Letter from Kenrick Mark (10th Edition)

Letter from Kenrick Mark

Dear Esteemed Readers,

Wherever I go, I always evaluate the surroundings, the people, and the ambience. I always need to know if I belong in a certain place or institution or if I’m comfortable with what I’m doing or more so, will this help me in the future?. Professor Kristen had a great personality. She also mentioned that she was pursuing her PhD (I forgot which university). She immediately gave us assignments and in class research work. There were about two sessions in the laboratory. We learnt the Harvard Referencing skills and other technological research know-how. I was unaware of these, and couldn’t get my work done. Thankfully, one of my classmates explained to me. The room setting was a bit ‘closed up’ or opaque. I didn’t like it much. I would have loved to enjoy some nature or people viewing! I learnt so much! The session ended about an hour later. We all went out of the laboratory and down the lengthy but quite regal staircases. It reminded me of Palace staircases (in the movies, of course). I walked home through the front gates. I think the gates were kept open at night, for the first week only.

I walked past various restaurants /cafes. I saw a Sushi Cafe, an Asian Restaurant, a Pizza restaurant, a clothing store (I wanted to purchase some clothing but initially, I thought it was only female clothing), a Jaime Oliver restaurant (my classmate mentioned that they were very expensive), a Fish & Chips outlet, and a Lebanese outlet. This route was quite long (I actually crafted this on Google maps while in Belize). Later on, I found a straight route, and a shorter time frame (I guess). I wasn’t familiar with nightlife in the area so I kept caution. I went to my room. I opened my computer and started reviewing the schedule and information for the next day. I might have had cornflakes or bread and jam for dinner (I’m quite weird sometimes). As I mentioned before, I had no motivation to study whilein my room. So, I went to sleep.

It was Tuesday, and we had one session in the afternoon — Media Communications & Social Media with Professor Mark & Professor Mudra. They both introduced the class, the contents that will be taught, and of course, expectations of the students. My classmates and I were finally getting to know each other more. We did another round of Introductions. Serena, Luna and I sat in the same area. We interacted a bit, talking about academics and books, and life in London. After the contents were discussed, I grew fond of this particular class. My intuition told me it was going my favorite. The entire history of media was discussed (well, major points), the role it plays, the messages conferred, the channels, traditional media and new media, books and articles about media communications, and so much more. Since I was the Founding Director of the Teens Belize Organization, and we generally used email, websites, and social media as platforms to present our projects, I was quite delighted to learn of how our work can make an impact and of course, the proper utilization that can be introduced. I then found out that my organization have been mis-utilizing or under-utilizing social media in some projects and areas. Professor Mark and Professor Mudra were well cultured, and well educated. I found Professor Mudra to be more charismatic, and less strict. I believe it’s because she was younger and understood the challenge were we going through adjusting to a post graduate program. They used very current international issues as examples during their content presentations. That was a amazing first class of Media Communications & Social Media. We went home. I followed the same route, and the town was abuzz with people, lights, and activity. When I pass by the fish and chips corner outlet, the smell was great. However, the place was crowded, and besides, what if I didn’t like it?

I went home. I settled for oatmeal that night. I found Quaker Oatmeal at Sainsbury. They came in a package with 10 individual serving sizes, and a variety of flavors — Apple & Cinnamon, Maple & Brown Sugar, Blueberry. I poured an individual serving in a big coffee cup, half water, and half milk and placed it in the microwave for 1 minute. It was warm, so delicious and brought back childhood memories. Our family’s comrade, Mike, from the USA, brought Quaker Oatmeal for us in 2001. My entire family enjoyed having them for breakfast or brunch or dinner. The flavors (except Blueberry) was always inviting! When I saw them at Sainsbury, I thought of Mike. I was so happy inside. I got two packages from the shelf and placed in my shopping cart.

I talked with some family and comrades back in Belize after my ‘oatmeal’ dinner. I spoke with one of my comrades in Belize City, and told him that classes has started, and the new assignments and tons of readings are keeping me busy. I’m slowly adjusting and feeling the vibes of London! He was happy for me! He even told me to start eating healthier meals to stay strong.

I’m quite exhausted for tonight! I will continue my journey in a next edition of Letter from Kenrick Mark.

Sincerely yours,

Kenrick Mark