Bishop's University Blogs

Hey guys,

So, as many of you know, Jesse Jackson came to Bishop’s last Wednesday. He spoke as a contributor of the Donald Lecture Series. The series is made possible by the generous support of Bishop’s alumnus John Donald ’60, The Donald Lecture Series brings speakers of national and international renown to the Bishop’s campus to provide insight, provoke thought, and stimulate debate on the most compelling issues and events in the world today. Jesse Jackson did just that.

The lecture was streamed online, boasting almost 150 viewers. As Jesse Jackson took his place at the podium in Centennial, voices became hushed and the applause died down. He wore a navy blue suit and the gold buttons glistened under the lights. As he spoke, his glasses were gently perched on his nose. This was a man people came to see. This was a man who encouraged change.

Jesse Jackson has done remarkable things. I could write an entire blog about them and still miss a few. He covered topics from racism, the war on terror, and religion. Jackson noted his organization, Rainbow PUSH Coalition (http://www.rainbowpush.org/).

I urge students to attend the lectures when possible. They are thought-provoking and free! Can’t go wrong with that, can you?

Emily

Photo courtesy of ubishops.ca

Hey Gaiters!

This past Saturday, the Bishop’s Model UN team (along with schools including McGill, University of Ottawa, and Université de Sherbrooke) participated in Quebec Model United Nations (QMUN), hosted by Université de Sherbrooke.

My partner and I represented the Syrian Arab Republic in the UN General Assembly Plenary Committee. To prepare, we researched Syria extensively. Specifically, we looked into the two topics in the background guide that we were given: New Approaches to Nuclear Non-Proliferation and the Impacts of Migration on Development. This research involved looking into specific governmental policies, international treaties that had been signed (for example, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty), and finding out which countries we, as Syria, get along with or not. Not surprisingly, we found that Syria doesn’t get along with many countries, and many of its governmental policies have been subject to a considerable amount of criticism by the international community.

At QMUN, the agenda was set in such a way that we discussed New Approaches to Nuclear Non-Proliferation first. This led to some interesting and heated debates with other delegations during informal caucusing. Because of Syria’s stance on nuclear energy, and the allegations it has faced over the years, it was difficult at times to work with other countries. We ended up writing a resolution with some Middle Eastern and Latin American countries that focused on the development of a Nuclear-Weapons-Free-Zone in the Middle East. The aim of the resolution was to promote the use of nuclear energy for peaceful uses, and give Member States the necessary resources to engage in self-monitoring strategies in regards to nuclear capabilities. We also added our names as signatories on other resolutions that had similar frameworks that we wanted to see go to vote.

After a jam-packed day of informal caucusing, formal session, hearing speeches, giving a speech and a whole lot of talking, we got to vote on the resolutions that had been written over the course of the day. The voting procedure is quite lengthy. After some deliberation and numerous changes, Draft Resolution 1-1 passed to become Resolution 1. Unfortunately, because of time constraints, we were only able to review one of the nine draft resolutions.

Although exhausted by the end of QMUN, I realized that I quite enjoyed the experience. I am getting more out of this class than I originally expected. I am improving my communication and critical thinking skills, gaining confidence in public speaking, and I am learning vast amounts of information about the international community. With hopes of pursuing a second degree to become a nurse after I’m done at BU, I think these skills will go a long way. For anyone interested in learning a lot about yourself and the world around you, I highly recommend applying for this course next year! It is becoming one of the many highlights of my Bishop’s experience, and I am looking forward to continue working towards NMUN in New York.

