CHRISTMAS DINNER

I’ll never forget today, the first time that I have chance to try a Christmas Dinner!!!!!

Ladies…

Tomorrow, all of my neighbours will come back their home, thus today we decided to have a Christmas dinner before my friends leave. In Vietnam Christmas is not a traditional event and we also don’t have the Christmas dinner. So today I’m really happy to try it with my nice friends.

Oh my god! At 5:30, the kitchen became very busy and crowded. All people joined in preparing the food and all kitchen tools were used to cook this dinner. Erin, the girl stand in the middle is the chief cook. Oh! She is so nice and her food is really amazing.

We prepared lots of food. We had 2 chickens instead of a big turkey! That’s fine. We also have many vegetable, sausages and bread. The work is so busy that we have to use all of the saucepans and oven that we have.

Erin with Banoffe pie

The most interesting is that I learned the way to make 3 types of cake he he. They are Mince pies, Banoffe pie and another I can’t remember it’s name. Oh these cakes are really yummy. Hopefully, in the future I can make them by myself.

Before eating, we decorate the table first with lots of candle and play the crackle. It was the first time I play this game. It is interesting and I won ha ha. And here is the dinner. Wow it is so nice.

The table before dinner

Oh! I’ll never forget tonight. Now I’m really happy not only because of delicious food but also the things that I’ve learn. I know how a Christmas dinner is, how to make yummy cakes. But more importantly, I realise that now I have a true family. When every people cooked together, ate together, took photos together, talked together, laughed together, I felt really happy. I know that I’m living in the love of all of my friends who are also my sisters and my brothers (because I’m just 17), like a real family. I just want to say thanks to all of my friends because they always take care about me. I really respect them. Mr. Farthing in the Welcoming International Student party said that: Welcome all of you to the Sussex family. The phrase “family” now I understood…

I’ll never forget this moment…

Meet Hank

Hi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

International Student Hank from Vietnam

Hi everybody, I’m Hank. My friend Nick always calls me Tom Hank because it is easier to remember my name (^^). I’m really happy to become a member of this wonderful blog. Nice to meet all of u!!!!!!!!!!

I’m from Vietnam, a small beautiful in the south east of Asia. My country is so hot with many shining beaches and friendly people (like me > <). Believe me! Vietnam is really really great place to travel. Hope that u could have chance to visit my country. I’m sure to be a free tour-guide for u!

About me! I’m 17. I’m studying Media in the Foundation course. Oh I think this course is so interesting and this year I will make a short film. I certainly show this film in our blog when it is completed. I PROMISE! Uhm…

I’m funny and good at cooking and I hope to have more and more friends from all over the world!!!!!!!!!!!

About Sussex!!!!! I’ve just been here for 2 months, 7 days, 18 hours and 36 minutes. Everything is not easy for me. But I’m satisfied with my new life. And I just want to say: I LOVE SUSSEX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Back to Uni….2nd Year..Yaaayyy!!!

Last year, when  I was in my first year and people told me that if I thought 1^st year was hard then 2^nd year would just be terrible,  I thought they  were just playing and trying to scare me!! I mean what could be harder than starting a new year on a course that was quite strange….. but boy have I been proved wrong! This year is so so hard.

After a lovely summer holiday, most of which I spent here in Brighton, working, I was quite excited to get back to school. The holiday had given me adventure through the visits and adventures I had had. I had had time to refresh and I was now looking forward to starting my second year. My results were really really good but I was now geared to further improvement.

Anyway, so you know I am living off campus now. I live half way to school and halfway to town. Anyway, on the first day of school, I was excited and even though it was raining, I didn’t feel it that much. I was so very happy. So, my flatmate, Funlola and I went to our bus stop to wait for the bus to Uni. Oh my goodness, the wait was long. All the buses passing by to go to university were full. We waited for an hour and still no available bus. We tried to call for a taxi and even for taxi’s they told us to wait 30mins. It appeared as if the whole city was trying to get to the university. Anyway, we finally got to class, thirty minutes late. I was a bit disappointed but I didn’t let that get me down. The next day though, I left much earlier!!

My new family!!!

My first week was hectic! Not only was I trying to establish a new routine, but I realised as well that this year was going to be different.  I got this impression after I sat in a lecture room and literally got nothing from it. I mean, I could understand individual sentences but to make sense of them was just another matter entirely. I am now having to go through my notes a lot just to keep on top of things. Thus, I think it will not be hard to achieve my resolution of studying throughout I have to read whether I like it or not!

