MARCH 2016
SP
NR. 3(9)
FORMÄ€TS The monthly newsletter of Turiba University's Student Council
TER
NATIONAL
Here comes the sun Editor: SIGNE SENE
Hello dear readers! Believe it or not, but spring is here! Well, at least in our calendars. And together with the spring comes warmer weather and, of course, we see the sun more often. Thanks to all of this we want to spend more and more time away from books and indoors. Although ahead of us there is session, exams, internships and other things to do, spring is calling and begging for us to come outside, and I think that we should listen to it.
Photo: from SIGNE SENE personal archive
Spring inspires people.
wonderful world out there and right now it is changing its colors. Spring comes in our lives full of enGo, explore and see what will hapergy. It is like a youngster, who pen! wants to see all the miracles of the world at once. Follow in its foot- Best wishes, steps and use your time to see, Signe what spring can offer to you! It`s a
Spring is a magical time, when everything is blooming and growing. Even sun now is brighter than before, days are longer and it is wonderful! You can just feel that you get this new energy, and it would be a shame not to use it. So, use it for studying, meeting new people, having fun or enjoying a nice walk. Just use it! These seasonal waves of energy can really help you to bring up your levels of happiness and productivity. Even though it is only the beginning of spring, it already feels like it is here. There probably will be some snow or not so nice weather, but spring is already in our hearts. For example, I bought flowers just to have something green in my room. And that is the magic of this season – people want to be happy even more than before. They go out to look for new friends, to see beautiful sights and to create something beautiful, something fresh.
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Let spring into your life Editor: SIGNE SENE
Most of us probably can feel that spring is coming closer with each day and hour. We are getting more and more sunlight, energy and there is just this feeling that you need to do something. So, here are some ideas on what you can do to bring spring in your everyday life. The spring cleaning One of the most traditional things to do is spring cleaning. Getting rid of useless clothes, piles of documents or even cleaning away the cobwebs will give you and your room (or even house) a fresh beginning for the warmer months ahead and make the house and its surrounds more inviting and enjoyable for you and your family and friends. Spring cleaning isn't as mundane as routine cleaning because it's about making space, clearing out things, and maybe even redesigning your room. Restore your energy levels As well as spring cleaning for the house, consider a spring cleaning for your health as well. Winter is a time of eating more than during the rest of the year and if you've slipped into eating habits that
Photos: from internet resources
aren't as healthy as they could be, then spring is the time to mend your ways and to begin eating healthy, fresh foods again. Improve your nutrition intake and feel your energy levels soar again. Eat seasonally and locally. Put your body and appetite on the same seasonal schedule as your local environment. Also, you might want to try to improve your sleeping schedule. If you've been getting into poor sleeping habits over winter, spring is a good time to fix your sleep schedule to restore your energy. Bring the outdoors indoors You’ve spent the winter looking out the window, dreaming of the chance to head back outside without having to pull on layer after layer of clothes. Get out there whenever you can, and when you can’t, bring a little of spring into your home. Bring flowers into the house. Spring flowers will bring joy into the
house with their bright colors and lovely fragrances. Maybe buy a small flower and watch it grow? Taking care of it and watching it grow can give you huge satisfaction and joy. Take time to notice, what is happening around you Listen to the birds sing and nest, look out for animals with their youngsters, and watch the plant life around you emerge, shoot up, and finally start to blossom. The world around you is starting fresh; so can you. Every week brings subtle changes until suddenly it seems as if spring is in full bloom around you. Set yourself a goal of noticing all the little changes that get spring to this point. Enjoy spring! It is truly wonderful and will be gone after few months for another long year.
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International Gastronomy month returns Editor: SIGNE SENE
Photos: from BATSP.LV
Last autumn, every student of Turiba University, had a chance to taste a bit from different countries. Every week there was a different country and everyone was able to have a piece from it. Now the International Gastronomy month is returning with new countries and new traditional foods.
be able to explore during International Gastronomy month, is Italy. Then, on March 23rd, the gastronomical adventure will continue with Croatia, and at the end of the month, March 30th, we will actually have three countries together – Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. The event will take place every Wednesday during the long break (from 13:00 to 14:00) and everyone will have a chance to find out new things not only about traditional foods, but about traditional songs and dances as well.
