

Overall, it was a great election. Candidates did their best to get votes and to reach out to students effectively. One of the effective initiative was that candidates went into classrooms and explained to students what their platform is all about and how it will affect them in the upcoming school year.

Another great initiative that Shawn Younis (VP of Activities) took was to get students say "Vote Younis" while recording and place it on facebook to promote his campaign.

I find it very good how we as students can go online, at our student login and vote for our candidate and policy amendments. This is not at COB and I think COB need to start this initiative, because students sometimes might not want to come at school to vote, but can just sit at home on their computer and vote. I also think it is why COB receive low percentages of votes from students. Hopefully they will soon progress and do this as well.

Well, the winning candidates are celebrating this weekend by putting on big party bashments for their victorious win. I hope to be apart of some as well.

Incredible week at UPEI

This week was very refreshing. There was sun sine from Monday and its still ongoing.
There was a debate this week, from candidates who were running g for the executive positions of the UPEI student Union. This was very interesting and I enjoyed the debate. It highlighted the platform each candidate had and how it will help UPEI students for the year 2009-2010. Elections will be next week-17th &18. I am so exciting to vote. Students will be voting for the President, Executive VP, and VP of activities and their various schools’ representative of their chose. Some Candidates criticize each other harshly while debating. One candidate even place videos on YouTube, stating ‘Vote for Shawn Younis, VP of Activities.’ He goes around campus and record students saying “Vote Younis.” I think that was a great initiative.
On Thursday there was a Job Fair. I went and see several employers of various careers. These included, Vector Aerospace; Wells Fargo Financial; Parks Canada Student Employment Program and Canada’s Army. I certainly learn very much about the different careers. The Canadian Army was not bad at all. I was told that you can be a reserved and still attend school and plus they will help fund your school’s tuition. Also, it is your decision if you would like to be in the Army after your graduation. I think this is not bad at all.
On the other hand my studies are going well. I have three exams in a row on next week. I am doing a lot of studying to prepare for them. Hopefully, I will pass them all.


P.S. There is a street called, ‘Nassau Street’ in Charlottetown city of PEI.

Dinner at The Governor’s House

School is going great. Exams are still going on for me. This week was very progressing for me. I got many class assignments completed.

Last night, I was invited by Lieutenant Governor- Honourable Barbara Hagerman to have dinner at her house. The house was beautiful. It is similar to the Governor General’s house in The Bahamas. There are many antiques in it. The floor of the Governor’s house cost about 90,000. The Table we ate at was 175 years old. This was amazing to me and I was honored to have dinner with the Governor, her husband-Nelson Hagerman and other students and faculty members of UPEI. She told me that it was not her house; she was just living there until her term in office ended. She also described her house like The Governor General’s House in the Bahamas that she visited last year. She explained that she love The Bahamas and hope to go back soon. She has a son that works in The Bahamas as well; which I thought was great.

The food was very delicious. Here is the Menu:

Poached Pear & Pecan Salad with Goat Cheese and a Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Butter Poached Salmon Baby Potatoes, Broccoli and Roasted Beets

For desert it was:
Milk Chocolate Crème Brulee with Baileys Whip Cream. The desert was the most delicious part of the meal.

I enjoyed the dinner and I’m grateful for it.

Exams!!!

This week for me was filled with exams one after the other and indeed for every other student here at UPEI.
In preparation for these exams, I studied during spring break and spent long hours studying and going to bed after 3:00am in the morning most of the time.
At UPEI this week, when you approach a student and ask, “What are you up to?” They all will reply, “I just had an exam or I have an exam tomorrow or I’m studying for an exam.” It was also my answer to students.
Not much sleep was being taken. I was disappointed and I am sure many of you will have the same impression if you studied for a course the material you think will be on the exam and to your suppose half or more than half of the materials are not there. That really is annoying. We all must be prepared for whatever comes our way. Life hit you when you are not expecting it right?
However look at the bright side, they are all almost done with for NOW… I also have one on Monday and more soon to come including the FINALS!

