Date: 8 February 2019
The life in UWCiM is continuing at its usual busy pace. And, this week is unique, because it's African Culture Week!
On Sunday, we had our opening ceremony that officially kick started the African Culture Week. I honestly had no clue about the continent, if you were to ask me to point at South Africa, I would literally end up pointing towards North. That's how illiterate I am in this. If you are like me, this was honestly a fruitful and a unique experience. Hearing stories from first hand, dancing to cultural songs and playing small games... What a great way to get motivated for the upcoming week!
And then, we had our Global Awareness Session. It's agenda was chosen under the influence of the African Culture Week... Guess what it was?
Racism...
I never thought that as a UWC community we would approach such a sensitive topic under the heavy influence of our biased backgrounds caused by the differences in colour. As you may predict, we did have tension in the discussions, but we also had the opportunity to hear each other's opinions out. It was kind of significant for me, because maybe for the first time I got the opportunity look at this community at angle to see its imperfections.
Don't get me wrong...Just like everything, we have our flaws too and this week was the first time I came across it unexpectedly. There's always space for improvement.
Also, I started playing chess once again! Thanks to my one and only co-year (literally), we represented our school in a chess tournament. I realised how much I actually got worse over the years and I'm officially back in game! Let's see how that will turn out...
And, here comes the moment that I'll explain the reason behind the title of this blog.
For the second time in my history of conducting experiments, I ended up causing a fire in lab. Alcohol and me have a strong attraction that pulls us together passionately and consequently ends up in burning things around us!
In truth, I am a very clumsy person... And my clumsiness usually gives me a headache.
We were experimenting with the energy content of different alcohols. A very simple, yet a dangerous lab work. Just as I wanted to adjust the alcohol burner to ensure that the heat directly goes to the glassware, it lost balance and toppled over.
As you might predict, the fire started spreading. I was under the shock just like everyone else was. Then, a friend of ours took a glass of water and poured on the fire. It wasn't a good idea kids! Don't recommend it at all as it caused it to spread even more.
Somehow we managed to extinguish the fire. The losses were a partially burned bag, soaked worksheets and high blood pressure for a few minutes.
I don't count the suspended class time as a loss. It was the only good part of it.
Officially, we are recorded in the history of the more than ten year long history of the chemistry lab.
It's not something to be proud of, but it was a good experience. (Don't try it out kids!)
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P.S. My promises of keeping up with this blog on a weekly basis became a dream after I met the real pain of Term 2. I'll try to write shorter but more frequent updates. Don't take my words though :)
Also, if you're going to be firstie next year, drop me a message! I would love to get to know you all!
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