RAM 2024 - Issue 3

Page 1


lincoln university student magazine

COMEDOWNS ARE p.24 BRUTAL IN WINTER

Anyone who has taken some version of a “party drug” has probably experienced a comedown, and coming down in winter can absolutely knock you around.

YOUNG, DUMB p.32 & BROKE

As ākonga struggles to cope with “skyrocketing” food prices, students are lining up for food parcels each week.

DUMMY’S p.34 GUIDE TO AI

AI is not just confined to ChatGPT and other ‘generative’ tools. It also includes the likes of Grammarly Premium, and other software that can significantly alter your writing.

Study Break with Tips to Keep you Going Could you be Adaline?

Catch up with the Young Farmers Club Comedowns are Brutal in Winter

Kendall Bramley & Reece Michelle Tumuaki Takirua

As the end of semester one passes and exams approach, our execs were busy planning our wrap-up event and some more free kai to finish semester 1 off strong. Throughout the semester, Te Awhioraki has had different events including, multi-sport at the LU gym followed by a kai afterward, our first ako wā (study time) with free food, and we continued to see new faces at waiata Wednesday, which has been awesome to see.   We also supported our Māori and Pasifika graduates at Rā Whakamana by performing a few items we had learned at waiata (check out some pics below of an awesome celebration).

Keep a look out on our social media and in your emails for updates on events and feel free to come along and enjoy the company of like-minded people, free food, and overall good vibes! We can’t wait to see you all at Te Whare Whakakotahi.   Ngā mihi.

Rā Whakamana

Demetrio Cooper Pou Whirinaki

Congratulations again to all the recent graduates. I hope you managed to make it along to Grad Ball, which was a sell-out event, and we hope everyone enjoyed the night!

For those of us who still have to be here to study, exams are right around the corner, so LUSA is putting on a whole week of free food, burgers, nachos, muffins, and pizza for Study Break! So come get some brain food then cram study all your classes. For the Study Break schedule and Study Tops, check out page 14 onwards.

We’ve also got a Red Bull fridge in the LUSA office now, so if you’re ever feeling sluggish, pop in, say “Hi” and grab one before lectures.

A massive thank you to all the Course Reps who gathered feedback a few weeks back. The Course Rep system is crucial in making sure that courses are constantly evolving and getting better. For any future classes where you might not have a Course Rep and an issue pops up, feel free to come straight to the LUSA office, and we will be able to help you out. It’s much easier to solve a small, fresh issue rather than an issue that has been around for a while. So if you have any concerns, please raise them sooner rather than later!

Our next board meeting will be held on the 6th of June from 5:10-6:40pm in whare auahu on the ground floor of Waimarie (Teams as well).

If you are thinking of running for LUSA in this year’s election I would highly recommend you come along to get a better understanding of what we do.

On the agenda so far is: (I’m writing this on the 20th of May, so there could be changes)

~ Minutes of the last meeting

~ Strategic Goal 4: Celebrate Diversity

~ Executive Remuneration Policy

~ President & Operational Monthly Report’s

~ Budget Variance

~ General Business

If you would like to attend any board meetings, a list of when we meet is available on the LUSA website - About/Official Docs/Meetings. Here you will also be able to see a list of previous minutes. I am keen to hear your opinions/thoughts on how LUSA or LU is doing.

You can either email me, president@lusa.org.nz, submit an anonymous form on our website, or come into our office, located on the ground floor of the Forbes building.

Kia ora all,

I hope your semester one has gone well, and your study week is productive.

I would like to give you a little recap on what I’ve been doing since the last RAM issue. Outside of the committees I’m a part of, I’ve still been at the policy rewriting grindstone. Here are some policies that I’ve been working on: I’ve been writing a new procedure called the executive handover. This is to help future LUSA executives to transition from year to year. I’ve also been reviewing LUSA’s Minutes policy. This is where we discuss the rules of what information we put where from our Board meetings. Did you know that you can come to our Board meetings to listen in? If you have an interest in coming to find out what it is all about, our Board meeting dates are posted on the glass calendar outside LUSA.

As part of our transparency promise, we also publish all our meetings in minute form on the LUSA website under “about us”, and “official documents”. You can also find LUSA policies there as well.

I have also been reviewing some of the policies for Lincoln University. LUSA and LU are separate organisations. Another thing I’ve been working on is a project with George which is all about providing more guidance to postgraduate students on when to get a Māori input/view and the best ways to do that for their research.

Wish you all the best with your exams.