Does God Exist Debate

Last night I attended a debate discussing the topic, “Does God exist?”
It was a great debate. It was hosted by the political society and debated by two UPEI professors. Dr. Joe Velaidum agreed to the statement that God exist and Dr. Malcolm Murray debated on the terms of the belief of atheist. Dr. Murray described God’s existence as an old man up in the sky with a bed and even to unicorns. This was very insulting with no supporting evidence. However, Dr. Velaidum debated that God did exist, and that we see it every day, because we are living, and that proves it all.
There was a question from a student and it stated that if atheists don’t believe in God do they have evil upon them. Dr. Valaidum pointed out that “In fact believers are face with more evil or temptations than atheists.” On the other hand Dr. Murray out that atheists, are not face with evil-which I certainly reject!
Overall it was a provaocative debate. Many people came to watch.

Words from Shavado Gibson

My Spring Break at UPEI

Spring Break at The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), started February 13. This was my first encounter of spring break in a cold country. Some call spring break, reading week or study break and is ostensibly intended to allow students to catch up on their studies.

Frankly, many UPEI students took advantage of spring break and travelled to various provinces of Canada like Ontario, Nova Scotia or Newfoundland to visit family and friends or even to some other place where it is warm like Florida to get away from the cold weather. After many students left, residence at UPEI felt like a “dead zone” where it was so quiet. It was only 10% of students left here at residence.

During spring break, I experienced a few winter sports for the first time. Theses were organized by the International student advisors. They sporting event included, ice skating, skiing, tubing and curling, which were all filled with lots of excitement
As a first time ice skater, I was astonished by the fact that I didn’t even hit the ground once. During skiing, it was some what different, because every time I went to be pulled up the hill by the ‘Lift’ I fell; which was hilarious. But in the end I got to learn some rules for skiing, like making an ‘A’ shape with the skis in order to come to a stop.
Tubing was the most enjoyable event to me, because it involved going down a hill of ice on a tube whilst sitting in it. What made it more interesting was when every one tied the tubes together and went down at once. I certainly admired the magnificent views, majestic snow capped mountains and the adrenaline rush as I slid down ski hills of Brookvale Provincial Ski Park on tubes and skis.

Curling, on the other hand was also interesting. It involved sliding an 80lbs object that is called a ‘rock’ along the ice and getting it into a circle. In order for this to work, we were instructed to tape one of our feet with tape, so one can be slippery on the ice and the other feet use as the grip feet. It was pretty cool sliding on the ice also.
At first it was difficult getting the rock into the circle. To do this we bent down on one knee and like if you were racing and hard a sweeper in one hand for balance and slid the rock across.
I slip down a few times doing this. But I enjoyed it. This event was even more filled with enthusiasm, when we formed a team; girls against boys; The MVP of the boys game was yours truly, because I knocked the girl’s rock out of the circle twice to capture the win for the boys. I felt proud of myself as a first time player.

However with all the fun time I had, I was studying as well and doing homework assignments and I am still in the process of studying for my mid-term exams on next week.
Spring break is now coming to an end so quickly and students are now returning at UPEI.

These have been words from Shavado Gibson.
Thanks for reading.
Comments on my blog are more than welcome.

Spring Break and Valentine Day

UPEI has break for Spring Break. Many students at Residence have left to go back home to their families or just went away to enjoy Spring Break some where else. The residence feels absolutely empty. However, as for me, I get to stay in PEI. Subsequently, I will be studying, completing assignments and of course having a great time and enjoying the Canadian weather.I will be going ice skating next week and to Summer Side. It is like a 45 mintute drive from Charlottetown. School will resume on 23rd February.

Today is Valentine Day. I will like to say Happy Valentine’s Day to all lovers out there. To those who are not in love I still wish them Happy Valentine’s Day because I am sure they are loved by some one.
Valentine's Day with all its charisma and magnetism brings love in the air, scarlet color of roses painting the town with the vibrancy of love and romance make every heart eager to say it loud, 'I Love You' coz'...it's the Valentine's Day. This is a perfect occasion that marks the sharing of numerous symbols of loves as Valentine gifts among the lovers.

Here are two Valentine poems for all! Enjoy!

