www.jameswoolford.com
the end is nigh end of year issue
048
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magazine goodbye EXEC 2011-2012
JAMES WOOLFORD: DESIGN FEATURE
EDITORS REVIEW
KATY & JORDAN’S LAST column OF THE YEAR :)
R.A.G review
Second elegance
fashion british heart foundation
A year has gone, can’t believe how fast. It has been the best of times, it has been the worst of times, but through it all it was amazing! In this issue we at the past year Report and saying Executive Committee
will be looking in my Editor’s goodbye to the of 2011 – 2012.
Although this is not the last editor’s letter I will be writing (and there will be one more special issue we will be popping out before the new Freshers’ 12 edition) this issue has the main duty of polishing off an amazing year for DN. And to our faithful readers, thank you for downloading us on your iPads, laptops, and mobiles, and for picking us up where ever you may have found us. We hope you all tune in next year, in the mean time, enjoy our “End of Year” issue. lee
issue 48
"end of year"
degrees north magazine, students union offices, wearbank house, st peters, sunderland, sr60an no. 0191 515 2957 e-mail: dnmagazine@sunderland.ac.uk
www.dnmagazine.tumblr.com
special thanks..... hana standing alex uney carley armstrong katy trouble gregg remmer steven edward corfield adam gawne donna petch michael laidler chris glancey jordan north louise joy mike wallis jennifer brown kathryn symons carley howell debbie sykes-waller north shore mike wallbank jason smith allen humes sarah jones graeme fullwood kate geldart the girls from greggs aphrodite tobias barker
simon coxon emma hopkinson oxfam marriot hotel sunderland pride sarah cox beth easton sam dudley kim hutchinson sam elvidge chloe armstrong natasha steel jamie ryan student media lauren debney charlotte pell nathan johnson deanne lorraine worsencroft carl conifey caitlin wilson jing ren tom guidery grace noon victoria india price stephen machan amy purvis Lee mitchell
dean Fraser emily parkin lucy dawlish rachel hepton coffee with the queens age uk split festival julie simpson kim walker kelly henderson lorraine bird gentoo derwentside domestic abuse servises julie wilson mair perkins louise steel katie graham phillipa mcdonald Lewis McGinty amy mcgeorge carees & employability service hayli ingram amy ingram emily kay smith kat thompson Mitchell Scollen
Degrees North end of year report
Throughout this year DN magazine has been more active than ever. Not only producing you a monthly magazine- a total of 8 issuesbut also being present to many great events, from freshers’ to unions fairs, jobs exhibitions to gallery openings. You name it we were there! In one form or another. Through this past year DN has come into contact with some very special people, whom have made a difference to the magazine. One person I feel I must mention is Carley Howell.
idea, nor were they the best of cakes- as we discovered we burned the bottoms. But all press is good press, so they say, and I think we made a memorable impact for our Oct/ Gay issue. And on the topic of gays, speaking as one, another big part of last year was Gay Pride, Sunderland’s first ever Pride event. During the day we gave out 400 goodie bags with a copy of DN inside. “Creating History” by Louise Steel- issue 043.
image by Graham Fullwell
Lee Allison-Editor & Carley Howell
This amazing lady has been a great support, and has always been there when I, the editor, needed last minute articles proof read; before they went to the big boss. Night and day, even if she was already busy with her duties as VicePresident, she was always there to help out with DN. She deserves a big thank you. She will be hugely missed!
Louise Steel
When looking back over the past year, one event that definitely stands out was the cake stall. Yes, a cake stall. With a lot of help from Louise Steel- previous deputy Editor and a coffee blog Editor, Hayli Ingram, We made a total of £60 to go towards the magazine. Might not have been our best
Blogs..Blogs..Blogs, the most spoken word of the last year, and for a great reason. The DN blogs turned out to be a huge success last year, bringing us thousands of hits. Food blog, LGBT blog, Arts blog, Music blog, but spelt Musik (which just sounds silly now) …and so on. Each blog having its own online editor. At times very stressful making sure we kept them packed full of fresh and useful info. The blogs are currently in remission- we are now using this past year not only as experience, but also an aid into figuring out where to go with our online content. You can expect a return from star blogs such as the Creative Reviews blog, and also expect some new ones to appear. This year has also seen the Students’ Union campaigning against Domestic Abuse, using DN as a medium. We joined forces with Derwentside Domestic Abuses Services, Sunderland City Council and Gentoo. All working together to produce a plethora of activities and events. Earlier last year we held a training day for staff, making them aware of the issues surrounding Domestic Abuse,
DN Gallery
but also to prepare them if approached by a student who might be suffering from abuse. We also held a workshop for students and took part in the 1 in 4 event held in Durham City Centre. But our biggest achievement within our campaign work has to be the “What Does Fear Look Like” exhibition at the DN gallery. Consisting of 100 canvases, we have been able to enlist students, womens’ centres, women’s refuges, counselling groups, some union staff, and anyone we could get a hold of to paint a canvas that represented fear.
