Kia Ora Unitec
Kia ora Unitec,
As the first few weeks of semester fly by in a haze of books, bands and beers, I chuckle warmly at the bleary-eyed, midnight oil-burning students marching gingerly to class just as I did after my first O-week. I can’t help but ponder why they call it “orientation”, when it’s spent so disoriented.
But hey, so long as you’re taking care of each-other while OTP and you have a good group of reliable wing-men and wing-girls, ride the wave while it’s high. Now is the time to blow off your remaining summer steam, and engage in some “guilty pleasures” so to speak. Rack up some good “remember when we..” stories that are worth sharing with your comrades during the ‘wee small hours’ in the library as assignments and exams set up shop in your stressed little bonnets later in the semester.
By this stage you’ll surely be starting to settle in and size up the others in class with you. For example, the eager-beaver who sits up at the front, armed with Dictaphone and colour-coded stationary, ready at even the slightest murmuring of chatter to “shush” you, head half-cocked in abrasive, almost primal challenge. If you haven’t spotted him/her yet, it’s probably you ;-)
My friends, it’s a new year with new experiences in store for all. If it’s your first year, it’s normal to feel a little uneasy as you meander about campus; it’s a big place. Time to make big plans, big moves and with all that’s happening around the world, big changes. On that note, if any of you are in a bind (in particular if you have been affected by the recent disasters in Christchurch and Japan), Unitec and USU are there to help. Even if it’s just an open ear you want, counsellors are available and so am I for that matter. If you need time or space, make it known and someone will surely make it happen – we look after our own here.
Stay safe and well, and don’t stop smiling.
Pete.
Mad props:
This week I’m sending out multiple props: To all of our volunteers who were collecting for the Christchurch Quake victims during O-week and particularly at Sounds In The Sun, to our guests from down Canty ways who were selling the “Kia Kaha” bands, and not least of all, to everyone who either gave kindly from their wallets or “shouted a drink to Canterbury”, I have nothing but respect for you all.
All Aboard the “Fail” boat:
The fortnight’s most notable fail goes to… this cat:
Kitteh iz doin it wrong wit teh cheezes…
If you know someone who deserves props, or have seen something “fail-worthy” let me know – I would love to hear tales of epic proportion from you all and to make them live on in on all their majestic glory through In Unison. Chur chur.