During March, we will have an opportunity to find out something new about 5 different countries. Starting March 16th, there will be a weekly theme for a different country. The first country, which we will
Original ways for studying Editor: SIGNE SENE
There is only one more month left before the session and exams, so most of us probably are studying harder than a couple of weeks before. However not always harder studying can be more interesting, so here are a few tips to help you to get ready for exams in an interesting and less stressful way. Listen to music Everyone’s different, and some people can’t concentrate with music on in the background. But if you’re trying to get to grips with a topic you just can’t seem to get interested in, having some music on in the background can really help. Experiment a bit to find the right kind of music to work to; many people find that they can’t concentrate on working when there are lyrics in the music, so some gentle orchestral, piano or jazz music may
Photos: from internet resources
do the trick. They say that Mozart is Make up some mnemonics particularly good for the brain cells; It may be hard to remember how to we recommend his clarinet concerspell and say the word mnemonic, to if you aren’t sure where to start! but the thing itself is in fact a Set your notes to music memory aid. It refers to when you translate information into a form in You could go a step further with the which you can more easily rememmusic and actually use it to help ber it. For example, many people you learn. You’re probably good at use the mnemonic “Never Eat remembering lyrics to songs, beShredded Wheat” to remember the cause the melody and rhymes help compass directions (“North, East, cement the words in your mind; South, West”). You can use these to you can use the same principle in help you memorize troublesome your studies. If you’re struggling to facts that just won’t seem to stick remember dates, facts or figures, in your head. try setting them to music. It may feel a little cheesy, but picking a tune and substituting the lyrics is a great way to remember those facts that just won’t stick. Then when you’re in the exam room, you only have to recall the tune and the facts should come flooding back. (Continued on page 5)
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A change of scene Changing your environment can be a great way of regaining your enthusiasm for studying, and provided your change of scene doesn’t bring with it too many distractions, this is a simple means of making studying more enjoyable. This could mean studying in the library rather than at home, moving your desk to by the window so that you can enjoy the view each time you look up from your books, or even heading down to a local coffee shop and burying yourself in your studies with a steaming mug of coffee to keep you alert Read your favorite book in another language If you’re learning another language, you can make learning more fun by
attempting to read your favorite book in the language you’re learning. Harry Potter is a great example because it’s even available in Latin and Ancient Greek! Because you’re already familiar with the plot and characters, you’ll find it easier to get to grips with the language itself.
time off. That could be meeting up with a friend, a trip to the cinema to see a film you’re looking forward to, or anything else that will give you a way to relax once you’ve got a hard study session out of the way. Another trick is to purchase a nice ‘To Do’ list notepad so you can tick things off; nothing beats the satisTreat yourself faction of ticking things off a list, Rewarding yourself for your efforts and it will also allow you to stay on is an important part of making top of what you need to do andstudying more enjoyable, as well as when. motivating yourself. Keep some Find more useful studying tips here: healthy snacks with you while https://www.oxford-royale.co.uk/ you’re working, such as sliced fresh articles/studying-fun fruit, dried fruit or nuts. If you’re reading something particularly difficult, buy a packet of Skittles or similar, and place one at intervals down the page – you get to eat it when you’ve read up to that point. Thinking slightly in longer terms, book things to look forward to for your
Holy Day and spring solstice Correspondent: DARIA DONTSOVA
Photos: from internet resources
Easter, which celebrates Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead, is Christianity’s most important holiday. It has been called a moveable feast because it doesn’t fall on a set date every year, as most holidays do. Also, in Latvia a lot of people celebrate it as a spring solstice, so now everyone celebrates this warm holiday together and it is considered to be family holiday.
Latin term hebdomada alba, or white week, an ancient reference to Easter week and the white clothing donned by people who were baptized during that time. Through a translation error, the term later appeared as esostarum in Old High German, which eventually became Easter in English. Before the arrival of Christianity, Easter in Latvia was a spring solstice event, celebrating the victory of light over darkness.
The exact origins of this religious feast day’s name are unknown. Some sources claim the word Easter is derived from Eostre, a Teutonic goddess of spring and fertility. Other accounts trace Easter to the
So, what about Turiba students? How can they celebrate the nicest holiday of all? Here are some traditions that you can follow:
The Easter Bunny – a cute Easter symbol. It is believed that he drops off the baskets of treats in the middle of the night to delight children. So, you can all become “bunnies” for one night and make your friends happy by giving them something as gifts.
