Student 24/7 Jul 2014 | Page 2

EDITOR’S LETTER Help! I need somebody! • Kinga Siejek No, I am not listening to The Beatles (though they do have some catchy tunes), it is a ‘mantra’ of sorts that has been a friend of mine for the past few weeks. Reasons? Well, when I was a student, I still lived with my parents. They lived close by Campus, so it was a 15 minute drive. So I was lucky that I always had them near, be it if the car needed a check up (my father is the mechanics version of a car whisperer in my eyes), or a quick snip of the locks (my mom will always be my number one hairdresser). I always had them close by to rely on on for help. So when they decided to go on holiday (well deserved I might add), I finally thought that this would be my time to see what it would be like to live alone (yes I still live with my parents now, but it aint easy getting a place for yourself in this economy PLUS someone had to look after the family pet). I thought this would finally give me the ‘freedom’ I was hoping for; but instead I ended up crying myself to sleep the first few days. Why? What can I say, I’m a mamma’s girl. It was so strange to not have her there to talk to every night before bed. But I am glad to say, after a good talk with myself (I think the dog thought I lost my mind) I got into a flow of doing things, and it all seemed to be working out. THEN, the hot water stopped running. You never really do appreciate something until it is gone, and hot water was one of them. So for a whole week I had to boil water every morning. Worried with what was happening I called up one of the emergency numbers my dad left me - a friend of the family (my dad knows me too well), and he managed to organise someone to fix it. AWESOME. Nothing else could go wrong, right? The first two weeks (after my water incident) went well. Then one morning my car decides it is taking a holiday and doesn’t want to start. JOY! Now my car whisperer is still living the holiday life... OVERSEAS... hehe. So after a phonecall to dad, with only telling him one word, he knows exactly what is wrong with the car, and he can fix it when he gets back - in two weeks. Luckily I have dad’s car to drive for now, but I miss my little green Wasabi. Now you might think this sounds like a sad letter. In a way yes, but there are definitely a few lessons to learn from my crazy story: 2 - Student 24/7 • • • Life does not take a holiday. No matter what, things will be coming at you whether you are prepared for them or not. You just have to keep calm and a solution will present itself. Always count your blessings. For me, they are the friends that have been looking out for me to make sure I haven’t burnt down the house, or given into emotions. These are friends that you might have not thought about, but you know are only a phone call away when needed. Freedom comes with a cost. While I love having the house to myself, and being able to do what I want, there are still responsibilities that must be taken care off. Remembering to lock the doors, feeding the doggie, cooking and cleaning for yourself, paying the bills, etc. It happens to everyone and you need to make sure you are prepared for it. Be grateful for the family in your life. With my whole family (excluding my folks and brother) living in Poland, I don’t get to see them as often as I would like. A phone call here, a Facebook message there... So my folks were my lifeline to my family. Even though they are off climbing mountains and visiting the relatives, I still send messages and call, but can’t wait for them to come home so we can have our fun chats again. There are many of you who probably know how I feel. Especially those in residences... It is a hard change from being in a family unit where there is always someone to help, to having to learn to be responsible for yourself, away from home. But what I love with the idea of residences is that it takes you from one family to another. You have House Parents and HKs and new ‘neighbours’ to help you out. So while yes, you start going your solo route, there is still someone close by to help you out if you are in a pickle. So for this semester I have only one real Pearl of Wisdom to share... Be grateful for the things you have and help those who may not have. You may have needed and gotten help for something, so don’t be blind to others around you who now need help as well. Make this part of your semester resolution... Now dry your eyes, smile and read on! ENJOY!