The DN Gallery, based at North Shore is a new addition to- what I call the DN empire. Although so far we have only had the one exhibition, the gallery is all set and ready for further shows. The gallery has not only brought a new dynamic to DN and the Union, but also brings a new possibility to reaching out to our students. This past year we have been able to offer internships at the magazine, from photographers, models, and writers, to journalism students looking for their two week work experience for their courses. We at DN have been able to help give them what they needed, and we could not be happier with the results.
looked at the more pricier options, such as Aphrodite and TopShop.
Another person we have got the mention is an old friend of mine, Mair Perkins. Not many people from this University would have heard of her, but she is the very talented animator who produced our DN TV
ident, as well as the brilliant illustration that supported the article called (“Football hooligan” in the Olympics’ issue, by Kim Walker) Now I can’t mention illustrators without bringing up our cover artist for the Domestic Abuse issue. Julie Simpson. MA Illustration student from this University, a very talented person and someone we would very much like to work with again in the future. We also temporarily stole ownership of a roof garden, and stuck the DN brand over it. Which took a lot of negotiating, nothing too serious, just a perfect example of a hostile take over. However it has to be said, although we planted some bulbs, and swept a bitthe garden has been neglected some what by us, however, Adam Gawne has always been there to take care of it, and some of the bulbs have come out quite nice too. So a great big thank you goes to him!
Sunderland Gay Pride
Also we can’t do a report on DN without looking at our contribution to Fashion, or at least the amount of space we have dedicated to it. Second Elegance, an on going feature looking at how to find and put together real gems off the rails of charity shops. If that doesn’t save you money I don’t know what will. We also
Then of course we come to the revelation that for a second year I have been given the job as Editor. Which I couldn’t be more thrilled about. This job to me means the world and has allowed me to get to know some very extraordinarily talented people. Thank you to the powers that be!
we leave you now with some images of DN’s memorable moments from the past year. WE are back in september for our new freshers’ 12 issue, but also keep an eye out for one more issue that we will be popping out over the summer. lee
The Race on the beach.
The banner that was spelt wrong- “Sunderlad”
Louise Steel, During the race on the beach
The DN team after a the race on the beach.
Beth Easton & Lewis Mcginty- dance competition
Lee Allison- DN Editor & Louise Steel at the 1in4 event- Durham
Lee Allison- DN Editor & Rachel Hepton at Split Festival- doing some very hard reporting for the magazine.
Snickers Brownie- to die for- Split Festival
rag review what is rag? RAG stands for Raise And Give. It involves organising fundraising activities and events to raise money for chosen charities, and is the collective term for all and any fundraising that goes on across the University, as co-ordinated by the Students’ Union.
rag committee The RAG committee was put together by the Students’ Union Education and Welfare Officer, Emily Parkin in November 2011 to get more people involved with RAG so more money can be raised for the well deserving charities; as well as to thank and give credit to the University and its’ students for the charity efforts that take place across the academic year.
