Come out and participate
in International Night on
Saturday, October 26th
@6PM in the Arts and
Sci-ence Atrium. Participants
will represent their
coun-try’s culture through
presentations and food.
Students, Faculty and
Staff of the Grenfell
Cam-pus partners each year to
showcase the cultural
di-versity that
Grenfell offers to Corner
Brook.
Participating Countries
and Provinces have
in-cluded: Belize,
Newfound-land and Labrador, China,
Nigeria, Costa Rica,
Trini-dad & Tobago, Egypt,
USA, Germany,
Zimba-bwe, Mexico. South
Ko-rea, and the Bahamas.
Inside this issue:
Student
Spotlight 2
Activity Center 4
I Grenfell 5
Blast from the Past—Nyasha Musandu 5 Reminders 8
International Night
OCT 26, 2013
Internatio
nal Studen
t Newsletter
Student Spotlight
Jennifer Sanford
Jennifer Sanford is a third year student who transferred from Bozeman, Mon-tana, and the Montana State University. In Fall 2012, Bozeman had a population of 38,695 people,and it is the 4th largest city in the state. Bozeman has
a dry, continental climate, but still experiences larger amounts of rainfall than most of the state of Montana. Bozeman experiences cold, snowy winters, which we are very familiar with here in Newfoundland. It is some-times referred to as the “Valley of Flowers” because of its lush plant growth, and has vast mountain ranges as far as the eye can see. As of Fall 2012, the Montana State University had 12,722 undergraduate students and 1,154 academic faculty, quite larger than Grenfell Campus by a long shot. Montana State University is heavily involved in music and sports, with over two doz-en choirs and rodeo, skiing, football, and basketball teams. Jennifer took some time out of her busy sched-ule here at Grenfell to tell us about her experiences so far, here is what she had to say:
How is Grenfell different from other post secondary institutions you’ve attended?
The class sizes are much smaller than where I am from and accordingly there is a lot more professor-student interaction than I was used to. Also being able to mem-orize campus within a semester easily was new seeing as where I'm from the campus stretches for miles.
What have you discovered about Grenfell that you did not know before? Did it make you feel like you made the right decision to come here?
How awesome the telescope really is. I knew it was at least okay before I came, but I didn't realize just how good until I started looking at stars I had observed with lesser telescopes. It made me extremely glad that I picked Grenfell for my exchange.
What have you discovered about Newfoundland that you did not know before that you enjoy/find inter-esting?
Bonne Bay was a big surprise. I have never lived near the ocean and so seeing the immense diversity of aquatic life in the bay was incredible. I also had never heard of “poutine,” “donairs,” or “egg cups” before.
Are you taking any courses that you really enjoy? What makes them enjoyable?
Astronomy is easily my favorite course. Dr. Forbes is a great teacher and I always leave that class with my imagination spurred on. Even though I don't particular-ly plan on doing any stellar physics, that class tends to inspire me. I think it's the combination of jokes and infectious excitement Dr. Forbes has for the subject that makes it so good.
How has your experience here been different from other places you have traveled?
Before here, I was used to deserts, mountains, and be-ing entirely landlocked. So combe-ing here to an island that actually has deciduous trees, fall, rain, and only moderate temperature changes was very different.
How has your experience been different or similar to your expectations about the school & province?
I wasn't sure what to expect of Newfoundland. There are a lot of little differences in units such as in the U.S. Milk and gas only come in gallons. And I was sur-prised at little things like switching the er in center, as well as “toonies and loonies.”
I also was used to things from a bigger campus like lots of pool time, over two dozen performing ensembles to take part in, and an extensive, free, on/off campus bus system. But I'm also not used to how easy it is to be-come involved. You had to really try hard to be involved at my other school and even then, you feel like you're just one other hand in hundreds. Here it's wonderfully easy to feel like you are making a difference.