Cheers, Elliot

And just like that the first semester is nearly over! We have already mustered through the first lot of lectures this year and just have exams to go until a well-deserved break before coming back to a new semester, new classes (hopefully) feeling refreshed to take on the world.

This semester has seen so many great things happening. Most clubs have been up and running doing great activities, even better trips, and all while meeting new people and having fun. So many clubs exist in this university for us students and there is one for you to become a part of to enjoy, meet new people, and learn a few things.

Just a couple of weeks ago, the second student rep meeting was held, which I am proud to be part of. It was so great to see everyone getting stuck into this and issues raised about courses, what could make them better, or even just how well they are going. LUSA is here to ensure the students are having the best experience. We are here to help with anything, just reach out to the team and put your worries at ease.

This exam period can start to get a bit stressful so remember to get away from studying for a few hours. Although late-night reports or handing in work with a ‘that’ll be enough for a C’ attitude gets work done, exams can be the make or break point for passing. If you get to this point saying for the first, third, or fifth time to yourself that you will be better planned out and put 110% in next semester, start off by ensuring semester one finishes well.

Next semester starts off with RE’ O week. Just to mention a few things LUSA are doing: Free food, clubs market day and winter ball will be like a break after the break. Hope to see a few of you around.

Olivia Crawford Engagement & Media Rep

Kia Ora!

Welcome to the ‘business end’ of the Semester, as some lecturers like to say. Hope you are all doing well in your studies and keeping up to date with all your tests and assignments (because believe me I know what its like!) because it’s not easy! So just a wee reminder that you are all amazing and you are doing well. If you ever need a chat there is a fantastic well-being team at Lincoln (free under student health) and LTL is there for support as well as the fabulous team at the LUSA office. If you see me around also, don’t be afraid to come and say hi!

A lot has been happening at LUSA behind the scenes, I have attended a few more meetings and am happy to say that the Wi-Fi issue around campus has been raised numerous times still and IT is working hard to get it ‘up to scratch!’.

Congratulations to all the graduates, lots of whom are still on campus continuing their education here at Lincoln, I attended the Grad ball where lots of the graduates were having their last ‘hurrah’ before graduating! Was a great night to be part of and the event was a huge success! Also, another reminder that I am in the process (waiting for people to join) of reaffiliating the RAM club where hopefully we can write articles, bounce ideas off each other’s heads, eat some kai, and have some fun. So, if that sounds like you, please email me at Olivia.Crawford@lincolnuni.ac.nztoday!

Enjoy the rest of your Semester and I wish you all the best for your exams!

Olivia

Moses McGoon Pasifika Rep

Warm pacific greeting to you all!

As we all know May has been a very busy month for Lincoln Uni students, not only with assignments but also with graduation. On the 9th of May, Rā Whakamana was held for our Māori and Pasifika students graduating.

Rā Whakamana was a special day as current LUPISA and Te Awhioraki students were able to attend to celebrate and recognise the achievements of our fellow peers. I was filled with a sense of pride and joy seeing our fellow Te Awhioraki and LUPISA students walk across the stage in front of family and friends. I would like to again extend my best wishes to not only our Māori and Pasifika graduates but to all the graduates and I wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

As for LUPISA, this month we have only celebrated Rotuman Language Week. However, we are looking forward to celebrating one of the bigger language weeks on our calendar which is Samoan Language Week. This will begin on the 27th of May, so keep an eye out on our Instagram for the events and free food giveaways we will be hosting.

Vinaka!

Sam Dryden

Sustainability Rep

Kia ora e hoa mā!

This semester has really flown by! Much like the demolition of the Burns Building. I will say that while it has been interesting to watch the skyline of Burns change every day, I do find myself wondering where the pigeons of Burns will make home now, and also what the future of that space could look like.

As always, there was so much going on in the sustainability space at Lincoln this term. My personal favourite was the conservation and sustainability careers fair run by the LU Ecological Society and LUPA. Behind the scenes, SAGE, and LESS have also been working hard to plan Sustainability Week, which I am so excited about!

I also spent last month speaking to councils and parliament about my submissions made at last term’s event run by LESS and LUPA, which was such a cool new experience.

Moving into exams, I’d like to wish you all the best of luck! I’d also encourage you to keep an eye out for SAGE sustainability ‘tips of the month’ on the screens around Grounded and the library to find out how you can be more sustainable in your everyday life.

Zara Weissenstein

Rainbow, EDI & Wellbeing Rep

Hi Everyone,

I hope you had a great term two of semester one and are all feeling ready for our first exam period of the year.

