Letter from Kenrick Mark (6th Edition)
Letter from Kenrick Mark
Dear Esteemed Readers,
It was the fire alarm! Again, hailing from the bush in the Toledo district in the tiniest nation in Central America, I didn’t know of fire alarms. I was quite annoyed at the sound, waking up in the midst of my relaxing sleep, feeling a bit crazy. As I headed to open the door to find out what was going on, I met my first flat mate — Max, a short British kid. I asked him ‘what’s going on?’ He said, ‘It’s the fire alarm, and all students must report downstairs, and assemble in front of the building’ (well across the street of the Main Building). I said ‘Oh’, and quickly put on my shoes, my jacket, grabbed my bag and rushed downstairs. I nearly stumbled on the stairs. Brisk walking through the courtyard, I saw many students rushing too, outward. When I arrived outside, many students were there — Indians, Arabs, Africans, British, Spanish, everyone. Two staff officers checked the building to ensure no one was left inside their room. A lady from the office then made an announcement, sharing information about fires and safety, and rules, of course. She told us that this was a fire drill and whenever we hear the alarm in the future, we need to make our way outside and assemble here.
My first days were enthusiastically filled with new people, culture, ideas and institutions, and fire drills (smiling). I went back to my room and tried napping again. I woke up a few hours later, took a bath, ate some food, and opened my account on our University’s portal, trying to review schedules and relative information and read papers which were already posted. I had a difficult time focusing on my academic work while in my room. There was no motivation. Absolutely none! I tried sleeping off and on that night. But I was still not adjusted to the time-difference, as 9pm there was 3pm Belize time.
On Wednesday morning, I got up around 5am, took a shower, and went on my computer. Since I tried sleeping ‘on and off’, I was refreshed somewhat. I turned on my computer (which was on sleep mode), and immediately messaged one of my comrades who was celebrating his 33rd Birthday in Belize City. It was still 1am in Belize, and he had a party. He sent me photos of the party — mostly family and close friends, who enjoyed a ham and turkey dinner, and of course, loads of rum drinks, laughter and good conversation. He told me that I was missing from the party. I laughed. There will always be Birthdays! I did gave him an update of my experience so far in the ‘old world’. I also told him I would be doing my final registration at the university on that day. He wished me good luck!
Around 7am, I had a huge bowl of corn flakes (cold milk, cornflakes, and sugar) while watching the news on the BBC (thankfully our University had subscription to this media house). I am still hopeful to earn a position on the BBC one day. I should mentioned that in Belize, we use powdered milk and sugar or condense milk to mix our corn flakes with hot water. The cow milk was quite different. I didn’t like it. Besides this , during my first week there, I got a ‘slight’ diarrhea. I strongly believe it was my adjustment to the cow milk, as I also bought coffees and shakes. Thankfully, I bought enough toilet paper.
At around 830am, I walked over to my university. However, I had to wait until 9am for the registration center to open. I walked upstairs in the Queen Anne building, into the student lounge, where I met the team, and completed my registration to commence post graduate studies. The team was very caring, and helpful, and joyful. They ensured that each student was fully engaged — understanding all the details of their programme. I finished around 11 am (I was in a queue). I tried touring inside the various buildings including Queen Mary, Queen Anne, King William, Dreadnought, and Stephen Lawrence. At first, I seemed to have gotten lost. I started following a map and going by levels, and then by rooms. To me, this was a top notched university campus compared to my tenure at the University of Belize, Toledo campus. There were huge computer laboratories, well equipped classrooms, vending machines (at all corners), student lounges, high speed internet, well rounded and helpful office staff, and beautiful, historical campus sceneries. After about an hour walking around (I actually got my official University of Greenwich ID during the final registration process, and thus I was able to tour the buildings), I decided to visit the on campus cafe. I read about it before I travelled to London, and saw all the good food, and snacks and drinks offered. I went in and saw a huge counter with tons of food, and a waiting staff. Every day, there were 3 different meals on the menu — freshly cooked and served hot. There were also snacks, and drinks, and lots of desserts. The desserts caught my eyes — blondies, cookies, lemon cakes, and so much! I ordered a roast chicken, potato fries, and purple coleslaw. It was like 5 pounds. The only problem was that I couldn’t find a seat or an empty table. There were two dining sections of the cafe, a dining room hall and a cafe setting room. I felt silly walking into the dining room hall and not finding a seat. Many students were having lunch there. I walked back into the cafe setting room and found an empty table in a corner, thankfully. This was a super, super delicious meal! I bought some white chocolate chip cookies too, and those were amazing! I highly recommend them! During the afternoon/evening, I kept walking around, visiting stores, and buying a few items. I made friends with another Indian guy, who was working at a local souvenir shop. He mentioned that he was also commencing post graduate studies at the University of Greenwich. He was quite helpful. I bought an alarm clock from his shop.
On Thursday morning, it was the orientation for Public Relations students, both undergraduate and post graduate. Unfortunately, I arrived half an hour late. I slept in. While rushing to the presentation room, I met my first classmate, Tolu, a British Nigerian guy, who worked in a media business. We both walked into room, with everyone looking at us. I felt ashamed. I quickly found a seat, and start listening. We only sat for 20 minutes (more or less) and the orientation closed. I felt guilty. I walked back to my room. It was raining that day. I tried sleeping in the afternoon. Since my schedule was open for Friday, I planned a little trip, touring areas around Greenwich, walking around.
On Friday morning, I got up around 9am and got dressed. I went for a London walk and sightseeing.
I’m quite exhausted for tonight. I will continue this journey in a next edition of Letter from Kenrick Mark.
Sincerely yours,
Kenrick Mark