How are you adjusting to the cultural differences? Are there any major differences in your culture and Newfoundland’s culture? Are there any similarities?
I'm so used to having Mexicans and Chinese around that it's taking a while to realize that people aren't joking when they say they haven't had Pico de Gallo or Curry this week. I'm also used to lots of farming and few fishermen, where here, it is switched. And I've never seen fall like it is here with all the colors! Snow starts in the beginning of September back home, so we don't see the leaves change.
It's pretty similar with music, T.V. Shows, and books. And I find we have more things in common than differ-ent. Unit conversions have been a bit tricky for me, though.
Has Grenfell exceeded your expectations in any way? (Academically, financially, anything on campus)
The international program has been amazing. I honestly was thinking I'd have to struggle through a new culture entirely on my own, but Shanda and the rest of the staff there have been amazing about helping out that transition and helping us get to know other students going through the same transition.
Also, the telescope was much more impressive than I thought it would be. I knew it was moderately good, but honestly it's good on a world-class scale.
What has been your best experience on campus so far?
When we threw a surprise birthday party for my best friend here. The best part of that being when another friend started dancing to the Caribbean music and be-fore you knew it we were all dancing in a variety of styles all around the Chalet.
What has been your favorite experience off-campus (ie, have you toured around town? Visited any cool places? Seen any cool natural places? Been out with friends?)
My favorite off campus day was when the international program took us all out to Western Brook for a boat tour. On the way we got to see the butterfly gardens and insectarium, and walked through beautiful scenery with a moose sighting at one point. Then the boat tour itself was incredible. For someone who has lived in the desert, that much water and beauty was overwhelming-ly thrilling.
What has been the hardest thing for you to adjust to?
I'll admit I never even stopped to consider there wouldn't be a few dozen school bands, orchestras, and choirs since I come from a music school with several music arenas around. Most nights there are at least three concerts going on, so I was used to that being the “thing to do.”
I also really miss the mountains. Corner Brook has nice hills, but I'm used to hiking places that have snow year -round almost daily.
What types of things have you been involved in on campus? Have these involvements made your transi-tion easier?
The international program has been a huge help! It made the transition much easier to east coast Canadian life styles. It's been a great way to learn about cul-tures from all over the world as well.
Community Band has been an awesome transition helper for me as well as a great way to improve my skills on a new instrument. And the Christian Fellowship group has been a good support and fun to be a part of.
Have you discovered a hobby, or anything else that you enjoy that you did not know about before?
Star gazing. I really was surprised to find that I enjoy looking through the telescope when previously I was only vaguely curious.
Every year Corner Brook Baptist Church hosts a Annual Bonfire. Again this year Tuesday, Nov 5th on John’s Point. This is a great family event! Come out for Hot Chocolate and fun! Halloween Puzzle
ACTIVITY
CENTER
HAPPENING IN OCTOBER
EVENTS
Every year Corner Brook Baptist Church hosts a No Bull Moose din-ner which is planned for Saturday, November 23, 2013. Mark it on your calendar now.
There will be numerous moose dish-es to try! Come out and try some-thing new!
Come out and learn about Moose! 11 O’Connell Drive, Corner Brook
No Bull Moose Dinner/ Bonfire
10,000 Villages
Harlow-ween
Every year the Fourth Year Stu-dents hold a fundraiser event for their trip to Harlow. One of these events has always been Harlow-ween. Come out to the Backlot and dress up for an evening of goolish fun.
Oct 25th @ 9pm Backlot
This year’s sale will take place on October 18-19 at St. John the Evangelist. Go and support Fair Trade. Be Creative! There is a costume contest to win a prize!
Riddles:
Q. What type of dogs do
vam-pires like best?
Q. What kind of key should
you always take to a haunted
house?
Q. Why do witches use
brooms to fly on?