This is definitely not something we as students are happy about! Many of my friends find themselves missing being a fresher! There is just so much to do and everyone’s attitude in class seems to have changed. Everyone is working and this just adds on the pressure! It has not been easy honestly, school on its own even. I feel like I am not where I am supposed to be but I am trying to comfort myself by telling myself that I can only do my best. I can’t do more. What is more challenging, however, is that I have to juggle it with work. The fact is, I can easily give up my job to concentrate on school but I am so attached to my work buddies and I enjoy working, so I don’t know what to do seriously. Right now though, I am trying to find a way to make both things work for me….we will see …

Anyway, that all for now…I will leave with the second thing you may or may not know about me. Well here is another one:

I am a bookworm. Once I curl up with a book, I can’t move. I love reading so much. Lately, I don’t even find the same satisfaction in movies. A lot of people around me think it’s boring but I don’t care…I think I learn so much!! So if you add the fact that I am currently studying a lot and I do wear glasses….I might just be called a nerd…hahahaha….and yeah…am proud to be a NERD!!!!

Later!!!

My 22nd Birthday

My flat mates and I in our house, after my dinner!!!

I think it is surprising or strange that I felt more excited about this birthday than I did when I was turning 21. Everyone places so much importance on the 21st birthday, for me it seemed quite ordinary, but this one, this one felt like that special one!!! For me, it sort of marked so clearly the fact that I am now a woman. I felt so hyped and I think I spread the virus because all of my friends were just saying how exciting this year would be…

I wanted to dress up for the day. Usually in my country, I used to dress up a lot, for church, weddings and just because I felt like it. But since I came here, I am mostly in casual wear. I decided to finally dress up. No one here had ever actually seen me with any make up or anything…so maybe the excitement was called for…lol!!

My Birthday Party

Anyway, when the clock struck midnight on the 9th of October, I was in our living room and my flatmates were singing happy birthday to me. It was good start of the day. I went to bed rather reluctantly shortly afterwards because it was going to be a busy day. In the morning, my flatmate Yukako made me a cup of spiced chai tea which is my favourite hot drink. I was so so happy. Later, I went to university for my two classes. I had crepe for lunch which once again is one of my favourites. The only hiccup in the day was the fact that the weather was really horrible. But we didn’t let that put us down. We went shopping and thereafter to the pier for a few games. I really really suck at games but I at least won one so that was okay. It was so much fun. After this, we had to have our dinner. We got home to get prepared. I can’t believe it, still, that I wore heels. I hadn’t worn heels in two years. It was a wonder I did not fall down. But I would like to think it was worth it cause we did look nice…cheeky, huh?! ..lol

On my way to the restaurant, guess who called. One of my very good friends from Malawi, Priscilla Mvula! AAAAAHHHH!!!! I was shocked because it is really expensive. I was dazzled and for me nothing could go wrong and it seemed nothing would top that. When we finally got to days restaurant, it was great. We had so much to eat. I mean Days Restaurant is just like a food mansion really. Then I had my surprise cake….that was definitely at the same level with Priscilla. The whole restaurant was singing happy birthday. Oh and I forgot, when I got there, my friends got me to wear some birthday things….I really did feel like a birthday princess!!

My Surprise Birthday Cake

The presents were amazing! My friends know me quite well and I am glad I loved them all! When we finally got home it was midnight. It seemed to me this was my best day this year! My friends are seriously a rare treasure to me and I thank God for them!

After all this happiness, the next day it was time for a reality check. School had started on the 5th and I had not been paying much attention because I was so hyped about my birthday. Now it was time to face it all……….(sigh)

 

Home Sickness

If I didn’t write this, I would give any international student half of the story. If I am not honest about this, I would call myself a liar…

Home sickness! Yes, I want to write about homesickness because I think every international student faces it and tries to deal with it! I don’t know how others deal with it but let me take you on a journey into my world and how I handle it. In doing so I need to state firstly, how I feel when I am home sick?

Well, when I am home sick I feel a yearning for my family, the love we share and even the arguments. I miss my friends, mainly the conversations with them-I don’t know about you but my very close friends and I have developed a way in which we speak to each other which just makes things extra funny!- So yeah, I miss that!