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1. Start with cool hard-boiled eggs. Coloring Easter eggs – probably 2. Protect your surface by covering the most popular Easter tradition. with a sheet of newspaper or paIf you want do color eggs, here is per towel. 3. Fill container with the mixture of water, vinegar, and food what you need to do: coloring. 4. Place egg on spoon and Hard-boiled eggs dunk, turning occasionally so both Paper towel or newspaper sides get color. Keep in liquid for Bowl or cup deep enough to up to 5 minutes; leave in longer for a darker hue. 5. Carefully remove completely submerge an egg the egg and set aside to dry. Tongs, egg dipper, or slotted However, Latvian Easter eggs are spoon traditionally decorated using natu 1/2 cup boiling water ral colors derived from plant matter. For example, dry skins 1 teaspoon white vinegar from yellow onions are the most Liquid food coloring (about 20 common source of dye. Some eggs drops per color)
are decorated using leaves and flowers, which are pressed to the side of the egg using a porous cloth, such as that from a nylon stocking, and then boiled with the onion skins; removal of the cloth and decorative items reveals the imprint of those items.
International Women`s Day Editor: SIGNE SENE
Last month we celebrated Valentine`s day, which brought most of us a little bit more love in our everyday life. This month there is the International Woman`s Day, where you can show a little bit of appreciation to every women you meet, because this day is dedicated to them.
different regions the focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation, and love towards women to a celebration for women's economic, political, and social achievements. Although it started as a Socialist political event, the holiday blended the cultures of many countries, primarily in Europe, especially International Women's Day (IWD), those in the Soviet Bloc. originally called International Working Women's Day, is celebrat- However, in some regions, the day ed on March 8th every year. In lost its political flavor, and became
Photos: from internet resources
simply an occasion for people to express their love for women in a way somewhat similar to a mixture of Mother's Day and Valentine's Day. In other regions, the political and human rights theme designated by the United Nations runs strong, and political and social awareness of the struggles of women worldwide are brought out and examined in a hopeful manner. Some people celebrate the day by wearing purple ribbons. Of course, you can celebrate this day with an empowering message and fighting for women rights, but also you can give a flower or chocolate to your friend and congratulate her on the day, which is dedicated, to celebrate all the good things and achievements, that women have brought in our everyday lives.
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5 reasons to go on an internship with AIESEC Correspondent: RAYMOND LAU
Photo: from internet resources
AIESEC is one of the world’s largest providers of high-caliber youth talent and volunteers. We develop the next generation of leaders and connect them with businesses and NGO’s. We proudly count a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and numerous world, business and NGO leaders amongst our one million strong alumni community. To date, we’ve delivered over 480,000 internship and volunteering experiences, and young leaders who believe in making the world a better place have led it all. So why should you go on an intern ship with AIESEC? 1. Make a Genuine Positive Global aware of the emotional struggles, Impact impressive mentalities and inspiraAIESEC is a non-profit organization tional strengths of character of inwith a truly global reach. With a dividuals globally is a truly eyepresence in over 125 countries and opening experience. There’s no over 70 years experience we’ve got substitute for perspective, so let an the worldwide understanding to AIESEC experience help you gain help your experience be targeted in it. the areas that need it most. There is a huge emphasis on larger scale impact as opposed to individual successes so you can be safe in the knowledge the work you are doing and the effort you put in is genuinely helping a community for the better. 2. Develop Some Real World Perspective It’s easy— too easy— to get completely caught up in your own life at times. Trouble with deadlines, relationship problems and financial difficulties can sometimes get magnified entirely out of proportion. An AIESEC experience slaps you square in the face and spins you round to face the rest of the world that you were doing oh-so-well at being blissfully ignorant to. Becoming
3. Understand World Culture On an AIESEC experience you are sure to meet people from all different corners of the world with a whole host of social backgrounds. You’ll start to learn first hand about the different cultures and lifestyles across the globe from like-minded, motivated people. You can explore new cities, see new cultures and develop your own global understanding with the ongoing support and friendship of all the gang at the local AIESEC committee. 4. Embark on a Culinary Adventure. Going on an AIESEC experience to another country gives you the chance to seriously put those taste buds on trial. There’s a whole host of flavors and culinary combina-
tions out there you have probably never even considered, just waiting to excite the unchartered areas of your pallet. No doubt culinary convention has been your loyal companion in life so far, but opening the door to a complete revamp of your mealtime habits is something that is going to be very exciting. 5. Build a Global Network of Contacts. Meeting new people is exciting no matter the occasion. Add in some AIESEC sponsored inter-continental flavors to the hearty introductions and you’ve got a recipe for one fullflavored meal. By meeting these people from all the different corners of the world, you build yourself a wide, international network of friends and contacts. You feel the budding entrepreneur within you twitch as you start to think on a global scale, seeing the world as the ocean of opportunities that it is. Opportunities that transcend borders, cultures and continents and something that the little world changer within you will no doubt look to take full advantage of later.
