Bishop's University Blogs

Well, the time has come. I completed my last final today and can happily say I am done my second year. In addition to completing classes, I have completed my employment with the university. My late nights at John Bassett Memorial library have come to an end as I am not returning to Bishop’s next year; I just couldn’t stay away from the prairies!

I would like to use this blog post to recount all the wonderful things Bishop’s has to offer and to thank all those who have contributed to my BU experience. Whether you are graduating this spring, have a few more years, or are an incoming student, I hope you love your time at Bishop’s has been equally amazing.

Bishop’s has the nicest people

I’ve had the chance to get to know a lot of people over the past two years and can say, with confidence, they will do anything to help you out. Whether it’s giving you a ride to Provigo because you’re lazy or letting you borrow their notes, the BU crowd is not afraid to help out. This is extremely evident with the number of clubs and organizations offered at Bishop’s. For a small university, there is something for everyone. I urge you to get involved somehow, regardless of what it is. It’s the easiest way to contribute to something that is meaningful. You have the chance to avoid being apathetic – take it.

Bishop’s makes you reach for more than a degree

Had I not chosen Bishop’s, I would not have been given to chance to contribute to an amazing student newspaper. The Campus was a way to write something that wasn’t in APA format and learn a little somethin’ somethin’ about CP Style. I have been lucky enough to have one of the best jobs on campus as Student Ambassador (I’m not biased or anything)! As a communications intern, I think I discovered that it was something I would like to do forever. Let me tell you, that is quite the revelation for a student. In September 2009, I was given the opportunity to write with this blog. Before I had even started my program I was writing about the application process and moving-away-from-home jitters. For all those considering BU, I think that opportunity explains it all. By the end of four years, I can almost guarantee that piece of paper will not be nearly as memorable as the things you achieved while working towards it. Cliché, but true.

We have the coolest faculty, administration, and alumni

Tim Hortons meetings? Check. Supper with the entire student ambassador team? Check. Pizza at my house with an alumnus? Check. Beer at the Lion with a prof? Check. I’ve met some pretty remarkable people who have done some VERY remarkable things. Bishop’s is the community you think it is. That whole “eight degrees of separation thing” was probably invented because of this school. Anyone working with, or for the university has an interest in you. They aren’t interested because your tuition fees bought him or her a new coffee maker, but because they’re people too. My tip? Be interested in them because there is a lot worth knowing.

Furthermore, a special thanks goes out to the Recruitment and Admissions Office as well as the University Advancement Office. Without you folks, my Bishop’s experience would not be nearly as wonderful. To all the students I’ve spent time with, whether it was for countless hours in the Dollhouse or mere seconds as we passed each other on the bridge, thank you. I’m pretty lucky to have met  so many people who say pants with a certain drawl. Little do you know, it really IS pronounced “pahnts”. Finally, to the professors and administrators, thank you for making me interested in education. I might hate Marx, but you have all encouraged me that one can never be overeducated and I intend to test that hypothesis.

May your purple journeys be as wonderful as mine was!

 

Cheers,

Emily Demyen

Tags: Bishop's, Emily, experience, goodbye, memories, opportunity

Hello BU!

I arrived home from The Big Apple last night, and I’m so excited to tell you all about my National Model UN experience!

The delegation of Australia (Bishop’s) was up and headed to New York bright and early on April 1st on a bus with Université de Sherbrooke, who were representing the delegation of Japan. There’s not much to tell about the bus ride, other than that it was long! I fell asleep a couple times, but I think we drove through Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut before finally driving into New York. I’ve never been to New York City before, but my first impression of the city was great! We drove into Times Square (our hotel was right there!) and there were lights and people everywhere. For those of you who’ve never been, Times Square is just like all the pictures you’ve seen, but better.

Monday was mostly a free day to roam around the city. Myself and a couple others spent the day touring Battery Park, Wall Street, China Town, the SoHo area, Washington Park, Madison Square Park, and Central Park. (a lot of parks, I know!). To end the day, we had a team dinner to kick start our week at the National Model UN conference.

Tuesday evening was the Opening Ceremonies. There were various speakers, and the Secretary General expressed what became the motto of the week’s events: Hope for everlasting peace. Directly following the speeches, we all ran off to find our committee rooms to begin the first session. The Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) session began promptly, and my partner, Ekavi, and I soon began negotiating with other delegations about possible resolutions.

Wednesday and Thursday were continuations of Tuesday, except with more intense negotiations, lots of speeches, some disagreements, and some compromises. Thursday was referred to as “Hell Day,” because we were basically on the go from sunrise to sunset. Our professor, Dr. Mckeen-Edwards, and our Head Delegates, Ian and Alex, made sure to make rounds during the day to ensure that we were all eating and drinking and staying alive. They did a phenomenal job, and we managed to live through the day. It was exhausting, but I really enjoyed it. Australia in the CND had made great progress on working paper with the delegations from the US, Sudan, Brazil, and Venezuela. We finalized our sponsor and signatory lists, and by Friday morning we had submitted our working paper for a final time where it received the title of Draft Resolution 1-1.

By the second last session on Friday afternoon, 6 draft resolutions had been submitted, and delegations were scrambling to ensure votes for their resolutions. On Friday evening, the speaker’s list was closed, the debate was closed, and the voting session began. All the draft resolutions passed, but I was very excited with the one that I worked on; Draft Resolution 1-1 was the only one to pass by acclimation, which means that no one voted against it. The night got even more exciting when Australia in the CND was named for the Delegates’ Choice award, along with the US and Israeli delegations. At our debrief that night, I found out that another one of the Australia delegations also won the Delegates’ Choice award in their committee, and two more of our teams were recognized for their Position Papers.