Valentine Treasures
Valentine treasures are people whohave often crossed your mind,family, friends and others, too,who in your life have shinedthe warmth of love or a spark of lightthat makes you remember them;no matter how long since you’ve actually met,each one is a luminous gemwho gleams and glows in your memory,bringing special pleasures,and that’s why this Valentine comes to you:You’re one of those sparkling treasures!
By Joanna Fuchs

I Corinthians 13
Valentine's Day is a day of love,For showing that we care,And if we read the Bible,God describes love there:
If we speak like celestial angelsFrom heaven up above,All our words mean nothingIf we don’t have Christian love.
Love is patient, love is kind;It doesn’t brag or boast;Love conquers pride and envy;It is never self-engrossed.
Love is not rude or angry;Forgiveness counters wrong;Love stays away from evil;It sings a truthful song.
Love is full of trust and hope;It always perseveres;Love never fails; It’s faithful;To the Bible it adheres.
And if you give this kind of loveTo your special Valentine,You’ll be loving right in harmonyWith God’s own sweet design.
By Joanna Fuchs

International Development Week…Learning new things

This week was International Development Week. There were many events happening on and off campus.
On Sunday I attended a mass session at the Chaplain on campus. It was great and different. When I went up for unleavened bread I had to place the sign of the cross. In addition no one was offered any grape juice. I was confused because back home we take the bread and juice after. Well I since its different here, there will be different practices. However, it was a great mass.
Tuesday was very terrible. There was a snow storm. UPEI was forced to close for the remaining of the day. I went to the hospital to visit a friend also. It was difficult to see on the road. It was nasty. There was about 15cm-20cm of snow. As I walked my feet were deep into the snow. It was a blizzard. It was the first snow storm I have experienced. I find it as a great experience despite the complaints from the locals of PEI.
On Wednesday UPEI was delayed about 2 hours because of the snow storm from Tuesday. As I step outside on Wednesday morning to go to the cafeteria, the snow was like a heap of sand. But the workers got the paths cleared for students’ access to and from classes.
On Thursday, I got up at 7:20am for an 8:20am education class. It is a 3 hour class also. After class, at 11:30am, I attended a Documentary on the daughters of Afghanistan and how they were fighting for equal rights. This was interesting for me and I got to learn much out of it. Next I at 12:30pm I attended a Student Symposium on Women in Development. Here, UPEI, Aboriginal community and high students discussed issues affecting women in development. This was hosted by Education students.
Finally, on Friday there was a Fundraising Luncheon for the UPEI Dr. Vianne Timmons International Award Fund at 12:00pm at the Rodd Royalty Inn. I was fortunate to sit at the Lieutenant Governor Barbara Hagerman table and right next to her. I felt so great and special. It was awesome. I had a great conversation with her also. She is very sociable, person. She was longing to see me too. She said that she will invite me to her ‘mansion’ soon, which I am eagerly looking forward to. There were great performances at the Luncheon also.
It is like a tradition she does every year. She calls it a Family mentor Programme. At her table there was a Nigerian, Saudi Arabian, Korean, Chinese and Bahamian (myself). I got the pleasure to meet her husband, who is very nice. I met other government officials such as the Minister of Education and Minister of Finance.
I also got the chance The President of UPEI. I felt great and felt like an official myself.
Poinciana was also there along with two other Bahamian ladys name, Kristy and Tehillah. There were scholarship awards being granted to students as well.
Friday night was International Night at the Wave, which is the university club that is located on campus. First there was a Sweatshop fashion where UPEI students showed off their clothing from different companies such as Addidas and Nike and were looking photo genetic. A UPEI student from Jamaica name Shurone and I were the announcers at the Sweatshop Fashion Show. So I think I am being very active at UPEI already which is very good.
There was an International Trivia, which consisted of asking and answering questions and receiving prizes. A band name the Quantun Cats Band also gave a performance at the Wave. Afterwards, Dj J-Rod came and played a few tunes.
Overall, I must say this week was very exciting for me and I certainly enjoyed it.
School is going well for me. I took a mid-term exam on Monday which was ok. I have a Math exam on Tuesday. So have to study for it.
Until next time, this is all.