Until my next update, ta ta for now!
Lo

G’day BU! Your neighbourhood traveler Laura here. Come to update you on the beauty that is Melbourne!! When school starts I will be living in Geelong, which is an hour away from the center of Melbourne (pronounced by the Australians as “mel-bun”), but this last week I was in West Footscray with a friend Mel (also from BU). From there Melbourne has a huge train, bus, and tram system and you can get on any of these all day for 4$ with a valid student card.  Thus, we travelled to the Melbourne Zoo where you can loads of cool animals; my favourite were the Koalas, Kangaroos, Wallabies, Wombats, Echidnas, and Red pandas. I really wanted to see the Platypus, but the exhibit was closed for the day  (thus stay tuned for future sightings). We went to the Botanical Gardens, which are beautiful. It’s one of the biggest differences from Canada to Australia: that all of the Fauna (the trees and plants) are TOTALLY different (which as a biologist- I find cool). We also were in Federation Square for Australia day. The fireworks over the Yarra River were spectacular, and later we sat in Fed. Square and watched the Australian Open on a huge T.V. Then we hoped on a train to the Mornington Peninsula, where we went to the beach and went to Arthur’s Seat, with has a beautiful look-out over the bay. We were then driven to Phillip islands to see the penguin parade! It was well worth it! They were SO cute, and literally inches away. Hopefully I’ll get more internet soon and be able to tell you about New South Wales and the East Coast.
Cheers

Hello BU! Thinking of getting some travelling done, travel the world, see the sights…. STOP! … and read this first. I am travelling to Australia on exchange, so this is my guide to how to travel on a flight that’s longer than a Buffy marathon (Now I just KNOW someone will say this is a bad example so: Firefly marathon? Better? I thought as much).

First, have duplicates of all of your essential paperwork. And have it in a separate piece of luggage, and/or at home with someone who checks their phone messages or e-mail more than once a month. This may seem tedious or unnecessary, but is SO worth it if anything should happen.

Next bring something to do on the plane. I’m hoping that there are the cool in seat personal movie screens but just in case I have: charged my Ipod, gotten audiobooks, brought “go fish” cards, brought a head pillow, and sudoku puzzles. Also food is WONDERFUL. There’s nothing better than getting through customs and having chocolate.

Pack light! I read MANY backpacking websites that all said “pack your bags, then take half your clothes out”. Now, that is easier said than done I know. While I am currently feeling like I’ll be wearing one shirt for my 5 months in Australia I am also sure there will be shopping and I will be thankful my bags aren’t full when I have to bring back a whole bunch of souvenirs.

Bring CANADIAN things. Currently I am bringing 5 L of maple syrup, maple candies, Canada pins, a Canada sweater, and a huge Canadian flag. Ok, maybe I went a bit overboard, but at least they’ll know I’m Canadian

Have at least your first few days planned, so that when you get off your 30 hours of travel you don’t have to stress about finding a place to sleep or transit from the airport.

Finally, have FUN! Travelling is an adventure! I mean, how many times in your life will you be able to travel to Japan, or France, or ? Make the best of it! Bishop’s is unique in it’s ample opportunities to go on exchange, and pay BU tuition – so if you are thinking about going on exchange DO IT! Because it is exciting. I should know, I’m sitting in Pearson Airport waiting for my flight. See you in Oz!

G’day Mates!

Hey everyone!

I am relatively new to this blogging thing (my only experience being the blogs I wrote for the Frosh Week 2010 Special) – but I am excited to be writing again! For those of you that don’t know who I am, I’ll give you a quick introduction…

My name is Lauren, but here at Bishop’s, I usually respond to “Lo.” I’m from Halifax, and I am a second year Gaiter. I am working towards a major in Political Studies with a double minor in International Studies and Religion.

Why I’m really blogging right now though, is to tell you about what I’ve got going on this semester! I’m taking some really wicked classes, including International Law & Human Rights, Canadian Foreign Policy, and (why I’m really writing), the United Nations Practicum course. With that said, I’ll dive right into some details of the UN Practicum, and my experience so far!

Last semester, a call went out to Politics students who were interested in participating in the UN Practicum. A team was to be chosen to participate in the 2012 National Model United Nations (NMUN) in New York. I have always been very interested in the workings of the UN, but to have the chance to travel to NY in April for NMUN and receive credits for it was an added bonus! I’ll skip over all the boring details, but after an interview and a little bit of time, I was fortunate enough to be chosen for the team.

