Orientation

I set my alarm for 7:15, but turned it off and slept a bit more. I finally got up and prayed and then realised that I was cutting it really close if I wanted the free ride to campus on the UWI bus. I ate cereal and got ready and dashed out, but by this time I realised that it was already too late, so I took my time.

I got to campus with half hour to spare. Idled for a few minutes on the computer, then headed to my CERMES orientation. Students were already gathered there waiting. We got our packages which included one from the school (CERMES) and one from the Barbados something (it has info about Barbados, that’s all I know). We then went into the Lecture room where the first session would begin. It (orientation) started with the director. Short speech. Then the faculty and other staff members introduced themselves. Then the students. It’s very apparent that I am the only Jamaican and it’s dominated by Trinidadians. People took turns giving us short words of advice, etc. Then the programme coordinator told us more stuff we need to know. We took a break after and went to eat.

After the nyamings, we were given a tour of the centre by a post grad. We then went to specific places on campus while half the group fell by the wayside. I was able to see the gym (which is behind a hall of residence and nicely hidden), and I know now where the mart is (in case I need a few stuff and can’t bother to go to the supermarket). We also got some pointers from the guide.

We then headed back to the centre to wait for our next session which will be for the computer lab. The lab is a small one, but nice and cozy. And that ended the orientation session.

I left there and, having gained advice from another OAS Scholarship recipient (from St. Vincent), I went to the Bursary for a letter stating my financial clearance to get my ID. Then I went to go get said ID. Horrible! I look about 5 shades darker than I am. It also looks kinda bland, this coming from the one at Mona that looks much nicer. And part of my face looks oily or like the picture has been taken in poor lighting (which it was). Oh well.

I headed to kill some time again to wait for the bus, and saw a friend, so we chatted a bit. Some other (law) J’can students came up and we were introduced. I found out there is a JSAC meeting tomorrow. Others would call it a beach lyme. Not very interested in going at this moment, but I am planning on becoming a member and going to meetings when I can. On the bus, I also met another J’can who’s from MoBay and in her 2^nd year here. We chatted a bit. She seems nice. She even called people to ask about the JSAC membership and stuff for me.

I got home and ate and chilled for a bit. Then I was fortunate to have my landlady going close by campus so I got a lift there. Since I was early, I called a friend and went to her room on hall, mainly to see what it was like there. I left there and headed to post-grad orientation.

The orientation started a bit late (about 10 minutes). It was held at the Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination, and the auditorium was rather cold. The speeches were longer than they should have been, but this is something I’m slowly realising that I will have to get used to.

Afterwards, there was a reception with food and chatting. I saw some of my classmates and we lymed. I hung with them and then headed home afterwards. We were able to catch the UWI buss which should have left about 15 minutes before we caught it. The bus let me off at the top of my avenue, which is bad, because I have to walk the stretch by myself in the dark with some areas darker than others as there is no street lighting. Thank God I did get home safely, and of course, my landlady was a upset at the fact that I had to walk the avenue.

I spent most of the night watching tv and chatting with Mrs. L (landlady). Sometime after midnight, I retired to my room.

Overall, I’d say today was well spent and was important in many ways.