I
♥
Grenfell
OCTOBER 23-27, 2013I ♥ Grenfell is a chance for students, staff, facul-ty and alumni to celebrate our campus. Check out these great events:
Wednesday, Oct. 23
Engagement Carnival @10 a.m., AS Atrium Coffee Kiosk @ 10:30 a.m.
Official Launch and Parade of Flags @ 11:30 a.m., AS Atrium
Campus Dash & BBQ @ 3 p.m., Food Court
Family Movie Night @6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct 24
Coffee Kiosk @ 10:30 & 11:30 a.m. Zumba @ 12 p.m., AS Atrium
Friday, Oct 25
Coffee Kiosk @ 10:30 a.m., WRSON
Costume Mixer @ 3:30 p.m., GCSU Backlot/ Food Court
Saturday, Oct 26
Teddy Bear Clinic and Art Session @ 1:30 p.m., Fine Arts Atrium
International Night @ 6 p.m., AS Atrium Sunday, Oct 27
Bonne Bay Adventure @ 9 a.m. $10.00 Students
$20.00 Faculty
Also Happening this month...
*
Association for New Canadians will be setting up an information booth on Wednesday, October 23rd, 10am-2pm, Arts and Science Atrium*
Open session for Students, Faculty and Staff about the ANC’s services, and the stages of integra-tion for immigrants coming to Canada. Wednesday, Oct 23rd, 4-5:30pm, sign up with Shanda at [email protected] or at extension 6525.*
Thinking about immigrating to Canada on a more permanent basis???? A representative from the Newfoundland and Labrador Government will be hosting a session about the Provincial Nomination Pro-gram and how you can process your permanent residency faster by applying through theirprogram. Sign up by Wednesday October 23rd with Shanda Williams to secure your space. Session will take place on Wednesday October 30th, 12-130pm or 4:30-6pm.
BLAST FROM THE PAST… Nyasha Musandu
On Facebook people often post pictures of
them-selves and their friends showing them in their
“younger” years and its tagged as “throw back
days”. The term is meant to “throw” you back into
yesteryears and remember the time when. One of
the visions on the newsletter this year is to throw
back some of our faculty, staff and even students
who may have, in some way, come into contact
with international students that has passed
through Grenfell’s doors. This month we spoke
with a very brilliant and very friendly past
interna-tional student who has certainly made her mark on
Grenfell and on many of us. At one point she was
a student assistant in Student Services and
worked very closely with international students in
many areas. She’s babysat for several faculty/staff
and found a warm place in the hearts of our kids.
As many of us are reading this now, the wheels
are turning throwing us back a mere 5 years ago
when this young student from Zimbabwee walked
the halls of Grenfell. She was more than happy to
answer a few questions and let us know of her
ex-perience while at Grenfell as well as what she has
been doing since she graduated. Some of us are
still keeping in touch and some have lost touch but
for the benefit of everyone here is a one for the
“throw back days”.
Did you enjoy coming to Corner Brook,
New-foundland? Tell us about your immediate
thoughts/reactions about Corner Brook and
the fabulous weather you experienced on the
West Coast?
Well, I think it took some time for me to fully
ap-preciate just how much I enjoyed Corner Brook. It
was definitely a learning curve that forced me to
question my own expectations and tackle my own
stereotypes.
My first reaction to Corner Brook was definitely...
“flea from this cold dear child. Mama Africa awaits
you with WARM open arms!” I just couldn’t
under-stand why God would create such a cold place. I
had never seen snow before, I never did fall in
love with the cold but I absolutely loved the
sum-mer. Just beautiful! (Once all the yucky snow had
melted).
Were there any places that you visited that has
become a favourite memory which you still
think of today?
Hmmm, now that’s a tough one. Newfoundland is
absolutely gorgeous. I remember taking a trip
across the island with a friend one summer and
being totally blown away by the spectacular views,
the oceans, the forests and the tranquility that
seems to wrap itself around the island. So, to
an-swer the question, Newfoundland itself has
be-come my favorite memory and I must admit I miss
walking through Margaret Bowater Park.