rag fest This years RAG fortnight (13th-24th Feb) was an incredible opportunity for the RAG committee to show off to their event organising skills. Lots of fabulous fundraising activities and events took place over the two week period to raise money for Meningitis UK, British Heart Foundation and Alzheimers’ Society. Here are some of the memorable ones…
take me out “Take Me Out” Sunderland style took place on Monday 13th February at Revolution vodka bar, and was one of the most popular events during RAGfest. It was organised by the RAG committee’s very own Laura Rudeck (recruitment officer) and everyone else from the committee got involved to take part, or to just help it to become the fabulous evening that it was. Four handsome hunks, and three gorgeous girls volunteered to be contestants; meaning they had to stand in front of a panel consisting of ten members of the opposite sex in the hope of having plenty of lights left on at the end to win them a date; because as we all know “No likey no lightey!” The contestants had a chance to impress
the panellists with charming words, party tricks; there was even some cheerleading and removing of clothes! If the panellists felt no spark from these, they made it dark. Luckily no contestants found themselves with blackouts and everyone went home with a date…just in time for Valentines Day. Sunderland University’s very own Paddy McGuinness AKA Ryan Dowse (RAG events officer) presented the male contestant rounds, and Tamara Evans (recruitment officer) took to the mic to present the female rounds; helping the contestants to impress the panel! Alongside this amazing event, a kissing booth was wandering around all evening. Both events together raised a fantastic total of £224.50!
one pound appeal day The £1 appeal day took place on Monday 20th February. The idea behind it was that if everyone in the University gave just £1 many thousands of pounds would be raised for the charities. Collection buckets were placed all around the University campus along with leaflets explaining what the day was all about. The RAG committee and other volunteers were on hand all day in selected University buildings and walking around campus to answer any questions, and to collect the all important £1 donations. This event raised a fantastic £568.57!
megaraids Two megaraids took place over the course of RAGfest to raise money for Meningitis UK who gave the RAG committee a permit to raid in Sunderland on the 4th February 2012 and collect as much money as possible for this amazing charity. The day was themed with blue and pink, with which the volunteers were able to be as simple or as creative with this as they wanted. The second was a nation wide raid in London on 22nd February with which some RAG committee members and other volunteers travelled to London to spend an entire day raiding in the city centre. The theme on this raid was superheroes! And both raids together raised an incredible £1305.71!!
If you have any ideas you would like to put forward to any member of the committee, if you are doing any fundraising which could be added to the RAG total, or if you would like if you are doing any fundraising which could be added to the RAG total, or if you would like to become a member or volunteer for RAG please get in touch via rag@ sunderland.ac.uk.
history of rag Universities all over the country have dedicated time to organising a number of events to raise money for various charities, and Sunderland is no exception. We’ve been doing it for years now, and with each year it’s gaining more and more publicity, and the charities we’ve sponsored have benefited as a result. The two most recent Rag weeks (during October 2011 and February 2012) saw the brilliant RAG committee raise heaps of money for Meningitis UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and the British Heart Foundation. The previous committee raised money for Breast Cancer Campaign, Everyman, Oxfam, Shelter, and Grace House North East, and both years have seen impressive totals. Past years have involved sponsored silences, hospital bed pushes, talent shows, sports days, pool tournaments, karaoke competitions, masquerade balls, banana eating contests (a particular favourite of the resident monkeys) and the ever-reliable and renowned RAG Raid. That one never fails to get the money from pockets to those in need, and over the years various charities have benefited from the efforts of Sunderland University’s RAG committees. It’s not something that’s sprung up overnight, and hopefully it will continue to gain influence, popularity, and money for the charities that need as much help as they can get. Sam dudley
rag cake stall
Lauren Douglass
Dipti Lalwani
Scott Brown
Natasha Steel
ns Tamara Eva
k Laura Rudec
"special thanks to the rag commitee & every one who was invoved with
rag!"
Charlotte Pell
Beth Easton
Eri n *Spen ce Kati e *Spoo rs N i co la *Zalas Ryan *D owse Adarsh *Ch uttooar Alex*Parker kath ryn* Sym o ns LLoyd*blu n d en Ch lo e*An n*jackso n Ki m*bai n es kelly*wi lso n sam*d u d ley sarah*jayn e*yo u n g Lau ren*d ebn ey H eath er * Matth ews davi d*fai rley Do m i n i qu e*h o pes
thank you!
www.jameswoolford.com
a glimpse into the work of
james woolford BA Graphic communication & design Project name:
Terminus Vita
The
termination of world. The end of life.