I hunger for the food. The funny thing about this is that even if I cook a Malawian dish here, it still tastes different from that in my country. Even if I mix everything as I did back home, something still seems to be missing. I also generally just miss my life in Malawi. It is different the way I live here and the way I do in Malawi. Sometimes, I even want the silly things that made my life irritating like the really bad heat in summer in my country..

What triggers home sickness?

It can seriously be anything. Sometimes, the feeling just creeps on you when you are chatting with friends and you remember something similar. Sometimes it’s even caused by a silly thing like a song you are listening to or a thing that happens. Sometimes, it’s a big thing like the differences in culture. You just feel like no one really gets you and even if they do, you need to explain it so much; it’s too late when they finally understand! Actually the culture thing is really big because it is principles that are well embedded in people that seem to be clashing. At other times, it is the language barrier. I am quite fluent in English to the extent that I might call it my first language because I have been speaking it since I was in nursery school. However at other times, you just want to express yourself in your language because you think the words will be better related in it and even if you try to say it in English, you feel as if the meaning has altered. This may be frustrating at times.

Language is also really a big thing. It can really be intimidating to speak in the midst of people who have English as their mother tongue. Especially if they are as confident as many British. For me, it took a while to finally start participating in seminars. I think it is more a psychological barrier than anything else because once you get over the initial shyness, you realise when you start speaking and don’t care about the different accent, that people do not laugh at you at all but even if they were to comment, I have a reply in my head all made up….I haven’t had a chance to use it..lol…but anyway here it is…I would say, “ I don’t have an accent, you do.” Because really everyone has an accent and whose to say which one is right??

Anyway, how to handle homesickness:

Honestly, I don’t think you can ever handle home sickness. As long as you are not home or somewhere like that, you will always miss it. . At times, when I feel like this I brush the feeling off and other times I nurture it…..hahaha…sad isn’t it. Yeah, I play songs that remind me of home or just really sad ones, I look at photos and just become gloomy!

At times it feels worse than other times and all you want to do is get out of here and go home. Today is my one such day and hence the blog… in most cases like these, I call home just so I talk to my bunch of favourites or I find talking about Malawi with other Malawians I know here often helps because then I realise either

a) I am not the only one being home sick or

b) my brain is amplifying everything to heights that are unreal thus making me remember things in a much better way than they were.

But other times, it’s a mild throb you can brush off by doing anything apart from having an idle brain!

This all sounds pessimistic! And even when I look at it myself, I’m like: Oh gosh…is it really that bad?! But whatever it is I just want to say, if ever there was a person who could not have handled all of this, then it’s me. The funny thing about me is that there are some areas I am sssooo ssoo strong and others am as soft as they come. Home is my weakness. Family is just that soft in me. Growing up, I can’t say I was spoiled but I grew up in a close family with a lot of love. When I was going to leave, my mom could not picture it being a success. My whole family’s concern was: how will you manage being so far with no one? And for me I am really alone. No aunts, or cousins or whatever. I remember once I got really sick and my teacher had to take me to the hospital. So I am the worst case scenario. This should give anyone hope really. If I manage to live a happy and rich life then surely anyone can manage. Plus, I know I sound like a broken record because I say this often but it’s because it’s true. The people here are nice and I think if I didn’t have such people around me it would be worse. I may not have my family here, or Malawi nearby, but I like to think I have another family now and my birthday was evidence of that fact!

My decision to come to Sussex University

I know when a person reaches 18 or ‘that age’ it seems like there is a chain around the throat that parents seem to be squeezing tighter and tighter. You just want to breathe and be free and the best way to escape is to choose a university that is as far away from them as possible so that you can only see them when you want to and in most cases just to ask for money. I understand this because a lot of people around me feel that way…I think it’s called adolescence by adults…and ‘I am now a grown up, Mom!’ by us!! Lol…

For me however, I loved being close to home. My parents have never been strict so distance was the last thing I wanted. So when my dad told me he was going to be looking for a university that had a great reputation in United Kingdom, I wasn’t exactly jumping out of my chair. For me, it seemed at that time as the worst thing that would happen to me. Suddenly, I would be trying to settle in a new place, make new friends…it seemed at the time to be a disaster.

When we found Sussex, I liked the idea that it was near the beach as I like water and it had been voted the best place to be by students. We also had to look at its security which is quite high! Believe me, if I was going to move to a place far from home, I wanted some place safe and nice so that fitting in would not have to be a struggle.

Its a beautiful place to be as well!!