We have had an incredible first semester with some great events. Starting with Pride Week in Term 1 organized by SPACE, where we had a lot of fun events such as the “Gays in the Garden” picnic, arts and crafts, and a paint’n’sip in collaboration with LUNA.

Marama Hauora ~ Wellbeing month has just wrapped up, ending with the Lincoln Uni Pride Walk which we enjoyed on the 29th May, kickstarting our World Pride Month of June. Some of us are also participating in “Sweat with Pride” for Pride month, where we work up a sweat for 21 minutes every day to raise money for the New Zealand rainbow community.

Now, as the days are shorter and colder I hope you are all wrapping up and are ready for a chilly season as the semester comes to an end.

LUSA has various free food events lined up for Study Break to keep you all happy and fed in this critical time.

The LUSA team is also always here for you to reach out if you need it.

I wish you all luck with your exams and hope you all have a relaxing, fun-filled holiday for you all to recharge!

Luke Robb

Postgrad Rep

As the mornings get colder, and the days become drearier and more miserable it signals that winter, my favourite season of the year is drawing near. Autumn leaves litter the ground, mornings are cold, and the rains are slowly coming back. The change in seasons is a good reminder to look after ourselves, coughs, colds, and flu are starting to rear their ugly heads so it’s a good time to stock up on soup, tea, and flu medicine or whatever gets you through the sniffles. It’s a good time to remember to eat good healthy food and visit the health centre for a flu jab. Whatever your preparation is, it’s good to begin now while you feel well- it’ll save you from having to drag yourself out of bed when you feel rubbish!

Our Postgrad morning tea during LTL’s Postgrad week was a success, with Andrew Holyoake taking the chance to ask us what we want to see in future Postgrad spaces, I had the chance to meet some prospective PG students at the postgrad info evening, and have attended a variety of meetings in which the university is taking interest in the growing postgraduate numbers and what they can do to support us. I see this as a great opportunity for everyone to have their say, to help improve and sustain the PG experience at our awesome campus Tickets for our PG quiz night are flying out the door as I write this, so hoping this new type of event may encourage some new faces to come out and relax after working hard all day.

As always please feel free to reach out to me as your LUSA rep for any questions, concerns, or suggestions! (or any other LUSA rep for that matter if I’m too scary, I’m sure anyone will be happy to listen)

Caterina Campese International Rep

Hola amigos,

May has brought the grey weather and a heap of lovely events around well-being, mental health, and inclusivity. May at LU is celebrated as the Wellness Month - Marama Hauora, and the month of Cultural Diversity.

I hope you had the time to join in some of the activities organised, enjoyed some kai, and shared some nice moments with your peers.

LUSA Exec is always coming up with new ways to encourage the involvement of the student body (yes, you!) in our decisional processes and increase awareness and transparency around LUSA.

We are looking forward to hearing your feedback.

I would like to see more international students involved with LUSA. Don’t forget that the internationals represent almost 30% of the total student population and we deserve as much as any other student to be proportionally represented in the Exec and to make our voice heard.

I am planning some cool events later this winter, and I hope to see a bunch of international students participating.

In the meantime, if you have anything you would like to share or propose, you can find me at caterina.campese@lincolnuni.ac.nz

See you around campus, Ka kite,  Caterina

Study Smarter, Not Harder

Study Tips & Updates from Kaiwhakarite Tauira I Student Buddy Programme

Kia ora! We hope you have been keeping warm, preparing for the upcoming exams, and taking good care of yourself during this busy period! In this article, we would like to share with you a few updates on what Kaiwhakarite Tauira | Student Buddies have been up to, as well as some sweet study tips that could be useful for your exam revision and final assessments.

Semester 1 has surely been a busy one for our team.

We have introduced our programme to our tauira at Orientations, Clubs Market, LUSA events, EAP classes, and connected with you all at the Student Buddy Lunch, happening every Tuesday 12.30pm in Grounded. More recently, we hosted a fun Little Games event, which included jenga and a memory card game. As you can see from the photos, there were some serious moments of concentration and thought! Thank you to all who participated. We look forward to connecting with you all again through exciting events.

Lets talk about study prep... exciting stuff, right?!

see you there next time. Bring a mate, and we’ll have yummy snacks and cuppa there for free, to keep you going!

To-do lists/Checklists

These help you prioritise tasks, and to break down your study goals into manageable tasks. Tick them off as you go and reward your progress. Practice Makes Perfect

Test yourself regularly with quizzes, past exams, or teaching the material to a friend. Active recall strengthens memory and reinforces learning.