the
There are many predictions and ideas revolving around this subject. My main goal behind my project is to promote awareness on these so-called predictions and ideas, not to shun the idea of the world ending, after
all, who knows - it is 2012!. My goal is to combine facts and statistics through the eyes of science and religion. To enable me to do this I will need to make a big visual impact. My doomsday project will consist of… self photographed images which will be manipulated, the photographs consist of The Sunderland bridge, Echo office apartments, street shots, video installation work, and a Brochure- which will hold more in-depth information and steps on how I’ve made the images and outlooks on the scientific and religion aspects. I have carried out research on major religions such as Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Looking at prophesies of the “End of Days,” “The Second Coming,” “Judgement Day,” and other major religious theories of the End. Each religion has their own interpretation, my work pieces together all of these to generate a broad spectrum of possibilities- from tidal waves to asteroids called “Nibiru,” hitting central Sunderland. “Nibiru” being a scientific theory of the apocalypse, that one day the Earth will collide with an asteroid almost the size of our moon, that is reported to be currently on the outskirts of our solar system. There also exists a theory that this mystery asteroid (that some are also referring to as “Planet X”) is also the cause of
Earth’s
climate
change.
<ref: http://www.december212012. com/articles/PlanetX_Nibiru/NASA_ AND_PLANET_X.htm>
This whole idea of exploring “The End of the World” using design, came from an adaption of a previous project I had been working on about the “Four Horse Men of the Apocalypse.” The final outcome was an “End of the world” book - an end “bible” if you will. This, as you can see is a huge interest of mine, as well as Design. My future goal is to pursue a career after University within the design industry. If you would like to view more of my work, or ask me any questions about TERMINUS VITA, THEN VISIT MY WEBSITE. QR LINK BELOW. by james woolford
katy
trouble
Graduating was something I was so excited about and as much as people say to me they aren’t that bothered about it or they weren’t fussed, I know they are lying. It was brilliant! I loved everything about the day and no one could have ruined it for me. The only way I can describe it is; remember when you were in school and you won an award and you had to collect it on stage and you really didn’t want to go up on stage… Well as soon as I got off the graduation stage at the Stadium of Light, I wanted to go right back up again and again… and again! Of course I worried about whether I would fall over in my heels or drop my certificate and rip my dress and gown in front of everyone but as soon as my name was called I forgot it all. I heard people from my course and friends and people from the equestrian society all cheer and my face hurt from smiling. Then the feeling of seeing how proud my family looked as I walked off stage is something that will stay with me forever. It was an absolutely perfect day. I have been writing this column since graduating - so all you avid readers will already know what I have been up to for the past year. I was lucky to walk out of university already with a job but I worked incredibly hard for it and I have taken every chance possible since and given it my all. I won’t lie, University and post-graduation is a tough life right now but I think
there are steps to take which can prevent it being impossible. I started this column with a list of tips on how to enjoy Freshers’ and for my final column of the year I’ll leave you with these general University tips which apply to all students, no matter what year you are in: <1> My tutors taught me to get as many placements as possible from day one and I wish I had listened to them sooner. The earlier you get work experience, the sooner you’ll have the experience to bag that perfect job. <2> Don’t be afraid to ask. If you don’t ask you don’t get. When myself and a fellow student, Zoe wanted to go to a magazine in New York. I sat calling everyone on Teen Vogue’s masthead, each time with a different accent until the operator eventually got sick of me and put me through to someone. It just so happened that someone was the person we were after and three weeks later we were in Teen Vogue in the Conde Nast building on Times Square. <3> Stay in touch. Build relationships with everyone you meet in the industry you want to be in. Collect their business cards and invite them to your final show if you have one or send them a Christmas card. <4> Tweet. Twitter is one of the greatest ways to meet connections and stay in touch with them.
My placement at Truffle PR – I found through Twitter and even to this day I am still in touch with the team. However be very careful what you tweet, I always try and do a head check before pressing send… (my boss, tutors, potential employers, parents). Everyone can see what you’re about to send and if it can get you fired, marked down, turned down for a job or shouted at by an angry parent, it probably isn’t worth tweeting. <5> In the final few months when the deadlines are looming and your USB stick goes missing or your cat pees on your laptop, try and remember others have been there. Three girls I know on the same course all got their laptops stolen a week before hand-in and they did it and somehow I managed it too! It could always be worse and honestly you won’t miss university until it has gone – enjoy it while you can!