At first when I read all the good things people were writing about it , I thought this was all talk, everyone said nice things about it…I was like… ‘this can NOT be seriously true.’ So while everyone around me seemed to be excited, I dragged my feet throughout the whole process of application. When I was told I had to do a foundation year so that I ease well into the community, I thought it would be a waste of time. I just wanted the whole thing over and done with. So I never really appreciated the fact that all my correspondence with the ISC was efficient…I didn’t care. But somewhere along the way I had reached an understanding with my parents that it was the best thing for me to do and I had decided to give it a go!

So at the airport, I cried buckets. I couldn’t believe I was leaving. My flight was a blur, all I could think of was the family and friends I left behind and I wondered what would happen if the people in Brighton were mean and I hated everything…I had sssoooo many fears. When we got to Heathrow I cried again….In my head I was thinking, ‘I cant believe this will be my home for the next 4 years.’ It seemed like forever!! My taxi driver however, was really friendly…maybe he saw my gloomy face, and I swear my heart was in my stomach.

Sussex offers a friendly environment to all!!

I think my fears started fading when I got to the entry way of Sussex University and saw they wrote welcome in different languages. For me, this was a sign that this was a campus that was used to having a lot of international students and wanted them all to feel welcome. And then I met the residential advisor who was really nice…in fact I don’t believe I met someone who was mean. I don’t really care if they were trained to be nice; the fact is you actually feel welcome and that I guess is what matters. But still, I had not gone to the ISC and that’s what mattered.

When I got there I loved the teachers, the administration…and believe me I know I sound so positive and you think this can NOT be seriously true, but it is. What started out as a nightmare was turning out to be a good deal. In fact I ended up having a wonderful year at ISC and made a lot of friends!! The staff was not biased but truthfully strove to find ways to help you reach your potential. I remember Paul Lovegrove, my head of department said, if you work hard and attend all classes you will pass….so that’s what I did.

However I will say this: A lot of people have been writing to me asking about ISC and Sussex University and I will say what I always tell them: you have to be willing to do some work. The teachers do their best but they can’t pass for you. If you do some work, you will make it. Your nationality does not matter…what matters is your attitude. The questions and fears you should have is whether you are willing to learn, because if you are…it might be not so hard because the teachers will easily guide you through! However, if you just want to have fun (because there is a lot to do for fun), then you will have fun but then you might fail. The trick is to work hard and have a good time!!

The thing I have discovered however after one year as an undergraduate in the University is that one never really appreciates the foundation year until you get into university. For me even, I just wanted to get through with it…in other ways it was a means to an end….however, ever so often in my first year of Law, I would think: ‘ Gosh if I had not done my foundation, this would have been harder!!’ I guess more so now than ever I thank the ISC for what it gave me!

I have asked myself a lot of times whether I regret coming here!! Well, Obviously NOT!! I feel privileged that I have graced the campus of Sussex. Before I came here I was always so goal oriented. I wanted to be a lawyer and I worked hard to get there. I doubt I enjoyed the whole process much. I kept telling myself that I would enjoy when I finally got to be a lawyer.

A glimpse of the Uni

Being at Sussex has taught me that learning is an experience. It is not just about school but all that happens on the way.-The finding of houses, paying of bills, having fun with friends and so much more. When I look at what I have learnt in the past year, it is sssoooooo much to put in words. I learn more even when I do my part time job at a bookshop…the environment there gives me an opportunity to relate to other people who are not students….It is amazing. When I talk to my mom who I very much look up to…she always says she is happy about all the different areas I am growing..She believes this is making me a fully rounded person…and I agree with her. Honestly, I don’t know what the future holds but I am currently enjoying my way there.

I am not saying I don’t get home sick or moan about some things, but I am learning of ways to live happily with all this….Life can not be perfect but if I have a happy life that is all that matters!!

I know I haven’t talked much about my summer holidays…I will…just watch this space!!!

And I know I said I would write the list of 25 things you may or may not know about me…well I’ll do it slowly….for today here is one:

I LOVE earrings sssoooo much!!!!! I don’t think it’s healthy anymore! It has reached a point that if I forget to wear some, I have to stop somewhere to buy a pair before I reach my destination! My mom thinks by the time I’m 25 I will actually have a whole suitcase full.. hahaha….I know its vain…but just as chocolate is some people’s weakness…earrings are mine:)

A glimpse into the story of ‘Cinderella!!’