Put away distractions

Yep, turn your device’s to ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode, or you could set your own ‘Study’ Focus if you’re an iPhone user!

Start early!

We know that exams and assignments are painful, so we thought we’d share some of your own study tips and experiences here. These can help you to stay focused, and ace your final assignments and/or exams.

Power of Pomodoros

Break your study sessions into manageable chunks with the Pomodoro Technique. Set a timer for 25 minutes, focus solely on your task, then reward yourself with a 5-minute break. Rinse and repeat! This technique boosts productivity and prevents burnout.

Wheako Tauira hosted a Pomodoro session in May for students. If you missed it, don’t stress, we’d love to

It’s veryyy tempting to work on that one final assignment that is due in a week, but hey, do you remember about the other final exam that is coming up in 10 days?

For exams, allow yourself plenty of time to prepare. Don’t expect to memorise 12 weeks’ worth of lectures in just 3 days!

Self-care

Remember, self-care is key during exam season. Take breaks, stay hydrated, eat well, and get enough sleep. Reach out to the Wellbeing Team for support, utilise the cosy study spaces in the library, and check out LTL’s website and advisors for additional resources and guidance. Breathe! You’ve got this!

Kaiwhakarite Tauira | Student Buddies

We are current LU students supporting tauira at LU, to help you connect with support services, and to answers any questions you may have.

Having a Student Buddy can be an awesome way to make new friends and have someone to chat to.

If you would like a Student Buddy for yourself, email experience@lincoln. ac.nz or scan the QR Code.

FreeFreeFoodFood Breakfast Burgers

Tuesday 4th June 12.30pm til we run out

Nachos

Wednesday 5th June

12.30pm til we run out

Thursday 6th June

10.30am til we run out

Friday 7th June

12.30pm til we run out

STUDY TIPS

FreeFree

STUDY SMARTER NOT HARDER

GO TO LECTURES

You’re hungover, it’s cold outside, it’s boring... whatever the excuse, as tedious as it sounds, students who attend lectures are more likely to have a higher pass rate than those who don’t. Going to class allows you to focus and take notes on course content, and some professors will tell you to take note of specific slides for future reference and hint towards what you can expect on an upcoming exam.

TAKE NOTES & REVIEW THEM OFTEN

Digital note-taking is using a computer to organise study notes and documents. Digital note-taking tools allow you to edit, condense, and connect your notes.

Learn how to take notes effectively using the Cornell note-taking method: Divide a page into three sections: cues, notes, and summary. Place the cues column on the left-hand section and the notes column on the right-hand section. The summary column is placed at the bottom of the page.

When you use the charting note-taking method, you use a table or a spreadsheet structure to organise information into different categories or topics.

Divide your page into separate columns. Give each column a heading or a label. Think about how you want to organise your notes to identify the most useful headings. Enter notes under the relevant column.

Mind mapping involves creating a diagram in which ideas, concepts, or images are linked together around a central core concept. It can be used during lectures or presentations, and even while you are reading or watching a video.

FIND YOUR STUDY STYLE

If you prefer images or graphics, try utilising a studying method that emphasizes these tactics, such as mind mapping or labeled diagrams. If you like studying using auditory cues, use a program that reads your notes to you. Reading aloud to yourself is one of the best study tips as it helps you memorize the information you’re reading. Making flashcards from your notes is an excellent way to work on memory recall.

Creating a study group gives you a chance to study with like-minded students. It allows you to bounce ideas off one another, and gain new views you may not have realised. Studying in groups can also minimize the chance of getting distracted while studying as you can motivate each other. Give yourself breaks in study sessions. Go for a walk, set aside 10 minutes to scroll through Reels, or snack on some healthy food to fuel your study session.

“The Age of Adaline” is a captivating cinematic masterpiece directed by Lee Toland Krieger, delving deep into the essence of human existence, and offering a thought-provoking exploration of life, love, and the pursuit of meaning amidst immortality. Portrayed with mesmerizing elegance by Blake Lively, Adaline Bowman’s life takes an extraordinary turn when she ceases to age following a mysterious accident, propelling her on a timeless journey of self- discovery amidst the ever- changing currents of existence. Such is my fascination with this film that I found myself compelled to watch it twice this week alone.

First, Adaline’s fashion choices serve as a visual testament to her inner evolution, reflecting her journey of self-discovery and adaptation across different time periods. From 1950s-style attire to contemporary fashion, each outfit becomes a canvas for Adaline to explore the intricacies of identity and expression, delicately balancing assimilation with individuality.