Follow @Katytrouble on Twitter www.girlinthenorth.com
the march (led by DN Editor Lee Allison) and everyone involved had a great time. It always feels good to get involved and getting involved in instilling change – whether in action or attitude – feels even better. Pride marches and celebrations are never exclusively for LGBT people. Straight people are welcomed along to show their support for their LGBT friends, family or colleagues.
"why pride?" After telling my friends that I would be involved in this year’s Sunderland Pride celebrations, a few of them asked me the same question – Why have Pride celebrations at all? While it is true that 21st Century Britain is very liberal thinking – life is not equal for everyone. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans citizens are taunted and abused daily for something over which they have no control. It has become commonplace for something bad or stupid to be referred to as ‘gay’. The Government is currently receiving negative attention from Christian Churches and some areas of the Press for supporting Equal Marriage for all citizens, not just heterosexual couples. These small issues are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to why Pride marches and celebrations are still every bit as relevant as they were when they started in late 1960s America. Back then prejudice and discrimination was the norm. If a person stood out, whether because of their sexuality, colour, race or religion, they were often demonised. After a gay bar in New York City was raided by police in June 1969, LGBT patrons rioted. The Stonewall Riots began the modern gay rights movement, and gave birth to the Stonewall charity – a charity which fights
for One the the day who of
LGBT rights to this day. person strongly involved in gay rights movement from early days to the present is Peter Tatchell, a man is also a proud patron Sunderland Pride 2012.
Peter Tatchell has fought for not only gay rights, but human rights since he was fifteen years old. Of Sunderland Pride and Pride celebrations in general, Mr Tatchell says: I am very honoured to be a patron of Sunderland Pride. Please give it your support. It is really important that we keep campaigning for LGBT dignity, respect and human rights – in Sunderland and worldwide. Don’t accept homophobia. Dream of a world without anti-LGBT prejudice and discrimination. Help us make homophobia history. Celebrate your love and sexuality – and the many LGBT rights we have won. But also remember that the battle of LGBT equality is not yet over. We won’t stop campaigning until we win full respect, acceptance, dignity and human rights. Mr Tatchell simplifies what Pride means in to just a few words and this is what I tell my friends. I am one of the lucky ones who doesn’t get daily harassment because of my sexuality and this makes it more important for me to show solidarity with those who do suffer from overt ill-educated bigotry. Last year’s inaugural Sunderland Pride celebrations were a resounding success. UoS Students’ Union went along to
Pride is primarily about togetherness, which is why I believe that it is important for as many people to go along to show their support as possible. This year’s Pride is on 23rd of September, running alongside this year’s Sunderland University Freshers’ festivities. Getting as many people involved in this FREE event is essential to show the world that Sunderland is a progressive, forward thinking city with an amazing University which welcomes all kinds of students from every background imaginable. USSU will be taking an active part in the full day’s activities and we would like YOU to come along and take part with us. For more details on times and dates you can email either su.lgbt-officer@sunderland. ac.uk or dnmagazine@sunderland. ac.uk. The after-march celebrations continue with music from Envy, Sam Dickinson and many more. The after-Pride celebrations continue well in to the night with X-Factor’s Kitty Brucknell appearing at Passion nightclub! One of the best things about any Pride events is getting to know other people similar to yourselves. It’s a cliché to suggest that we’ll all get on, but with thousands of attendees, you’re bound to meet someone with a similar outlook to yourself. Get involved and have Pride! Lee Mitchell
farewell
executive committee
2011-2012 Last year we asked Exec 11-12, as they came into office, what their achievements and goals were, what events they had in mind and how they saw helping students even more with their specific roles. Many things have taken place from charity fund-raising to social events, and the Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union committee has worked harder than ever this year to make sure Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; get all the assistance they need in their University life. So, even though it is the End Of Year issue, and the end for the current Student Union Exec, we have asked the Executive Committee of 11-12 what they feel they have achieved within their roles and what this past year has meant to them... Interview by Dianna Ho
tobias barker president 11-12
It has been an amazing year, very challenging & very rewarding. Personally I achieved 85% of plans I set out to achieve, and overall as a team we have achieved above and beyond what we could have hoped for, which we’re all really happy about. The University has been extremely welcoming to opening up new ways of collaborating with the Students’ Union to enhance our partnership with them, to create further support for our students and opportunities for life changing experiences. You should have a look at our IMPACT Report 2012 to get the full picture & breakdown. Meeting Lord Seb Coe at the Summer 2011 graduations whilst I was a Board of Governors member, sitting on stage with him and the University Executive. That was an amazing highlight for me, and it was great to see so many students walk across the stage and receive their degree awards, as that’s what it’s all about.