Lake Malawi - the lake of Stars

As I said earlier, I come from a small country in the South Eastern part of Africa called Malawi. I call it Cinderella and I am not looking at it through rose coloured glasses either…lol…When Dr David Livingstone first arrived there, he described it as Cinderella- He said of it that it was rich in beauty yet so poor. Personally, I agree with this. It has such an abundance of wildlife in its forests and plateaus. The beauty of the landscape and the sandy beaches is like a dream. It has a lake that runs for more than three quarters of the country along one side of it so one can see it from different towns. It is called Lake Malawi but often referred to as the lake of stars because of how sparkly the surface is. It is famous also for the different species of edible fish it has. As a sea food lover I really appreciate this aspect ..mmm…yummy!!!

The people are amazing and I am not being biased as I write this. It is called the Warm heart of Africa because of the warmth with which the citizens treat others. They are always smiling and welcome and what amazes me is that even here people often ask me…’why do you like smiling..:)’. It is not a place one can be lonely unless he or she chooses to be. We are NOT saints..but we are known to be good people…Is that a right thing to say?…hahaha…well, I hope you’re not offended!!

Rural areas in the Warm Heart of Africa

It would seem that the icing on the cake would be if they had it all easy but no, not Malawians. A lot of the population lives in poverty with people living on less than a half a pound a day. Some people can’t have access to clean water or food. Classes are sometimes taken under a tree for lack of classrooms. A man I admire once asked a question of how in the same world it is possible that others are so rich while others could be so poor. But even though this may seem all bad, it has indeed created simplicity in Malawians that helps them appreciate little things or the brighter side of life. For instance, many will appreciate that they have something to eat and not grumble over what it is or cherish the fact that they have something to wear and not worry if it is fashionable or not or enjoy having a small room because it’s a blessing you have somewhere to sleep. I think this makes them happier as they don’t stress over a lot of things.

My trip to a nearby village in Sussex!!

However I don’t want to create an image in your head that Malawi is like the middle of nowhere where people wear ancient clothes and watch no TV…actually no… What I have explained is life in the rural areas. In the cities, life is not as busy as the United Kingdom. However, after my trip to the villages near our university I was able to make some comparisons. In the villages I visited here, the houses were huge with yards and people knew each other a bit more than in the cities. That is how it is in the cities in Malawi. Many people will live in huge houses and the country is small enough that people know one another. Life is charming and yes there are plenty of cars, malls, hotels and people worrying over fashion. It is however, all in smaller dozes than United Kingdom.

A difference though I think comes with children. In my country, children will mostly just do school and play until they go to university where it is all school and a few do internships with companies or government if they want. Most people will work towards having a degree or certificate then find a job; so work always comes later in life. It is different here that even when in Secondary schools, children might have a part time job in restaurants or something. I admire this here though because teenagers, if they are willing to learn, will learn how to handle money better before they finally get to make a lot of money and become responsible earlier in life. I think this is why it always seems that in terms of learning responsibility in many aspects apart from school, I am always trying to catch up with the British because I am still used, even at 21 that my parents do certain things for me. On the negative side though, the children here grow quicker and may miss out on just being a child and having fun, which may affect different children differently…but those are just my personal thoughts.

This house in a Sussex village reminded me of a house in one of Malawi's small towns called Zomba!

University life I have discovered is similar; there will always be the same kinds of issues. There are those who work hard and those who don’t. The only difference is probably the number of people in Malawi is much lesser which makes the environment more intimate and of course teaching methods do vary tremendously.

If you have understood this blog, you’ll probably picture Malawi as an intimate country where people are lovely and know each other. Well, on top of this I have been blessed to have a family I actually like…hahahaha….it’s funny when I say it that way, but its right. Apart from loving these guys I actually like them- they are my best friends. And so obviously I am a very family oriented person. In fact ever since I would understand things I have always wanted to go be in my country, close to those I love and so I DID NOT WANT TO EVER END UP IN THE UNITED KINGDOM!!!! I wanted to be at home, go through university, work there and eventually die there:( !! So what made me come to Sussex?…

Speaking as a student: The mysteries of House Hunting!

I don’t think I ever appreciated the term ‘house hunting’ until now. As I sit and write this I do very much applaud the person who came up with it. As you read this blog I hope you as well will appreciate my line of thought.

