I am very excited to be staying in a villa in Manuel Antonio (the Pacific side of Costa Rica) along with 17 other first and second year students. There are another few houses in the area which also house UWCCR students- it seems that the whole of the campus is going to the same location for holidays!
Unfortunately, our stay in Manuel Antonio will only consist of three nights (4 days). But, the week after that, us first years are missing another few days of school- we have an MUN (Model United Nations) event from the 24-26th of October.
I am in the Security Council, representing the country of Morocco. In this council, we will be discussing Syria and the Western Saharas. Therefore, a lot of research needs to be done about the involvement of Morocco in both of the topics. I also have to come up with a resolution to these topics which then needs to be approved by other countries in the security council, such as Russia, France, the UK.
Piano
I have recently been playing a lot of piano here. I think it's due to the academic stress and pressure that I have turned to the piano. At home I did the same- whenever I'd worry about something, I'd play the piano. I feel it helps me a lot! Even a ten minute session helps to relieve my stress. I also find that many nostalgic memories of home return, as I played so frequently in Llanelli, Wales. I hope to soon begin writing my own music again. Although the lack of time here can be a problem to do such things! :(
The Great Gatsby
Last Friday, my Irish second-year friend organised a Great Gatsby party, where everyone dressed up glamorously and attended the party in Porto Viejo (the social centre). A week before the party, we watched 'The Great Gatsby' movie, which gave us an idea of what 1920's clothes looked like. I then went out to buy my costume from the 'thrift store'/charity shop in Santa Ana, as I knew I didn't want to spend much on an outfit that I'd never wear again! The day of the party arrived; everyone was busy running around trying to borrow heels and red-lipstick! It was strange seeing everyone so dressed up, but everyone looked incredible! Overall it was a fantastic night with wonderful people and great music!
First Year Camp
On Sunday, all of the first years went on a camp in the forest for two days and one night. It's sole purpose was to get us to bond more and to have fun. Both of these things were achieved, as I feel so much closer to my year! Many personal things were shared around a candlelit room where we all sat in a circle expressing the way we felt. It will stay with me forever, the openness and trust required to say the things that were said that night will forever be with me. I decided to start the reflection circle off, as there was a 3-4 minute silence where nobody volunteered to begin this exercise, and so I stood up and walked into the middle of the giant circle, and expressed what was on my mind. It was such a relief to get things off of my chest- everyone was so supportive. I really do feel that we are like family now, although there are so many people that I have still yet to know more about. I'd like to thank all of the people who helped run the camp, without you it wouldn't have been possible to achieve such closeness between us first years.
Another Fantastic Second Year Show!
Upon returning from first year camp, we were told that we had a mandatory meeting at 8pm about the rules during October break. Leila, our residential director told us about it, and so of course we believed that we had a meeting. At 8pm, we turned up at the social centre to find that our second years were putting on a surprise show for us instead of a meeting! It was so thoughtful of them to do so, and such a wonderful way to end the past couple of incredible days spent with my co-years!
Florence, Me and Amiya at the Great Gatsby Party
The Candlelit room at first year camp
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Dilly x
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