I’m looking forword to some nicely chilled bottles of fruity cider, sun out, clear blue skies, hanging out with good friends and company having a laugh. Thats my summer set. When I’m not working of course.
re-election for a 2nd term which I believe will heighten democracy moving forward, and gives the student the voice to see if they want the exec in for another year if they’ve done a good job.
Some of our achievements this year were:
*We have set up the Union Council and successfully elected our Chair and Vice-Chair, being the highest part of the student voice within the SU, it’s great that it has been set up and with the first 2 things it does is the 2 referendums (NUS and Sabbs re-election), and I know it’s going to do great things for our student body moving forward.
*Inaugural Executive Strategic Plan which helped the team to have strong focus and get the heights of achievement we did. *We created an inaugural Academic priorities plan of suggestions we put forward to the University’s Academic Experience Committee and coordinated delivery mechanisms working with the University Executive to get them actioned on behalf of our students. *We successfully affiliated to the NUS. *We held another successful referendum to allow Sabbatical Officers the right to stand for
*We had our first Student Led Teaching Awards to extend the student voice to recognise and reward excellence in teaching across the University, with 1070 nominations in its first year and 7 winners for the 8 awards which were also decided by the student body!
carley howell vice president 11-12
I’ve loved my role as Vice President, it’s given me so many fantastic opportunities that I would’ve never had in any other job! The most stressful part of the last year has been the occasional conflict within the Executive Committee. We don’t always agree on things! Sometimes it’s hard to compromise, but it’s important to know when to argue your case until you win and when to sit back and admit that someone else is right. I’ve overcome this by improving my listening skills and hearing everyone’s opinions. I’ve also learned how to compromise, and when to compromise, which I think is a valuable skill in life.
Next year I will be working for Enterprise Rent-A-Car as a Graduate Management Trainee. I aim to work as hard as I can and to use the experiences I’ve had as Vice President to help me in my new role - I think the main skill I’ll be able to transfer to the new role is my ability to remain calm under pressure and excellent communication and teamwork skills.
emily parkin
education & welfare 11-12
One big challenge I have faced this year is fitting everything into our days! For example, during February, alone, we had RAGFest, the build up to Elections and two major Referendums, USSU Roadshows, many important University and Union Board meetings and Open Days so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extremely important to prioritise to ensure you can get everything done and to remember that you have to work as a team and help each other out as much as possible.
My achievements this year have included RAG, which personally is the one thing that I have focused on as a campaign and engagement priority. We had over 200 students nominate and vote for the RAGFest charities, recruited 12 student volunteers to form the first ever RAG Committee and raised over ÂŁ13000 for a number of fantastic causes!
kat symons ents & media 11-12
My main goal for the year was to organise a brilliant Freshers and it was amazing! All of the students who attended the events had a great time and we managed to run a quiz with 500 people attending... that was a crazy night! Difficulties this year has been getting students to North Shore for events, although the venue isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t in the city centre I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think it is miles away and a lot of students say that it is too far to go for events.
My experience this year has been amazing, I have got to meet and work with so many fantastic students whether that be Freshers Welcome Team, 2nd Year PR students, RAG committee and volunteers with the Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union. My main achievements have been Freshers, securing a link up with Split Festival for Freshers 2012 and being part of the team who have brought back NUS to Sunderland.
Dean Fraser
sports & activites 11-12
Sports and Societies have always been a part of the University and played a huge role in every single student member but this year its been just trying to promote and develop the provisions we currently have to cater for more and to change with the environment and to offer the best services possible. It’s been challenging but its something that I love to do and my backgrounds always been sports so although I’ve encountered many challenges, its always been rewarding. There’s many opportunities to continue playing sport over the summer and to be actively engaged with the Universities’ sporting provisions. There’s many sporting workshops happening at CitySpace and with the Olympic Games coming up its a great time to get involved.