I don’t think I ever appreciated the term ‘house hunting’ until now

I firstly thought of the word ‘hunting’. If we go by dictionary definition it refers to the pursuit and capture and to some others even the killing of animals! What interests me however, is the pursuit and finally capture of something. When I imagine it in my head I picture an animal hiding in the bushes, not wanting to be caught and the hunter manoeuvring, plotting and sweating to get the animal. Although to others it might be a sport, I imagine they have injuries to show at the end of the hunt!

And so I think of this in terms of house hunting. For others, it may be an enjoyable experience, full of fun and ease but for me, it has been one of the most trying periods of my life. To begin with, now that I am officially going to be in my second year after I did well in my exam, the university expects you to move off campus unless you have a health issue. I don’t, so obviously I had to move off campus. I can understand the reasoning behind this thinking. Apparently, by second year you know Brighton fairly well to be able to find accommodation, while those coming to start first year need this time to learn about Brighton. The university has tried to make the transition a bit easier through Student Pads. This is a website of the university that advertises student houses.

For us though, my two friends and I, we knew exactly what we wanted. We wanted a flat at City Point which is composed of amazingly beautiful flats at a highly convenient location and we were gonna get it. We approached an agency and when we had nearly finished filling the forms, we were told that the Landlord had already given it to someone else. We were devastated but that was in June and we told ourselves not to give up, there was still time. We thereby continued looking for a house, but by this point my friends had left for their summer holiday so it was just me looking for the house and juggling this with my work in a bookshop! At that time though, I was still energetic; little did I know however, that I would spend the following two months still trying to find us a place. When I found a second house, the landlord and I could not come to an agreement on the price. At first I was told one price then later changed it to another: I told myself that if the disagreements started at this early stage they would only get worse when the contract was made. So I humbly bowed out and continued my pursuit…..I can’t even remember how many houses I saw and how many mountains I had to climb to get there. Sometimes, I must admit, the problem was us…it seemed we wouldn’t quite agree on the house. The stress was now getting to me. To make matters worse I was working against a deadline. I knew the University would only offer accommodation until the 12th of September. If I didn’t have a place by then I would be homeless. As the day grew closer, my worries increased. At this point I would have very well been that hunter trying to catch that animal or die of hunger. The only thing my parents would do is sympathize with me. I literally thought I aged an extra 10 years in all this process.

Then finally I found a flat on London road. I was not really happy with the room that would be mine but at this time I was willing to settle. It was exactly 2 weeks before the 12th of September and I knew if this did not work, then I would be homeless. So I started the whole process of filling forms again and it all looked to be going well. I was going to move in on the 11th of September. A few days before the move I received a call; it was the agency letting me know that the landlord had changed their mind! She didn’t want any students in her flat. I literally just fell into a chair. I felt so exhausted….but somewhere along the line I had come to a conclusion that it was not an issue to cry over. I just felt hopeless. I literally didn’t know what to do next!!!

I called my friends and told them I had given up. I started looking for a hotel until my flatmates found a house. I just couldn’t do anymore hunting….I had run out of my second wind! However, life has to go on…where I got the energy to regroup, only God knows, but I did! I now started looking for houses where I dealt directly with the land lord, at least there I would immediately know that they don’t want students or not. This time it was first time lucky….I have a house now that me and my friends will move into on the 1st of October. I lived in a hotel for three days but now my friend Jessica has invited me to her place for a while so that’s cool!! I can finally be at ease. If someone asked me to go through it again…I would definitely say no way, yet a thought creeps into my head letting me know that this is all part of growing up and I will do it again!

I know to many British my age this whole experience might not be new. I have come to appreciate after being here as long as I have that most will have been through this process at 18 when they move out of their parent’s house or go off to college. For a Malawian however, or many other countries in Africa or the Arabs, this is relatively new as moving out of their parents house comes much later in life, with others going on until they are 30 years.. For instance I am 21 and have lived with my parents my whole life and if I had been in Malawi would have probably continued doing so until I was married or maybe not..hahaha!! But you get the picture right?!.

These worries of finding a house, bills and the rest are not worries I would have at this stage in my life. Not that I can call myself naive but I think the changes happen over a longer period than here. Am I happy though to have experienced this??….I must say, when I was going through it, it was probably terrible but I have learnt so much and its knowledge I value. I must say being here is helping me grow not only in education but in many aspects of life. However this whole episode has ignited in me a desire to write about my country and its differences with the United Kingdom, hence my next blog…

AM BACK!!!!! MISS ME?????

So  I know I have been away for a long time so this is gonna be a long entry to let you all know what exactly has kept me away and how my life is now.