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Swim into session Editor: SIGNE SENE
It`s that time of the year again. The study year is running towards its end and we are left here with the session and exams. However before the exams, every student has a chance to gather strengths and prepare for exams in a great way – enjoying company of your friends and having a fun time in the one of the year`s biggest event – Swim into session.
can`t wait for the hot summer days and the fun which comes along with these summer days. However, there is a small iceberg, blocking the way to summer holidays – students have to prepare for the exams and successfully get through the session. If you don`t want to drown somewhere under the piles of books and papers, you need to have great amount of fun and joy before the session. That is why the Spring is the time when people Students` Council is inviting you to start to make plans for summer and go with them on a cruise, where
Photo and information: from BATSP.LV
you will be able to relax and enjoy some great moments with your friends in the event „Swim into session”, which will take place on March 17th from 18:00 to 22:00. As usual, the event will take place at the aqua-park „Līvu Akvaparks” at Viestura Street 24, Jūrmala. There, with various activities and contests, you will have a fantastic time together with your friends and study mates. The atmosphere will be kept fun and interesting by DJ Regmix (Regnārs Mariņins) and illusionist Krišjānis Kallings. After the event at the aqua-park „Līvu Akvaparks” there will be an after-party at „Just bar” starting 23:00. To help you to get to the aquapark „Līvu Akvaparks”, there will be organized schedule for buses.
Origo – Turiba „Līvu Akvaparks”
university
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17:00 – 17:30 – 18:00 17:30 – 18:00 – 18:30 „Līvu Akvaparks” university – Origo
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Turiba
21:00 – 21:30 – 22:00 21:30 – 22:00 – 22:30 THE NUMBER LIMITED!
OF
SEATS
IS
Go to the event and make an unforgettable adventure on Turiba University’s cruise ship!
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From the other side of the school I N T E RV I E W W I T H L E C T U R E R : L Ī G A K Ļ AV I Ņ A Correspondent: DARIA DONTSOVA
We meet our lecturers only on the lectures and usually don’t pay attention to their feelings or emotions. Students take them for granted sometimes, as though they will always be there for them and therefore treat them like equals. SP Formats International wondered what it is like for a lecturer to work at Turiba University, and talked to Līga Kļaviņa, teaching French, who helped us to lift the veil of the mystery. How long have you been working strange situations; it is a problem only to recall them now. A couple in our university? of years ago I had often been mixed For 9 years already. up with a student. I used to come You teach French here, don’t you? to the lectures and one of the students always told me that I was I do, but also sometimes German sitting on the teacher’s spot. And and Latvian if I am asked to do so. only when I had replied that I am Isn’t French a compulsory subject? the teacher they would have taken me more or less seriously. No, no. Students can choose from Spanish, French, German or Rus- Also, sometimes students mix me sian. French is not really popular up with Kristīne Liepiņa, teacher of though, usually they prefer Spanish. English. The thing is that out surnames both sound like the names Have you ever had any conflicts of the trees in Latvian. So I guess with students? Latvian students just remember Not really. I guess I’m just lucky that his/her lecturer’s family name enough. Or people who want to is “something connected to a tree”. study French just cannot be rude.
Photo: DARIA DONTSOVA
ly yesterday that I came to the first lecture and I was alone in the whole classroom! Of course I felt a little bit offended. Or students sometimes take handouts and assume that they do not need to come anymore. This also may be rather frustrating. However, fortunately, I’ve never had any real bad conflicts in my class. At the end of the semester, students usually fill in the questionnaire about their teachers. Do you get the results somehow? Sure we do. We are always told when there is some good or bad feedback from our students. And if it is mostly bad; we are called for “the talk” to the head of the department. Can they really fire you because of that? Some teachers are elected for a certain period. And during that period he or she can be fired only for some serious reason. Do you work somewhere else, apart from Turiba? Honestly, my schedule is quite tough and busy here, so I just can’t go anywhere else.
Do you feel offended when stuWell, do you like Turiba UniversiHas something strange ever hap- dents don’t attend your lectures ty overall? properly? pened to you and your students? Generally yes. It may be difficult Well, I think there were a lot of Yes, of course I do. It happened onsometimes to get along with the colleagues, but the students are Editor: Signe Sēne Correspondents: Daria Dontsova, Raymond Lau great! Honestly, I like Turiba espeReviser: Annemar ija Gr asmane cially for its students. Desktopper: Kr istīne Šņepste Design: Sandijs Br īze In the case of publication permission from Student Council of Turiba University is required. In case of citation reference of „SP Formāts International” is required. Publisher: Student Council of Tur iba Univer sity, C218, Gr audu str eet 68, Riga, phone: +371 67607750
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