As a 25-year-old professional navigating the complexities of modern life, Adaline’s journey deeply resonates with me. Her career as a librarian transcends mere occupation, symbolizing her role as a guardian of knowledge and wisdom in a world fraught with uncertainty and change. In the tranquil confines of the library, Adaline embodies timeless values of learning, reflection, and preservation, offering solace and enlightenment to those amidst the chaos of the outside world.

What truly amazes me is Adaline’s remarkable capability for excellence, tempered by an innate sense of modesty. Adaline is constrained from being extraordinary due to the potential trouble it could cause if the government were to discover her perpetual youthfulness. Therefore, she avoids the spotlight, quietly excelling in her role as a librarian without seeking recognition or acclaim. However, despite her efforts to remain unassuming, Adaline’s inherent charisma and grace make her stand out effortlessly.

In her, I discern a perfect embodiment of Aristotle’s concept of virtue as the mean—a harmonious balance between extremes. Adaline neither aspires to be ordinary nor strives to be extraordinary; she simply

exists, emanating a quiet brilliance that captivates all who encounter her.

For individuals grappling with questions of identity and purpose, Adaline’s journey offers a powerful reminder of the importance of balance an authenticity. In a world often celebrating extremes, her quiet strength and grace provide a compelling alternative—a path of humility, wisdom, and self-discovery. As we follow Adaline on her timeless odyssey, we are reminded that true excellence lies not in grand gestures or achievements but in the quiet pursuit of virtue and unwavering commitment to oneself.

As I immerse myself in Adaline’s narrative, I find myself drawn to her timeless journey through the ages and the profound themes it explores. Watching her navigate the complexities of immortality prompts me to reflect on my own journey through life. How do I confront the ever-changing landscape of existence and evolve alongside it?

Adaline’s ability to maintain equilibrium amidst the flux of time is nothing short of remarkable. She gracefully adapts to changing circumstances while retaining a sense of self that transcends the ages. Her resilience prompts me to ponder how I navigate the shifting tides of time, embracing growth and evolution while remaining anchored in my identity and values.

Like Adaline, I aspire to navigate this balance with grace and poise, embracing life’s experiences while holding steadfast to my core values and beliefs. Instead of solely striving for the extraordinary and chasing achievements, I should aim to approach every aspect of my life—career, family, and societal contributions—with dedication and integrity.

I find fulfilment in giving my best effort in each role I inhabit, whether as a lecturer, a student, a mother, a daughter, or in any other capacity, cherishing the moments and connections that shape my journey. My answer may be somewhat blurry, but I believe it lies in finding contentment and purpose in the everyday moments, rather than constantly seeking grand accomplishments. And as I evolve through life’s eras, I will continue to embrace each new chapter with openness and enthusiasm, savouring the richness of experience along the way.

Ultimately, Adaline’s journey reminds us that life is a tapestry woven from our experiences, relationships, and choices. Each moment contributes to the masterpiece of our lives, defining our journey through existence. In the end, it is not the quantity of time that defines us but the quality of our experiences and the depth of our connections.

So, would I be able to be Adaline? Perhaps not in the literal sense of immortality, but certainly in spirit—in my unwavering pursuit of balance, growth, and authenticity amidst the ever-changing currents of life.

Lincoln Hunting Competition 2024

19th–21st July

Open: Big 3 (stag, boar trout), Heaviest Boar, Best Jaw, Heaviest Stag, Best Antlers, Tahr Horns, Heaviest Trout, Chamois Horns and Heaviest Goose

Junior: Little 3 (Possum, Rabbit, Hare), Heaviest Possum, Heaviest Mouse, Heaviest Trout, Heaviest Goose, Most Rabbits and Hare Shot, Heaviest and Best Goat Head

Junior QR code: Open QR code:

Uniting NZ’s Primary sector, this is an event for Young Farmers, Fishers, Foresters and Rural professionals.

Join us to connect for a night of live Music, Networking, Guests, Prizes and Food.

Ball proceeds will be donated to Rural Support Trust. Tickets on sale now!

with Guest speaker Wayne LangfordPresendent Federated Farmers

Speed Shear Winners

The 11th of May saw the Lincoln Young Farmers host the famous Speed Shear at the Famous Grouse Hotel in Lincoln.

As expected, large numbers of students, locals and people from other regions flocked to the Grouse for what can only be described as a special night.

The night involved three classes; Clean, Senior and Open. There were heaps of entries in each category, which came to a total of over 30 competitors.