The first phase- Exam preparation and Exams:

So as you might know by now, I have had a great year. I have enjoyed learning the law and interacting with people from various societies but nothing prepared me for the exam preparations. I must confess during the year I did study but not all that much and because our exams are only once a year, it did seem like there was a lack of stimuli to trigger me to study.

The view from the library during exam time

So when the exams drew near it was strenuous, to say the least. I had so much to read and so little time. I can’t count the number of times I wished I could turn back the hands of time so that instead of going shopping or whatever I could have studied. What made it worse was that the weather in Brighton was just awesome and there I was in the stuffy library (or at least it felt that way at the time) instead of sun bathing on the beach.

This scenario left me in a dilemma- As much as I wanted the exams to be over, I also needed the time to drag so that I would be fully prepared for the exams. I know the other option was just not to study as hard as I started studying but my education is something I consider worth fighting for and this time I must say I gave it my all and we’ll see how I do.

The exams themselves were okay. I seriously did not know what to expect from my first university exam. I was sooo terrified. But thank God, it went alright. The last exam was the one that was quite unexpected and hard but I could not worry much about it, after all it marked the end of my first year and that meant I had friends I had to say good bye to!

Phase 2- Life after the exams:

Yuka's birthday and cake

The first few days after my exams, are blank really. I don’t remember much because I spent them either sleeping or on the phone with my family. It was like my body was trying to catch up on the rest it had lost and my heart was yearning for that unconditional love. However, right after that dosage of rest and warmth, I had to have some kinda fun!!!  The first thing that happened was Yuka’s birthday. She had a bad day on her birthday and she was feeling so down. We tried to turn that around though, by a surprise cake we gave her and I think we managed.

Further, the weather in Brighton is still amazing. Obviously therefore, I had to go to the beach. I went there for a barbeque with some friends…it was the ultimate!!!! I swear the meat and chicken tastes better when there is no stress of the exams!!! We played in the water and ended up freezing until we had to try to get warm again with our small fire. After that I had to go job hunting. Summer is here and hence the long holidays. I need to find something to do. Hence, I went walking or was it climbing…..all over Brighton trying to find something to keep me busy through summer.

This weekend I have been packing and moving. The whole situation was just exhausting. I am just grateful no bones are broken considering the number of boxes I had to carry. What is irritating however is that I will only live in this new flat for 3 weeks until I move to another flat we have rented. This is because our tenancy agreement starts   on the 21^st July.

Phase 3- Reflection:

Playing in the water on Brighton beach

So now I find myself in my room, my friends have left and am looking back to this first year of my university. I ask myself: What have I learnt? I know for sure education wise I have found my law course intellectually stimulating. I love law and all the reading and stress that comes with it. I grumble at times but I would not have it any other way. I have also learnt to appreciate other course my friends are doing. I find myself interested in Development Studies and International Relations. I am quite happy that I can get a glimpse of what these courses are …who knows maybe I can diverge in my Masters.

Then I ask myself: What have I achieved?  I know for sure that my English has improved. I don’t think I even had a choice. Between the essays, presentation and interaction with both British and International Students, I don’t think there is much room to speak my language often. My writing skills have definitely improved as well. I know this both from my lecturer’s comments and even my parents. Gosh, it’s been wonderful.

Fun at the beach

Socially, I have made more friends and created a lot of bonds. I simply did not expect to feel this way but I find myself thinking that I will miss my friends over the holidays. Further, my outlook on life has changed. This is not something I can actually explain or put a finger on; it just manifests itself in various ways. For instance, the way I react to some things now is quite different from how I would have reacted a year ago. Of course some of it is maturity but I think my environment has been influential. It has not been a bad development but something I am happy and proud of.

What has however gone bad and what I need to improve on is the fact that exam pressure should not be what stimulates me to read more. Next year my grades will influence the grade of my degree and hence I plan to start studying earlier. Further, I hope for more growth both spiritually, socially and education wise!

So on that serious note…I will say ciao!!! See you next time!!!!

Last Days of Spring Term…..

The last few days of my spring term were so enjoyable and stressful. I had an essay that just completely drained me. I was not entirely sure what the essay was asking me at all and I later discovered that everyone seemed to understand it in their own way. I just hope that I was not completely off track when attacking the question.

But apart from that, the weather was just terrific and on the last day my friends and I got to hang out together. These are my oldest group of friends I have made since coming here. We had a wonderful afternoon by the pier, playing different games. We however did not get on the roller coaster because I felt I could not handle the excitement on that day!!!

