Letter from Kenrick Mark (11th Edition)
Letter from Kenrick Mark
Dear Esteemed Readers,
On Wednesday morning, I got up early, showered and had some toast with butter. I bought a small tub of a Clover branded butter (gosh, that butter was on the next level!). The taste reminded me of the very celebrated Wood Dunn Creamery Butter in Belize (imported from Denmark). This actually encouraged me to have toast more often. We had Public Relations Foundations and Corporate Communications class today. We walked into a huge classroom, well equipped with professional classroom tables and chairs, a central computer and projector, glass windows (for peeping outside the old ‘castle’), and just a perfect setting (in my view). The tables allowed for mini-groups of students to sit together. Each table also had its own computer connected to the main projector. How awesome! Professor Mark introduced the contents. He mentioned that we would be learning about the development of the PR discipline, historical concepts from various countries, and of course, the main communication theoretical frameworks. This was quite an in depth session. He had a full fledge presentation for us, and also had in class assignments and group work. It was in this class that we were informed to frequently engage in our accounts on the University’s portal. We need to check the schedules for each class, and read/understand the assigned articles, book chapters, and papers. I noticed that each class had a full set of readings, and program. I thought to myself: ‘Kenny, this is holistic education’. I must admit that many times after class, I would need to review materials again to fully understand the theories and concepts.
I went to have lunch at Alacosta Coffee. I walked down on an sunny pathway, with tall trees blowing in the breeze. It was the beginning of Autumn, and we could see brown leaves, green leaves, red leaves, black leaves rustling on the lawns and sidewalks. Autumn was so colorful — a wine, maple, brown infused color. As I opened the glass door, and walked in, the Asian lady smiled and said ‘you’re back, coffee mocha today?’ I smiled too, and said ‘yes’. Their warm hospitality reminded me of my parents and their customers at our restaurant in Belize. The personal connection and greeting allows customers to feel at home. I ordered an egg and bacon sandwich on white bread. It was freshly made, and toasted. It also had butter and a breakfast cream in it. I loved it! I stayed for nearly an hour. Many people were having lunch too, enjoying good conversations about life, and school, and everything. I met another elder British lady, and we talked for a while. She asked me about my tenure and reason in London. She also told me about her younger years and her grandkids too. From that day, I always met her in the coffee shop, and had great conversations! I did met her once at the Greenwich Market in October.
I also decided to visit the University’s Library. It was a 3 minute walk on the sidewalk of busy streets to Stockwell Street. I walked into a modern, advanced, multi-story building. I had to swipe my University’s ID on the entrance vault/machine. They were two security guards on duty. On Monday, our Professor Mark gave us a campus and area tour. Thus, I knew a little more about moving around campus/library/other important buildings. I went to the first floor, to the section where the Public Relations books were available. There were also many computers nearby (for students use), complemented by a charming view of the Greenwich neighborhood. The entire area was filled with tall (floor to ceiling) glass windows which allowed the Sunlight to peep in and the students to enjoy a view of Greenwich while working on their assignments and projects. I sat at a computer in the corner, opened my account on the portal, my email/social media, and began reading the required articles and information for our classes. For each class, they were about five articles/papers, and even more supplemental reading. I read one paper, and if I didn’t understand, went back to re-read. I took breaks walking around the library and browsing other books. I’m quite a book lover! So, I would tour around the library during my self-assigned breaks and search for books about history, slavery, the Royal Family, communication, television, Caribbean, pageants, Public Relations, to name a few. There were many moments in library when I felt exhausted. I just walked away from my desk for a while. I did asked Tolu if it was safe to walk around London (the Greenwich district, especially) late at night. He said ‘yes’. I believe I went home at 10:30pm. I was so tired, of reading, of a full day!
On Thursday morning, I woke up around 9am and did my usual routine. I had Planning and Communication Class in the evening with Professor Christian. All of us arrived before time, and waited in the lobby. As the week went by, my fellow classmates and I were interacting more. We shared experiences, talked about our countries and families, in fact, we felt like a family already. Professor Christian arrived exactly at 430pm. We all walked in behind him. This classroom was very nice and had some features of the one I described earlier. Professor Christian was German. I could tell by his accent. He was a vibrant and cordial guy. He gave his introduction, then did a roll call. When it came to my name, he said ‘Kenrick, and, oh, you are the Chevening Scholar, right?’ ‘It’s good to have you at the University of Greenwich and we expect great things from you’. I was flabbergasted. I met an Indian Professor on social media during the first week in London. It was destiny we met. Both of us are Indians and Chevening Scholars. He also taught at the University of Greenwich. So, I mentioned I was commencing post graduate studies here. He even said that he and Christian shared office space and that I should visit one day. I believe this was the Christian he was talking about. We introduced ourselves once again. Professor Christian then explained the Planning and Communication contents, sharing new knowledge to all of us. I enjoyed this class! He was quite a charismatic guy! In the middle of the class (due to a clash with another class schedule for another group of students), we had to move over to the Stephen Lawrence building. We enjoyed the mid-break — we talked, laughed, and walked over the campus. It’s was very cool in the evening, and we could see many people exercising and families walking around, heading out to restaurants in the area (perhaps). The classroom was smaller, but very well equipped. While in this class, I sometimes peeped outside the window looking at the decorated and well lighted Cutty Sark ship, right in the backyard of our campus. We also heard people talking and cars speeding by. Professor Christian continued exploring the topics with us, and also gave us assignments. Class was over after about an hour or more, and we went home. I passed by a McDonalds outlet nearby. I thought they only sold burgers, so I didn’t went in. I really don’t eat burgers. Only sandwiches!
I’m quite exhausted for tonight! I will continue my journey in a next edition of Letter from Kenrick Mark.
Sincerely yours,
Kenrick Mark