The raffle and the auction were a huge success with the crowd.

This whole event would not have been able to go ahead without our amazing range of sponsors who supported the event through items that were sold in both the auction and raffle. The Famous Grouse Hotel deserves a huge thankyou for hosting the event.

For all placeholders there was more than $2500 worth of prizes. A huge congratulations to all who competed and hopefully we will see you again next year!

CLEAN:

1st - Gus Berger

2nd - Jackson Disbury

3rd - Hanna Lawlor

SENIOR: 1st - Edward Harrington

2nd - Josh Devane

3rd - James Wilson

4th - Ruben King

OPEN: 1st - Shane Hackett

2nd - Hugh de Lacy

3rd - Phoenix Hawkins

4th - Richard Timu

Mid-Canterbury Day Trip

On the 17th of May, three van loads of keen Young Farmers members departed Lincoln en route to the Synlait factory near Rakaia. Our tour of Synlait included looking through the bottling, storage, drying and packing areas of the factory. Having an in-depth rundown of the operations and different products that Synlait sends to the Asian market (such as cream and baby powder) was fascinating. We were very fortunate to have the ability to look around a factory of this size and scale.

Continuing the dairy theme, we then travelled 5 minutes down the road to Selene Harvey’s dairy operation. As 50/50 share milkers, it was interesting to hear her background and how she got into the dairy industry. Previously, Selene had trained as a lawyer but mentioned the opportunities dairy farming can provide and how for statistically-minded people there were plenty of KPIs to monitor performance. For Selene every day on the farm was different. Of course, it wouldn’t be a dairy visit without witnessing – and in some cases helping - with a milking before we left.

After a quick stop at the Dunsandel pub, we then arrived at Ridgen’s farm where John Ridgen gave us an overview of the property. The Ridgen’s property is a mixed arable sheep and beef farm which often acts as a “bed and breakfast” for finishing stock. The Ridgen’s grow a variety of crops for seed and cash. Despite being only a small part of the operation, an in-depth conversation about the role of lucerne took place and about some of the pests such as slugs.

Overall, it was a fantastic day, and everyone enjoyed themselves. A big thank you to everyone who helped organize the trip and to the farmers who allowed us to visit their properties.

lincolnyoungfarmers

lincolnyfc

CF CAMP 2024

Amongst the busyness of uni life, the Christian Fellowship (CF) camp from the 10th-12th of May at Hibburt Park was a breath of fresh air.

We had a blast playing board games, sports and undertaking orienteering challenges. But one of the main highlights was the bible teaching. We listened to four sessions from José (a speaker from a local church) who unpacked the book of Philippians from the bible.

José helped us view Philippians through the lens of what it means to be a follower of Christ

and to help others follow him.

CF camp is an annual event held by the club and is open to anyone on campus. The club is for Christians, people who have never heard of Christianity and everyone in-between.

If you’re interested in joining the club or getting involved, the CF runs weekly events like our group dinner/bible study on Monday evenings from 6:00pm, and our women’s bible study on Thursday’s at 8:30am both at the Well flat on 1419 Springs Road.

The club is open to all, and we love for new people to come along to events. The best way to join the club and to find out what’s happening is through the Facebook page below.

lincoln uni christian fellowship

VANUATU GLOBAL REACH TRIP 2024

Did you know that there aren’t just Christian Fellowship groups at NZ universities but at uni’s in other countries all around the world?

A highlight of my easter break was joining a team of five students and two university staff to visit students in Vanuatu. Our team was made up of students and staff from six of New Zealand Christian Fellowship’s clubs with Massy, Canterbury, Auckland, Victoria, Waikato, and Lincoln University all being represented.

A highlight of the trip was when our group visited USP (University of the South Pacific) to meet with uni student Christian groups. We were able to

study the bible together and talk about some of the challenges we face as students. We were blessed to look around USP to see what university life was like in another country. Other highlights included visiting local churches like Sarumbetu and Popowah Church, as well as running school programs for Popowah primary school and Onesua Presbyterian School. We were also fortunate to travel to the small island of Nguna where we stayed in the village of Taloa. We were able to have a rich cultural experience of Vanuatu village life eating local food as well as playing football with the village kids and swimming in the coral reefs.

One thing I learnt from this trip was that the Ni-Vanuatu people had less in the way of possessions and comforts but they had a rich joy and hospitality that they extended to us.

I think us Kiwis could learn from the Ni-Vanuatu to be more joyous and hospitable with what we have rather than focusing on what we don’t have.

