dearDIEry 4

As soon as I arrived in the meeting room, I indicated to the facilitators that I had another engagement soon and I will be leaving during the presentation. They assured me it would be alright to leave when it was time. Considering that I did not know the location of the next event, I hurried over to the suggested meeting area where we would meet with the rest of the group and be escorted. When I went inside, there was no visible group, so I inquired and was told that the original group had left five minutes earlier (that's exactly how late I was), but another escort was available to take anyone else who might had been running late. Turns out, it was just myself and another student Jerry (shortened version of Yerenny).  So, off the three of us went to attend the Inaugural Nottingham International Student Welcome Civic Reception, upon the invitation of the Vice Chancellor of the University.

It was an exciting 20 minute walk to the location (I learned that Jerry was from New York, but is of Dominican descent), but not as mind-blowing as the event inside the illustrious St Mary's Church. The floor was filled with various community partners displaying their wares and offering free souvenirs, pamphlets and special student discounts. We even got the fish and chips (and mushy peas) that this side of the world is famously known for. As we moved from booth to booth, we were interrupted by the town's iconic figure, Robin Hood (who I had just learned about that day, to my shame - thanks Jerry), who was the chairperson for the speaking portion of the event. As soon as the speakers were done, we were encouraged to continue cascading the hall.

Immediately, I walked over to the Vice Chancellor of my University and remarked, "Sir, since you personally invited me here, may I please have a picture with you?" He responded in the affirmative, the picture was taken, we had a small talk about where I am from (as he then boasted of his several visits to Jamaica, and his preference to it than other Caribbean islands). Following this mini-conversation Jerry commented about how she (yes Jerry is a female) was not as brave as I was to request pictures from people, just like that. I simply told her, to ask, because people will either say yes or no, but more likely will say yes, because you dared to ask. We then went on even to chat and take pictures with Robin Hood.

As we were about to leave the Church, a gentleman (who I suppose was a professor from our University) stopped Jerry and told her how he had conversation with the Vice Chancellor, who mentioned that he had spoken to two students (one from New York and the other from Jamaica) and he was certain that the New Yorker was Jerry. As she confirmed that, he stated "And you must be the one from Jamaica", to which I proudly smiled and responded. I could hardly contain my excitement as I thought how engaging I must have been with the Vice Chancellor for him to recall the conversation to another colleague. I must have left an impression on him...

Stay tuned for more.

Cheers,
Davene