Preparing for NMUN is no small task. There are rules upon rules to learn – from the procedural workings of a UN meeting to the actual stance the country I am representing has on certain issues. Many universities (schools from all over the world) have been preparing for months already! In order to prepare, we will be taking classes, and participating in Quebec Model United Nations, as well as a series of simulations alongside L’Université de Sherbrooke. I experienced my first simulation last Monday night, where my partner and I represented Ethiopia. To be very honest, I was a bit overwhelmed. There is a kind of organized chaos about the whole process. However, dressed in business formal and looking confident, I did my best to keep in mind that I probably wasn’t the only one who was slightly intimidated by the process. By the end of the simulation, I had gained a sense of how it all worked, and acquired knowledge that will be valuable for my next simulation, which will take place tomorrow night.

Once April rolls around and we are in NY, BU will be representing Australia. Each set of partners has been assigned to represent a different UN committee from Australia’s point of view. My partner and I will be representing the Commission for Narcotic Drugs. While the class is proving to be a lot of hard work, I am very excited, and I am confident that the work will pay off through the knowledge I am gaining from the experience.

Should anything exciting, shocking or interesting occur in the coming months of my NMUN days, I’ll be sure to blog about it for any of you interested in my adventures!

Cheers,
Lo

I don’t mean to sound like every other student out there, but here it goes: why is my undergrad going by so quickly? It’s my second week of the winter semester and I can hardly believe I’m almost halfway done. No wonder people go to grad school. Shout out to all of our wonderful alum: what would you recommend doing after your undergrad?

Some people have suggested traveling, which sounds nice. Except that I will probably be a littttle too in debt for that. I guess that’s what exchanges are for! I am currently going through the exchange process. I’m headed to the bustling metropolis of Regina, SK. My goal is to gain employment in the homeland when I’ve completed my undergrad so I am looking forward to taking classes at home. There are a TON of Sociology classes to pick from. I’m particularly interested in Sociology of Disaster.

For those who are a little more adventurous, there are a ton of other options. I’ve written about the exchange program before (http://blog.ubishops.ca/blog/?p=1288). From what I have heard, it is an amazing experience. Bishop’s is the perfect place if you’re interested in going on an exchange. We have a variety of partnerships to suite your needs. Being at a smaller school, you won’t have to climb over people in order to be accepted for the exchange.

Some things to note:
1.) Doing an exchange is a great way to expand your world view (new surroundings, language, people, and educational experience)
2.) You pay your Bishop’s tuition in the normal manner
3.) Any student with a cumulative GPA of 70% who has completed 30 credits in a degree program at Bishop’s is eligible to apply
4.) You can pick up an application from Lillian Rogerson (McGreer Hall, 2nd floor, beside admissions)
5.) The deadline is FEBRUARY 15.

Anywho, I am currently on the letter of intent part of my application. After writing and rewriting the first sentence about thirteen times I’ve decided a break is in order. My breaks include reading novels. I selected some very reading-intensive courses this semester. Bad idea? Maybe if you hate reading. Not me, folks. I am in a love/hate relationship with this semester. While staying up until 2 am to finish a book is nice, waking up early for class is not. My course load includes three sociology courses and two journalism courses. I can’t wait to get back into my groove.

If you went on exchange, are on exchange, have thought about exchange or just want to chat, post a comment or send me an e-mail (edemyen10@ubishops.ca).

Until next time,
Emily

Now that Christmas has passed your bank account may be lacking some funds. Interested in working full-time this summer and don’t know where to start? The Career & Employment Centre offers different services which are included in your Student Services fees. If you click the Student Services link on the BU website you can meander your way to the Career & Employment page. You can look at job postings and job searching tips.

They offer certain workshops which can help you figure out the big question in university (What am I doing with my life?). A workshop I attended earlier this semester was quite helpful. We did several personality tests and other aptitude tests. From there, we were able to make individual appointments to go over our results and hopefully direct our paths according to the careers we were interested in.