Words from Shavado

Take advantage of study abroad experiences

Study abroad experiences are an enormous asset to your resume and scholastic experience. The distinction of having studied in a foreign country for a session, semester, or year, can be invaluable to your future career in today's competitive job market.
How does a future full of opportunities, excitement, and traveling the world sound? It almost seems too good to be true, but it isn’t at all. Studying abroad can be a major benefit to students. Not only will you enjoy your time in another country but you will create a lot of open doors for your future.
As for me attend the University of Prince Edward Island as an Exchange Student from The Bahamas was the most rewarding opportunity in my life. This study abroad experience allow me to understand myself better and what I can achieve. It help me to develop stronger as an individual. I got the opportunity to experience a completel diiferent cukture. By this I develop the ability to thrive and adapt to a culture different from my own, which I must say is a plus.
I am being exposed to major things like sledding, skiing, skating- any that I have ever done.We must truly appreciate and enjoy the opportunities in life.
An author by the name of Angina H. Wilson described five such characteristics of a globally competent person and how they could be demonstrated as having: “substantive knowledge, perceptual understanding, capacity for personal growth, ability to develop international interpersonal relations, and the ability to be a cultural mediator.”
These characteristics do not emerge in classrooms. They grow as people function in a foreign culture. If we truly believe that these characteristics are important enough to be encouraged in studying abroad, then we need to look carefully at how growth in these areas can be measured--not only to permit students to acquire credit but to raise the development of these characteristics to the level of importance that academic credit bestows.

However, my classes are going fine. I have a mid-term exam for Biology on Monday. We had a snow storm yesterday night.
I am continuing to strive and do my best in school. I feel like I belong here, because I know many people and getting g involve in many school activities. But that’s how it suppose to be..

Words from Shavado

Loving UPEI

Hello everyone,
Everything is working out well. My classes are going fine.
I met many students from all walks of life at UPEI. The cafeteria food is alright.
The next great thing is that I have a room to myself, becasue my roomamte have not show up as yet(hope he doesn't). I have alot of homework to do. The professors are just giving it-but hey this is university right? Take a laugh at this- I went into the cafeteria one morning and asked if they had any grits, the person who served me smile and said," nope we dnt have grits." But hey at least I still get scramble eggs and french toast and orange juice-which is very enjoyable.
Hey some of my new friends want me to sign up to become an Residence Life Advisor (RLA). Sounds interesting. On Friday, I will be attending a Meet and Greet Meeting.. I will get to meet new international students and old international students which I think is awesome.
Speech from Shavado
Peace

Becoming an achiever

Helloo...
My classes are going well at University of Prince Edward Island. The lecturers are great and helps you when you need them
I actually enjoy them all..
I went to my first hockey game on Thursday 8th January (unfortunately the UPEI Panthers loss 4-2). On Saturday I went to the International Student's Orientation. It was very informative and I learnt a whole lot from it. They discussed the do's and don'ts at UPEI. They explained how we can get involve in activities such as clubs, sports and many others that seems very interesting. I also met new international students from China, Nigeria, India and many other places. in addition I have met Bahamian students as well.
I realize how important this trip is to me.. I will like to give thanks to Mr. Russell, Dr. Davis, and the President of COB and all the other participants of this wonderful programme for allowing me to have such opportunity to study somewhere i have nevr been before.. I love the snow..(It is like minus 20 degrees here and the sun is out..I find it hilarious). Moreover, I also went sleding on Sunday which was pretty awesome and a great exposure to something new. Honestly anything that i have never tried before, i am eager to try it.
This opportunity is one of a kind because, I got to see, and do things differently from The Bahamas-which is super. I do not have a roommate as yet...
Indeed this Exchange Programme was a marvelous idea that COB has initiated for students. Any one will definitely take such opportunity(I hope I get another opportunity like this again). We must all be grateful for such opportunity also, because we might not have been the ones who were selected-their could have been others here right now.
This is like a dream come true for me.I will try to do my endeavour best and know i will succeed and be an achiever will schooling in Canada. I hope to soar like and eagle and remain focus in my school work.
This is all until next time..

An extraordinry adventure

Well I'm finally in Canada!!!wow!
Had some problems at Toronto airport with the Immigration....
They kept me there for like an hour and a half..waiting on a letter or some confirmation from the school stating that I am actually a student there.
It sucked..almost missed my flight..I was getting frustrated...The lady immigration officer was not what I expected.. But fortunately I ot on my flight in time to Montreal.
It was alot of travelling too. ut the same ime I enjoyed it and was anticipated and excited to reach my final destination. Ponciana and I arrive in Charlotte Town about 12:00pm local time.. We each got to the school safely. I touched and saw snow for the first time..amazing. I went to a hockey game for the first time also..Starting to meet new students.. Hope to start my classes soon. Have no roommate as yet.. I love it here!!