On Saturday, the resolutions that passed in individual committees were presented to their larger bodies. The CND is overseen by ECOSOC, so we went to the ECOSOC voting session, where Resolution 1-1 passed again. The closing ceremonies also took place on Saturday in the UN building. The NMUN closed on a very high note, as the Australian Delegation was named as a Distinguished Delegation. The Secretary General again emphasized “hope for everlasting peace,” congratulated us on our work, and adjourned the meeting until next year.

We ended the entire week with a group dinner, a limo ride through Times Square, and a group picture in Times Square, holding the Bishop’s flag, singing Raise a Toast. Then we got all dressed up, went to the “Delegate Ball” for a little bit, slept for a couple hours, and travelled back early yesterday morning. While Lennoxville is certainly no Times Square, it’s nice to be back!

What I learned this week went far beyond how diplomacy works. While I got to learn valuable lessons about the workings of the UN, what I really took out of the experience had more to do with friendship than it did politics. What started out as diplomatic negotiations between delegations ended in hugs, invitations to countries around the world, and new friends (both in real life, and on Facebook).

I have to apologize for the length of my post this time around! It was hard to keep it short and sweet when I had so much to say. For those of you interested, I highly recommend you apply for the Model UN class next year. I have become comfortable with public speaking, I am more confident, and I have made great new connections with people from Bishop’s and beyond. All in all, it was a phenomenal experience and I would recommend it to everyone! If you want to know anything more about my Model UN experience, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me (lcavanagh10@ubishops.ca).

Good luck on all your finals, Gaiters!

Cheers,
Lo

Students have been raising awareness for a new project. The signs have been placed all over campus and several student notices have been sent out. Once again, BU students are getting involved for a cause.

The new “Reinvent Your Library” campaign has taken off. The website (reinventyourlibrary) has some good information on the project.

Students are being asked to vote in a referendum from March 20-22. Voting yes implies you agree to a student contribution of $25 per semester. The Student Representative Council (SRC) has commissioned this project and encourages students to come out and have their say. The contribution from students will represent more than $1 million towards the new library. The additional fees will help support long-term as well as immediate improvements for the library.

Think there’s something missing from the library? It is possible to add your two cents by filling out a form on the website. The form confirms student’s opinions as an important part of the reinvention. Bruno Gnassi, wants to hear your comments.

So, come out and vote this week.

The voting times and locations are as follows:

Tuesday March 20:

9AM-4PM S.U.B. Lobby

5PM-7PM Dewhurst Dining Hall

7PM- 10PM Library Lobby

 

Wednesday March 22:

9AM-4PM S.U.B. Lobby

5PM-7PM Dewhurst Dining Hall

7PM-10PM Library Lobby

 

Thursday March 22:

9AM-4PM S.U.B. Lobby

5PM-7PM Dewhurst Dining Hall

7PM-10PM Library Lobby

Tags: alumni, Bishop's, Initiatives, Library, Reinvent

I’m going to let you guys in on a little secret. Here it goes. You have the ability to make a difference. Most of those reading this don’t know me. In fact, some of you may not care what I have to say.

I’m going to assume that many of you have seen the Kony videos appearing on Facebook and Twitter. I’m also going to assume that some of you haven’t taken the time to watch it.

WATCH IT NOW. RIGHT HERE:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4MnpzG5Sqc

I think you should. I think it’s really worth your while. While you check out the new sale items at Sears, Best Buy, or Aritizia, you could be making a difference. That’s what Bishop’s has taught us. Whether you’re a prospective, current, or former student, you are aware that this is not a passive university. This school does not allow you to hide behind your books and accept the world as it is. The more you learn, the more you care. So, please watch the video.

Sure, it seems a little aggressive, but that’s the point of life, isn’t it? I’ve spent a few too many hours on Pinterest and have come across a quote that always sticks with me. If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough. Use your voice to get important messages out.

The opportunity I was given this year has changed my life. A career in communications in not just about ‘branding’. I want to do what so many other students at BU want to do – I want to change lives and make people care.

My whole life people have told me to do what I love because working for forty years can get tiresome. I have used my time at Bishop’s to find out what I can see myself doing for the next while until I retire and ride off into the sunset. The most important thing I have learned from my internship is that media will be your best friend if you let it. You can use it to your benefit, even if you type with two fingers and have a typing speed of 12 WPM.

Please help the countless children in the world who are not given a childhood. Share the video, tell everyone you know, and together, we will make a difference.

In a few months I can write a story explaining how citizens took charge and changed the world, but only with your help. This is what Bishop’s is – a community. Get onboard and get active. Spice up your life and change someone else’s.

Visit the site here:

http://s3.amazonaws.com/kony2012/kony-2.html

 

Bleed purple,

Emily

Tags: 2012, BU, Change, Communications, Facebook, Internship, Justice, Kony, Twitter

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

Tags: Donald Lecture Series, Economics, Events, Jesse Jackson, Politics

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

Tags: Botanical Garden, Melbourne, Zoo

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!

Tags: Australia, Bishop's, Exchange, Flights, Travel

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

Tags: alumni, Exchange, graduation, school, Travel