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