The trip was incredibly valuable as our team got to genuinely experience what it was like to live as a Christian in Vanuatu and to see how God is working with the various ministries in churches, schools and the university.

Our team outside Joy Bible Collage
Popowah Church/School

Comedowns are the Worst but they’re brutal in Winter. A comedown is a self-inflicted and temporary punishment for messing with your brain’s chemistry. For some, it’s no worse than a sluggish hangover, but for others, it can be a pretty traumatic state of anxiety, depression, insomnia, or the whole lot all at once! Throw in the Winter Blues, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, hilariously acronym SAD, then this is a legit depressive state!

Anyone who has taken some version of a “party drug” has probably experienced a comedown, and with things getting darker, colder, and decidedly wetter, Winter can be rough for some folks, and coming down in winter can absolutely knock you around.

So here are some tips on how to be a little kinder and a little gentler with yourselves during the darker months, as you may get that feeling of euphoria the night before, it can have some very different effects on a couple of days afterward.

Prepping for your comedown

Prepping like it’s the apocalypse might sound like a lot of work, but future you will thank yourself for it and it’s literally key!

Sustenance

You won’t be feeling hungry but eventually, you’ll need to eat. Snacks; non-challenging snacks and warm drinks like chicken noodle cuppa soup, so all you have to do is boil the jug! And of course plenty of Blue Powerade and water. Get this sorted the day before. Pick up a stash of your favourite snackies from the shops to see you right.

Time Out

If you know you’ll need some time out from people, then apply for leave from work. The drop in serotonin may make you feel overwhelmed and more vulnerable. Plus the winter weather will make the outside world feel very ‘doom and gloom’. So, treat yo ‘self, take the day off! Also, stay away from doomscrolling on social media. Chuck on some trashy Netflix series instead!

Naps

Even if you’ve had a bunch of stimulants and actual sleep seems like a mile away, build yourself a snug nest and watch/listen to ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) videos, and let your mind drift. Often described as a “brain massage,” these will help you along with any sleep apps, so eventually your sleep will catch up on you. But the important thing is that you rest.

Embrace the snug life

Duvet burritos, open fires, hot water bottles, Oodies, bed socks or Ugg Boots, tasty soups, pet snuggles bubble baths...basically we recommend leaning into everything soft, warm, and comfortable. (Especially if it’s hiffing down outside and you don’t have to go anywhere and you can feel extra smug about being toasty warm).

Read the rest of Know Your Stuffs tips by scanning the QR Code.

The RAM Club is being reaffiliated but we need you! Our exec currently consists of myself (Olivia) and that’s it!

I am the Engagement and Media Representative for LUSA and part of my role is running the RAM Club. Within the club, we will come up with new ideas and initiatives for the RAM and encourage more articles, as well as writing article ourselves. Also, we would provide free food when we have meetings!

I really encourage anyone who loves writing, sharing ideas, or stirring the pot! Plus it would also look great on your CV.

If you’re interested in joining the RAM Club, email me at Olivia.Crawford@lincolnuni.ac.nz or come and talk to me if you see me around.

NewCourse!

Sustainability Analysis and Actions Semester 2 2024

In this exciting new course, students will analyse elements of the broad constructs of sustainability environmental, social, and economic and the linkages to existing analysis and reporting frameworks.

Using a real organisation, students will develop appropriate strategies and actions to guide the organisation towards achieving ambitious and relevant sustainability goals and objectives.

Open for enrolment now https://www.lincoln.ac.nz/study/apply and enrol/

There’s more to lose than your licence Drinking? Don’t drive.

Head of the Commonwealth

King Charles III

King Charles might have spent many years overshadowed by his mother Queen Elizabeth II and his sons William and Harry, but that’s not to say that King Charles doesn’t have an interesting story of his own. In celebration of his Birthday we pay tribute to his quirkiness! Charles may have earned a bad reputation during his marriage to Princess Diana, but over time the public has learned to love him for all his quirky ways; no matter how strange they may seem. There have even been rumours about King Charles’ pickiness (like having a servant to help him squeeze his toothpaste tube for him!). But are these rumours really true?

Here are some funny facts you may not know about King Charles:

HIS CAR RUNS ON ENGLISH WINE.

Apparently, Charles runs his 39-year-old Aston Martin (which was given as a 21st birthday gift from his mum) on bio-fuel made from surplus English wine! He also has his Jaguars, Audi, and Range Rovers run on 100% biodiesel made from used cooking oil.