I recommend applying for the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) if you are looking for a range of job opportunities. Once you complete the application process your resume is submitted to a job bank. You will be selected to apply for certain positions depending on your skills and field of study. Last summer, I was selected to apply for a summer position with Service Canada. Some job requirements included helping citizens find jobs and general office duties. The application process is straight-forward and worth it. Working for the government is a great way to make good money and get some experience in your field. Also, once you submit your application you can relax and wait to hear back. The only drawback to these positions is that the applications are due soon.
You can also check out your provincial government for their summer employment programs. I applied for a similar format (a job bank) with my own government. Either way, it’s always nice to have an idea of where you might be working this summer. I’m not sure about anyone else but it was a relief knowing that I had a well-paying job lined up for the summer. Some of my friends waited until the beginning of May to search for similar job opportunities and were left rather discouraged.

Good luck on the job hunt and hopefully you end up doing something relatively enjoyable. Working is a lot different than student life. Hope you’re all enjoying the break!

Emily

Hey everyone! Now that finals are underway everyone is suddenly not sleeping, eating, or working. Just kidding. Kind of. Personally, I worked hard throughout the semester so that finals would not be the death of me. Luckily, I only have one final. I just happen to have a trillion papers. Welcome to the Arts, kids. If you’ve been to the library lately you’ll be able to realize it’s kind of a gathering spot. You may or may not have seen me lounging in the lobby complaining about all the work I have to do. I’ve created a few tips to get you through exams. They work for me, but may not help you. My roommate, Sofie, is content to stay up until 9 a.m. doing work. Me? Not so much.
Here they are:
1.) Get some sleep. Anything you try to absorb will vanish from your mind if you aren’t sleeping. Obviously coffee and energy drinks can extend your studying window a little more but please, if there’s one thing you do, get some rest. It’s definitely worth it.
2.) Pack some snacks. I don’t exactly follow this. In fact, I’m pretty sure I’ve spent more money at Tim Horton’s and Doolittle’s than I have on groceries in quite some time. It’s nice to bring some healthy snacks or comfort food from home. Sure your backpack is going to weigh more than a pregnant elephant, but it will be worth it. Plus, you can count the trek to the library as exercise. That counts, doesn’t it? Some ideas for snacks include: almonds, fruit, vegetables (if you’re into that sort of thing, bleh), granola bars, pb&j sandwiches, and a thermos with soup. DO NOT bring loud snacks (carrots, rustle-y bags of anything) and sit near me because I will give you dirty looks.
3.) Wear something comfortable. This is exam time; it’s perfectly acceptable to wear leggings/sweats/wind pants/yoga pants/pajamas/onesies/whatever every single day. I have worn jeans once in the last two weeks and only because we had a Christmas party. Rock the slippers (I prefer the knitted ones your grandma probably made), sweaters, and soft t-shirts. Skip the make-up because, let’s be honest, you’re beautiful without it! Also, you’re in the library for twelve hours and it may feel gross after a ten minutes. Guys, I know Movember is over, but let the scruff do its thing. After a month of your patchy facial hair, we’re all used to it anyways.
4.) Don’t stress yourself out. Realistically, finals will not be the death of you. If they are, you need to reevaluate your life, or work harder during the semester. Truth hurts. Take a few deep breaths and remember that once they’re done, you have several weeks of lounging in your Snuggie and hanging out with your family. Also, you will have free food and unlimited internet access. Now isn’t that worth all of the late nights and anxiety?
5.) Do it now. Don’t check Facebook 600 times before you even open Word. Open your textbook or notebook and grab a highlighter. Read for at least ten minutes. You can do it. Once you get started, you’re golden.

Best of luck and enjoy the break!

Emily D.