We also have recreational sessions available within CitySpace over the summer as well as hopefully introduce a small pre-season for our clubs who are to start competing upon their arrival back to Sunderland. If you are not sure of which sport you would be interested in, you can find one of the many sporting brochures around the campus or alternatively pop into either the sports office or CitySpace and we’d be happy to help. Each of our sports is around engaging students, developing ability and integrating them with university life so it doesn’t affect your academic studies. The past year has been amazing every single second of it, I’ve been involved in a wide array of things under the sporting banner and have helped to develop sports not
only for this year but put development plans in place for the upcoming years, however my main achievement this year has got to be getting recognition for students who are part of a sports club or society onto their new HEAR which will serve as their academic transcript, which will show the personal, professional and academic skills that a student develops over their time here at the university. Therefore each member of a club or society who has engaged with an Institute of Sport provision will be able to actively speak to employers about the benefit of their time from engaging in a sports club to a wider level of the skills they have developed such as communication skills, time management and leadership
goodbye. you will be missed.
jordan north^ “A week tomorrow I get my life back” “Work, dissertation, work, dissertation, work and more dissertation who-ever said students had it easy could’nt be more wrong ” “Essay nearly done then going to Ibiza for the summer yeahhhh boyyyy’ “20 past three in the morning and still in the Murray Library arrghhh FML! These are just some of the recent Facebook statuses that have appeared on my timeline. Admittedly like most people on Facebook I hardly know any of them…but I do feel for them. There is no worse time in your uni life than the past couple of months especially those in their final year. I left uni last summer and the word dissertation sends a shudder down my spine, it drags me back to those god awful sunny days stuck in the library. You might think I’m being dramatic but unless you’ve been through it you will know exactly what I mean. However when you’ve handed in that final piece of work its amazing. Honestly it’s better than sex. You could argue that’s because I’m crap between the sheets…fair play, but my god it’s a great feeling, it’s up there with Burney getting promoted, my first ever festival and getting my current job, it was that good! So your work is done, the bar crawls (how many of them do they have in Sunderland
now…I still get facebooked bar crawl messages from that Simon Howston or whatever his name is… piss off and leave me alone!). Anyway, when the bar crawls and the final nights out have happened, what then? What are you going to do for the summer? ‘Shit will I graduate’? ‘Will I still see some of my friends?’ Honestly I can’t answer them, but I’ll tell you what happened to me and maybe you could learn from my mistakes. First of all I never went to my graduation! I regret it so much now, but It clashed with my holiday to Magaluf, I know most people leave uni to go traveling and ‘find themselves’ all I wanted was 7 nights of getting shitfaced whilst enjoying the sun. My mates didn’t really want me to drop out and if I’m honest I wanted to go on holiday, get pissed and try and be ‘one of the lads’. So I’ve no graduation picture in my living room and I’ve no graduation day memories which my Mum often reminds me about. Whatever you do, don’t miss your graduation; it’s a fantastic achievement in your life and from what I’m told a cracking piss up too. Secondly…At uni you will have made some of the most amazing friends in your life, they have been there when you were on the bones of your arse, your best nights out would have been with these people, the DVD and FIFA nights and X Factor parties you shared, the birthday parties they have thrown
for you, the meals they’ve cooked you, and genuinely making you uni life mint. I unfortunately have hardly kept in touch with these people. Don’t get me wrong I still text and speak to them on Facebook but I’ve not really been up to see them or arrange a night out. And do you know what I’m 100% sorting something out this summer, so if my uni mates are reading this we will defo have that night out. Its hard, don’t get me wrong, We all work now, we all live in different corners of the country and we all have our lives to get on with, but whatever you do if your leaving uni make sure you stay in touch with your mates. Right soppy bit over, have a good summer and stay out of trouble and all that. jordan x
second elegance photography: Lee W Allison models: Ryan Dowse & Italia-Mari Thompson clothes: british heart foundation
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Degrees North
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c e l e b r a t i n g
i t s
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50
issue! In September, to mark our 50th issue, DN gallery (Located in North Shore) will be showing almost 20 years worth of DN magazine & Newspaper. Archived issues, past editors as guest speakers, and a launch event all to look forward to. More information and dates to come later- but this is definitely an event to watch out for!