We finally ended the day by having the famous British dish of fish and chips along one restaurant by the beach. I swear, it felt like the fish just melted on my tongue. It was delicious and I have no qualms about recommending the dish to anyone.

However, when we were getting back, it was quite late. I had dressed for a warm day but by that time it was completely cold. It felt like I was freezing and my teeth were chattering. Further, even though this may seem vain, I lost one of my most loved earrings. Anyone who knows me knows I have a soft spot for earrings. It was a bit sad I guess.

Oh, and one other thing that kept us busy in the last days of school was that we had to do some house hunting. As I’m gonna be in my second year next October, I can’t live on campus anymore. Luckily, we didn’t have to look far! We found an awesome apartment right off the heart of Brighton…the problem we are having now is how to allocate the rooms!!! It seems the biggest room is always the main attraction!!!! But we are all looking forward to that. I do think that it will be a whole new experience quite different from living on campus…..I simply can’t wait!!!

My Easter Holiday

At the beginning of that holiday, I felt quite sad because I knew there was nothing much that  I had planned to do apart from study, study and more study!!!!  My friends had just left and I was more or less by myself. At first the studying went according to plan but later it failed. I just could not concentrate anymore which believe me, sucked.

To add on to that, I think my wisdom teeth( I don’t even know why they are called as such) started growing because I felt so much pain in my mouth down to my throat. The gums were so tender coupled with headaches. I really could not study much after that.

However, fun came in other ways. I went to Manchester to see a couple of friends. It was really good to be with fellow Malawians. I was able to speak Chichewa- my mother tongue and see some place which is not Brighton. I was also able to make nice with one other friend who I had lost touch with. Man U was/is bigger than Brighton but I still ought to say, Brighton is more charming. When I came back, it was good. However, I did not stay here long! After a few more days I felt I should go to London because I knew once the term started I would not do much visiting. So I went to London where there was soooo much drama but fun either way. The main person I went to see is my friend Kylie. She is Malawian as well. I find her to be sweet and charming. Crazy and fun also describe her. I have known her forever which means we’ve had a fair share of our ups and downs. So being in London with her meant I would have a time worth my money. Unfortunately, it also meant I would miss hanging out with people who had come back to school but boy, it was worth it!!!

But anyway, when I finally got back to Brighton, I felt fresh and prepared to start to work. It was good to see my friends and a bit scary to remember how stressful this new term would be.

Back for Summer Term

What it means to be back for summer is that exams are around the corner!!! The weather has been so good and the mood so lively, one may be cheated that all is well!!!….Well all is not!!! We have to start working hard if we stand a chance of doing well. Personally, I feel challenged and hope I shall be able to rise to the challenge! So far I am being encouraged by my grades. I am doing better than I expected that at times all I can call it is a miracle. For instance, today, I got the essay that drained me back and my grade just surprised me. I was thinking I would get a really low grade but God answered my prayers…..am happy!!

There are times however, when I feel scared of it all but I know with hard work that it will all pay out.  I think also that this term is especially harder for me because I have been evaluating myself and asking myself questions of whether I am the person that is good, kind, and honest and all those great qualities. I have found in fact that I do fall short of that mark a few times. My family would say I am being hard on myself but I call it honest with myself. Anyway, my conclusion has been to work at it and even though I might never be perfect, at least I am not guilty of not trying. Going to Church is helping me alot to hold on to my faith and I just pray that with time I will be better!!

Another thing making me sad at times is that my nephew is close to five months now and I haven’t seen him. Until now I never thought I would love someone I have never met but gosh I am completely crazy for the guy. I am forever saying he has my eyes but no-one agrees! I still beg to differ…Of course he has his aunty’s eyes.

Other than all this my social life is great! I am quite happy to report that I am learning so much about the British culture. Some things I find strange, others funny and others just amazing! I also went shopping the other day and managed to find similar pair of earrings which I had lost!!! That just made me over the moon happy!!! Plus, I went to watch the new movie wolverine…..it was AMAZING!!! I completely love such movies and the effects on the movie were just incredible! And tomorrow, I am going for a picnic with some friends on some hills surrounding our campus!! I will update you all on how it goes next time!! Also, you know all this thing going on on facebook about ‘25 things you may or may not know about me’….well look out for one of those  on me here as well. I think it will be enlightening!!!

Till then!!!