The Power of Social Distancing

Was sent this today by one of our Post Docs and thought I'd pass it on ...

When you're feeling low and hard done by, just remember that you are not alone. These are difficult days for all of us, but for the greater good we must obey the rules of social distancing in order to try to conquer this horrible pandemic.

Let's be thankful for technology  ...  now there's a phrase I never expected to hear myself say :-)

Where are they now? Collins

My name is Collins Konadu -Mensah I graduated from the University of Kent class of 2019 with a BA in Criminology and Criminal justice . My experience at university was an amazing time, due to the friends I made, the societies I joined, and the job opportunities I put myself forward for. 

It was a truly memorable experience in which I developed myself as a person through my relationship with Christ.  Whilst at university I meet our Chaplain, Lynne Martin. Meeting the Chaplain was very useful to me as she allowed me to talk about my issues head on and she invited me to come to her Bible study sessions.  These sessions were very informative as it allowed members to talk about their
religion regardless of their faith, ethnicity or background.
Throughout university I have learnt that having faith at university is vital as it allows us to have a higher being to protect us and guide us throughout our life even though, yes. your faith can be tested at certain periods of your life, like I experienced during my final years.  It is always good to keep on believing.

Now as I have officially completed university I am currently in work about which I am satisfied as it keeps me active. I knew that once I finished my educational career I wanted to take a break from education and truly discover what I want to do with my life career wise. However, I AM IN NO RUSH and will travel to various countries in the upcoming months these countries consist of, Ghana, Canada and Holland. Going to these places my aim is for pure relaxation and enjoyment to which I look forward to explore.

Overall I want to say a massive thank you to all my module convenors and my supervisor Tara Young who believed in me and all the work I have done. Each of you individually have been a massive part of my university journey and have helped me in various ways for that I am eternally grateful so 'Thank you' and 'Thank you' again.

To Sian Newman. my learning support worker. I am forever grateful for all your help throughout the years, night or day you have always been there for me, willing to help me out with work; and always being a listening ear when times were not that great at university and for that I am so very grateful.

Thanks to my classmates, who made each day fruitful in Kent, I hope to see you all in the near future and can’t wait for our next reunion. I definitely consider I have made friends for life and will always remain in contact with those I hold near and dear.

All your work has highlighted to me that after 24 years of education I finally realised that teachers really do care for the students and want them to reach their maximum potential it is just up to the student TO WORK HARD and cooperate.

For now, my time at Kent is over, hopefully the future is looking bright and who knows maybe one day sometime fairly soon I will be starting a new chapter in my life, so stay posted …… thanks.

What gives you HOPE?

How many adjectives can we think of to describe this moment in history ...

... and my very favourite

More than anything, it is important that you stay positive, stay connected and look forward with HOPE.  Look after yourself and reach out in kindness towards others.

For myself, my faith and my trust in Jesus provides the bedrock upon which I face the challenges of life.  The Bible is filled with promises and encouragements and I just thought I'd share with you a psalm I was reading this morning.  May it bring you some hope and encouragement and a sense of peace in such uncertain times.

PSALM 121

I lift up my eyes to the mountains -

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip -

he who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, he who watched over Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you - 

the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all harm -

he will watch over your life;

the LORD will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore.

You need to laugh ...

Bodiam Castle & Rye

Last Saturday I took 34 students to Bodiam Castle and Rye for a day trip. Students very graciously posed for a group shot in the pouring rain - thank you!!  

I was very happy to have my new boots :-)

It was a real shame the weather wasn't better but most people came dressed appropriately and explored the castle

I think this was a medieval toilet ?!

 

From Bodiam we drove on to the historic town of Rye. Although it is undergoing a change of management the Heritage Centre opened especially for us to see the town model sound and light show, giving some 700 years of the town's history.

The remainder of the time, students were free to explore.

 

Chaplaincy Update - coronavirus

Dear Students (and staff),

What a strange moment in history we are experiencing. 

There are many unknowns at present and the situation, especially its effect on each of our universities at the Medway Campus, is changing day-by-day. 





Here is some of my advice to you:

1. DON'T WORRY  ...  I appreciate that might be easier said than done, but worrying will only rob you of energy and joy and will not help your physical, emotional and mental health.

2. FOLLOW HEALTH ADVICE  ...  Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, nose and mouth, if you need to cough or sneeze use a tissue then dispose of it, avoid physical contact such as kissing and shaking hands, if you become unwell stay home and seek medical advice.


3. CHECK EMAILS AND UNIVERSITY PORTAL REGULARLY  ...  all of the universities are working hard to set measures in place to help protect the health of students and staff. They are taking advice from the appropriate authorities and acting accordingly.

4. DON'T LISTEN TO RUMOURS  ...  please don't assume that everything you hear is actually true. If you are not sure, please ask.

5. DON'T LOOK AT UNRELIABLE WEBSITES  ...  there is a lot of nonsense on the internet and a lot of scaremongering (look that word up if you've never heard it before).
The most reliable websites at present are the UK government and the World Health Organisation:

https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019


6. SEEK SUPPORT  ...  as Campus Chaplain I am here to help provide a listening ear and pastoral support to students and staff experiencing increased stress. Please make contact with me if I can possibly help.

7. EXERCISE GRATITUDE  ...  sadly we are not seeing the best of human nature at present, especially in terms of selfish panic buying, etc.  
Let's be grateful to our NHS staff and emergency services who are under increased pressure caring for others.  Be grateful to all those supermarket staff who continue to faithfully serve us, despite the ungracious behaviour of some.

I am praying for this whole situation,
Lynne

Worldfest 2020

GKUnions hosted some great event this week:

TaiChi classes  …  Mexican Fiesta  …  Kpop  …  Bhangra  …  Cocktail making  …  Teapot painting  …  World Percussion Workshop and much more

As part of our World Fest week Chaplaincy ran an 'Around the World from A-Z' quiz; giving students the chance to win a £40 restaurant voucher.

On Thursday, March 12th we held our annual English Afternoon Tea in the Deep End, along with GKUnions.

Alongside the scrumptious scones, jam and cream, we were gently entertained by a harpist; and our 'Around the World from A to Z' quiz ran for the second and final day.

There was also colouring and tea pot painting :-)

 And the winner of our quiz was ...

Patryk Sarna

who wins a £40 restaurant voucher

We also awarded three runner up prizes of a £10 restaurant voucher to:

Freya Pearson

Kimberleigh Basham

Frankline Shyam

A BIG WELL DONE and thank you to all those who took part.