The Owl Mentorship Programme

With great certainty, the first year as a university student is highly anticipated. You finally get to have a taste of freedom, a feel of what it is to go out into the world on your own, away from parents, guardians, or caretakers. For many, it is a stepping-stone to a unique path of personal and professional development and success. Yet some of us fail to ensure and reassure ourselves that we are ready. How prepared are you to face this new leg of the race? We must keep in mind that careful preparation and completing the journey step by step is imperative for success. Therefore, we all need guidance, for sometimes, we make mistakes.
 
To ensure that students are provided with as much assistance as required, the Humanities Guild Committee has started the Owl Mentorship Programme. The Owl Mentorship Programme is an initiative with the intent to incorporate and facilitate students with resources made readily available to provide stability and peace of mind in the form of guidance and counsel from The UWI’s upper-classmen who have already lived and or mastered the toils of university life. Essentially, the program allows students to engage, offer, and receive guidance to curve all unwanted academic results.
 
The Mentorship Programme encompasses two types of applicants; Mentors and Mentees. Mentors are responsible for providing guidance, sharing experiences to teach lessons, motivate students to take their responsibilities head-on, and provide additional support if their mentee falters. The mentees are those on the receiving end of this guidance, where they will learn about university facilities, resources, clubs, and how to avoid making common mistakes.
 
However, the mentorship program not only supports mentees but teaches mentors to hone their leadership skills and learn how to work with others while gaining new perspectives from their mentees. Mentors will also gain volunteer experience, build their resume, and develop their organizational, motivational, and listening skills.

If you have eyes to see the light and ears to hear day and night, you are aware that we all have something, it may not be much, but we always have something to look forward to. We are faced with a new modality of learning, but we must learn no matter how bittering. The Faculty of Humanities and Education’s Guild Committee strives to make it as festive as possible. Remember the motto, “Each one Teach one.”  Each of us has the responsibility to teach one another the lessons we have learned, for we all are on the road heading to success.

~Hasani Monroe
 

No Physical Sporting Events Due to Covid-19


 
The UWI Mona Guild Games Committee has stated that there will be no physical sporting events for the first semester of the 2020/21 school year. However, the committee is hopeful for a change in plans for next year and are using a 'semester-by-semester' approach as they continue in their duties.

Speaking with the chairperson of the Guild Games Committee, Imani Williams, she confirmed that all the physical activities that were planned for the current semester are canceled to date. The Committee has moved in line with the institution's stance on the increase in COVID-19 cases and has removed all activities that called for face-to-face interactions.

Williams says that while the Committee is looking forward to resuming planning sporting events for the students, there is no concrete plan.

"We're just taking things semester by semester right now. There aren't any cemented plans for what is to come," Williams responded when asked about plans in place for the foreseeable future.
Although popular events such as the Freshers' Competition, Intramural Competitions, and the UWI Champions' League will not be hosted this year, she assured The HumEd Today that the committee has not been idle.

"The Games Committee also went virtual. We started with a fantasy premier league competition, and we'll continue along the virtual line for this term."

Promoted on their Instagram page, the Guild Games Committee has announced that they will be hosting a Fantasy Premier League Competition for interested students to compete. With a registration deadline for September 20, 2020, the competition will be divided into two leagues. At the end of the Premier League season, the winners will be announced by the committee. The Fantasy Premier League competition, which is being held for the first time, will be the first event being hosted by the GGC as they seek to navigate the digital platform.

-Gregory Bryce
 

Breast Cancer Awareness


 
The month of October is recognized internationally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast Cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the breast tissues. This month is symbolic as it brings awareness to a disease that has affected thousands of women for many years. The Faculty of Humanities and Education's Guild Committee invites you to take part in signifying this month of October as we educate ourselves about Breast Cancer.

There are many myths about breast cancer that spread via misinformation. Some important facts about this disease are:
  • Though breast cancer is most typical as a disease that affects women, it affects men as well. It is most common in older men, though it can occur at any age.
  • Many people believe their risk of having breast cancer increases if they get tested. However, that is false, and that idea stems from fear. When breast cancer is detected early and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.
  • Many breast cancer symptoms are invisible and unnoticeable without a professional screening, but some signs can be caught early just by being proactive about your breast health. Do not overlook any lumps in your breast region.
 
The Faculty of Humanities and Education's Guild Committee is invested in contributing to this cause and hope you will also extend a helping hand. Become a part of this worthy cause by donating and purchasing pink armbands for $100. All proceeds go to the Jamaica Cancer Society. The committee also invites 10-20 volunteers to create an inspiring or motivational painting, mural, collage, or other artform related to Breast Cancer Awareness entitled "Breast Cancer Art Explosion." If you are interested, please APPLY.
 
Many people are not entirely aware of the causes and effects of Breast Cancer. It is crucial to know how to check for these issues and where to go if consultation is needed. For more information on Breast Cancer, please visit these sites:
National Cancer Institute
National Breast Cancer Foundation
Jamaica Cancer Society.
As a society, it should be our goal to spread awareness and contribute to the betterment of issues that affect us as a people. Breast Cancer does not discriminate; therefore, we must strive to educate ourselves as there is no indication of when and who it will strike next.
 
~Hasani Monroe
 

 
Health is Wealth!

This year definitely crept onto the list of terrible years Jamaica has seen. On the list of atrocities stands a Jamaican impersonation of a famous pop icon Michael Jackson and "gyal jus a faint." But that's not all, man a faint to, evrybahdi a faint, because the coronavirus is also here and she is a very hot gyal caus' she jus a show evrybhadi seh she up and out.

Don't fret!

Covid-19 will not stop us!

The External Affairs Committee invites you to their Health is Wealth Event on October 8, 2020, via Zoom. The Committee cares about your well being, so tune in because the special guests and activities will push you to the edge of your seats.

Let's crack the code on mental health with Tameka Coley, a representative from the Jamaica Mental Health Advocacy Network, and Amaria Brown, the Hi I Care Campaign founder.

You've been stuck inside for so long. I assure you this event will allow you to get your body moving in your home's comfort. Even if you don't want to move, watching Melissa Kerr in action will definitely give you a boost to implement exercise in your daily routine.
Not to mention the prizes, prizes, and more prizes! Flow is buckling under the pressure, don't depend on their internet to keep in contact with your friends. Come and win some credit so you can call your friends unbuffered and unbothered. There will also be big giveaways courtesy of Bare BasiX, the one-stop-shop for Jamaican made organic products. If you want to know what other great prizes are waiting for you, don't forget the date, October 8, 2020, Health is Wealth!
We will keep you in the loop, the time and Zoom link are soon to come, and you will hear more. No one should be left out, so tell your friends to come and join the fun. The External Affairs Committee is dedicated to giving you a remarkable experience that you will talk about even when it's over. Let's get trending #Health is Wealth #ForzaAzul
 
[The Faculty of Humanities & Education has fostered many student leaders. Specifically for this academic year, they aim to create all-inclusive activities online, allowing all students to immerse themselves in the full University experience away from University. The External Affairs Committee has a plethora of fun events planned, games, and giveaways stockpiled awaiting their specific dates. You heard right, 2020 may be canceled but, HumEd certainly is not! No matter the state of things, the goal is to get you involved and feeling welcomed.]

INTRODUCTION TO UPCOMING EVENTS Section of the Bulletin

~Hasani Monroe
 
Faculty of Humanities and Education Guild Committee