I was lucky enough to be selected as the Multimedia/Communications Intern for this school year. Some tasks include: managing our social media sites, participating in meetings, and becoming familiar with the school’s happenings. All summer I kept reminding myself I deserved the position, and positive thinking really paid off.
My advice to anyone looking for a job in the future is to give your application a voice. My sister went to school for Human Resources and always placed emphasis on coming across as a ‘real’ person. At Bishop’s, it’s especially important to make your voice heard. You have so many opportunities and platforms to get your message across; it would be a shame to waste it.
I dare each and every one of you to do something you wouldn’t normally do this year. Go swimming, take a crazy elective, make your bed every day. For me, my daring thing was applying for the internship. I honestly didn’t believe I would ever be selected, yet here I am. Bishop’s isn’t the place where you get to sit in your room and avoid human contact. Lennoxville won’t let you do that. Trust me, I’ve tried during exams. Even then, it’s impossible. The best part of the ‘Ville is that those people that harass you to hang out would do anything for you! Don’t let that go to waste.
I’ve been feeling very gung-ho about cherishing the ones you love. Being away from home is making me antsy to return. After watching the movie Country Strong, I came to a realization. After experiencing how great community life is, I have to move to the same kind of place when I’m done school. Lucky for me, where I was born and raised happens to fit into that mold. While all of my friends are off adventuring, I am anticipating prairie life. Challenge yourself and dream big, but don’t be ashamed if your dreams aren’t rock-climbing in Peru. I want to live in a pretty little house (preferably in the country), and get to work from my pretty little office. Pretttty barbaric, eh? There’s nothing wrong with wanting a simple life. I’m happy that this school has guided me in the direction; albeit different than most.
If you’re considering Bishop’s, consider what I’ve said. Ask yourself if you want the opportunity to apply for some really sick internships that will prepare you for the field you’re interested. Ask yourself if you would want to spend a few afternoons doing a career workshop with five other people. Ask yourself if you want to make a difference. Chances are, you will. Timing is everything folks, don’t pass up any chance to do something extraordinary.

Hellloooo! Everyone is getting back into the swing of things. Entering second year, I had my own worries. As mentioned before, I had some anxiety regarding living on my own, cooking my own meals and all of that jazz. I was also a little anxious about class. To my surprise, everything is going very well. My mom has always encouraged me to cook supper (so she wouldn’t have to). On the days that I’m too lazy to make a real meal or failed to prepare ahead of time, I find myself endulging in some cereal and tea. Maybe that will help me work off the Freshman 15 (25, if we’re being honest) I gained? Just kidding.

I’m pretty excited about my classes this semester. I’m taking my first English class this fall – Journalism. So far, I think I’m in love. Potentially a new minor? Bishop’s has such great profs in every faculty. As I branch out of Sociology, I’m beginning to see why everyone promotes taking different classes. I find that the themes and frameworks apply to my field as well. I’ve also decided to take on four class as opposed to five. I would recommend it for anyone who finds themselves spread a little too thin between five classes and activities outside of the classroom. One of my favourite things about Bishop’s is back in action. THE CAMPUS. Everyone should submit a piece of writing. DO IT. It’s a great way to practice your writing, take advantage of your ability to voice your thoughts and to connect with the BU community. You can email thecampus.editor@gmail.com if you want to see what’s happening in the next issue and see how you can contribute.

Apart from class and being busy do the whole living, most students have just been settling back into their routines. Going to the gym, eating healthier and working harder seem to be pretty common resolutions among students. It’s almost like New Year’s resolutions. I’m kind of a flake when it comes to going to the gym, I’m not going to lie. So, a few of my friends and I decided to sign up for a class. The Recreation & Aquatic Program is a great way to commit to a class and get some exercise. In-person registration is officially open and I encourage everyone to at least check out the programs. If you want to see the different classes being offered, visit  http://www.ubishops.ca/recreation/index.html. You can register in the Sportsplex at the control desk (downstairs). Today is the last day (Sept. 15th) so try and get there before 10:00 p.m.

I hope you’re all enjoying the first few weeks of school before it becomes stressful again. I’m addicted to my calendar and agenda and I suggest that you guys follow suit. It’s super helpful!

Take care,

Emily