What was your first impression of the Grenfell
Campus? And have you seen recent photos of
its expansion and what are your impressions
now?
By the time I got to the Grenfell Campus, I wasn’t
in the best state of mind. We had been driving on
the ‘wrong’ side of the road all the way from Deer
Lake to Corner Brook, my luggage was lost and I
was trying to keep myself from running away and
trying to hitch-hike back to Zimbabwe.
The campus was pleasant enough, a little small
and not very exciting to look at but I have seen
some recent pictures, courtesy of the Facebook
page and Dr. Klassen. Wow!! It has really
changed. Drastically. There are some
interest-ing features that have been added which give
the university a sense of character that wasn’t
so explicit before.
What were some fond memories of places or
friends that you saw or made while you
at-tended Grenfell?
I made so many fond memories at Grenfell, I
think it’s because I met so many amazing
peo-ple. I made some incredible friends, had so
many new experiences and got to know myself
in a way I wouldn’t have if I had stayed around
what was familiar to me.
Some of my favorite memories include midnight
picnics in the park, wine nights and potlucks.
Definitely miss the potlucks!
What are you doing now? Are you still in
school or working in your field?
I currently work for CommsConsult Ltd, an
or-ganisation that focuses on strategic
communica-tion for development. I am a Communicacommunica-tion
Officer in our Zimbabwe office and I am also
undertaking a Masters in Governance and
De-velopment Policy with CERIS University in
Bel-gium.
I studied Humanities at Grenfell so I think no
matter what job I get, it would be in my field.
Hu-manities at Grenfell opened my mind to the
beauty of thinking critically, asking questions,
appreciating human development and marveling
at the wonder of the world we inhabit. I find
my-self asking what it is to be a human being and I
think this is what has drawn me into
develop-ment. If all men are born equal, why do we
toler-ate such inequality among us?
What would you say to new international
students attending Grenfell? Do you have
any advice or tips for them?
Enjoy it! Savour every moment you are there.
Allow yourself to experience the unique people
of Corner Brook, the beauty of your campus and
the craziness of deadlines, lectures and
assign-ments.
The education I received at Grenfell is one of
the things I carry most proudly with me
every-where I go and although distance may separate
us, I cherish the friends I made along the way.
So let yourself live in the moment! Face every
challenge head on, laugh often and appreciate
the natural beauty around you. Before long,
your time at Grenfell will be up and you will look
back and think, wow! I actually loved it there.
Currently we have over 60 international
stu-dents studying at Grenfell, what are your
thoughts about the growth that we have
seen?
Growth is always a great thing. Congratulations
to the International Student Office. However, I
always say no matter how big the international
student population gets; treat each other as
family because that’s really the secret to how I
survived at Grenfell. Don’t forget that large
num-bers are made up of single individuals, so take
the time to get to know each other and learn
from the diverse cultures you co-exist with.
There is so much to be shared and learnt
across the board, so don’t miss out on the
op-portunity.
Shanda Williams
Shanda Williams
Student Programming Coordinator (International) International Student Services
AS234B
Student Services
Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland 20 University Drive, Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Canada, A2H 5G4
Tel: (709) 639-6525; Fax (709) 639-2048
Flag Parade
– Wednesday,
Oc-tober 23
rd, 11:30 AM. Arts &
Science Atrium, 2
ndfloor.
International Night
– Saturday,
October 26
th, 6 PM. Arts &
Sci-ence Atrium, 2
ndfloor.
REMEMBER TO SET YOUR CLOCKS BACK ONE HOUR ON SATURDAY
NIGHT NOVEMBER 2nd. Riddle Answers
1.
Bloodhounds
2.
Skeleton
3.
Because vacuum
clean-ers are too heavy.
WEBSITE: http://www.swgc.mun.ca/ student-services/international/ Pages/default.aspx
REMINDERS
CONTACT