HE WAS THE FIRST BRITISH ROYA

HEIR TO EARN A DEGREE

King Charles became the first heir of the Royal Family to earn a university degree in 1971. He has his bachelor’s degree from Cambridge University’s Trinity College and he also earned his master’s from the same school in 1975.

HE HAD A REALLY LONG ROYAL NAME

Before the coronation, King Charles III’s full official title was: His Royal Highness Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, Prince of Wales, KG, KT, GCB, OM, AK, QSO, PC, ADC, Earl of Chester, Duke of Cornwall, Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick, Baron of Renfrew, Lord of the Isles, and Prince and Great Steward of Scotland. Try repeating that ten times!

HE’S HORRIBLE AT GIVING GIFTS

Apparently, in 2003 the still Prince sent a bottle of Scotch to Ozzy Osbourne as a get-well present… the only problem is that Ozzy is a recovering alcoholic. Naturally, Ozzy’s wife Sharon wasn’t too pleased with the gift!

HE’S A CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR

Believe it or not, back in 1980 the then Prince Charles penned (and published) a children’s book titled The Old Man Of Lochnagar, which he originally wrote or his younger brother Prince Edward.

HE’S A DISTANT RELATIVE OF DRACULA

OK, so he’s not really a distant relative of Dracula, but he is a distant relative of Vlad the Impaler (or Romania’s Vlad Tepes), the 15th-century nobleman who became the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula story.

HE’S A PICKY EATER (TO SAY THE LEAST)

Not only does he insist on having his eggs boiled for exactly seven minutes, he also asks that to have tea, muffins, seven boiled eggs served to him every day between 4 and 5 p.m.

But his pickiness doesn’t just stop there: He also asks his chefs to put poached eggs on top of every meal, steam his vegetables in a specific type of mineral water, and make his orange and damson gin from the fruits grown at Highgrove.

...and lucky last!

HE SLEEPS IN THE NUDE

… Now try and get rid of that mental image before it scars your brain.

On April 20th, during that sweet spot between the term break and the school holidays, our Parent Society held a very successful, first-member catch-up!

The turnout was larger than anticipated, with new LU families joining us, which is awesome.

The kids couldn’t contain their excitement as they reunited with their buddies, filling the air with laughter and chatter, and what made this event more special, was a special visitor—a fairy!

Seeing the children’s eyes light up with wonder as they interacted with our magical guest, was priceless, adding an extra sprinkle of enchantment to the day. Meanwhile, we grown-ups took the chance to chat about life, study, work, and everything in between! It was just one of those sunny days that made you grateful for the simple pleasures in life. Scrolling through the photos from the event, you can’t help but feel happy. There’s something special about seeing young friendships blossom.

We’d like to thank everyone for the collaborative effort between LUSA, the Uni, and the Parent Society, it was a great experience, and appreciate the help in contributing to our club’s engagement efforts.

Here’s to many more gatherings filled with sunshine and smiles!

YOUNG DUMB & BROKE YOUNG DUMB & BROKE

As ākonga struggles to cope with “skyrocketing” food prices, students are lining up for food parcels each week as the cost-of-living crisis eats into their budgets. With rent around $180 to $200 a week consuming half their income, meant part-time work was necessary. Add that to the price of healthy food being nearly impossible to maintain (especially during winter), then you’ve got a nice recipe for negative effects on students’ physical, mental, and general well-being. Students were also unlikely to ask for help and were often suffering in silence, with those unable to access the student allowance “suffering the most”.

Ron Kittle once said “I’m so poor I can’t even pay attention”, well, here are a few saving tips that you might want to sit up straight for.

Get a Pet Rock

Animals come at a price, almost $1400 per year!

It’s much more economical to keep a pet rock instead, if you did this you would save money on food, treats, toys, grooming, registration, and any vet bills you might incur.

Take the World’s Fastest Shower

The current world record is 33.18 seconds. The electric hot-water cylinder might be an iconic feature of the Kiwi home, but it’s one of the least cost-effective methods for heating water. For the first time in 2024, they’ve calculated that a heat pump water heater is the cheapest way to get hot water.

It also costs significantly more to keep your home warm, and your water hot, than it did last year. This year, the average annual connection charge for electricity rose by $79 to $768 a year. Households now pay over $2 a day for the privilege of being connected to the grid – before they’ve even switched on a light.

Go to Bed Early

Want to save money on your electricity bill? Well, one obvious way is to go to bed when it’s dark. Rather than turning on every single light in your home when it gets dark, just go to sleep, and you’ll save money. As well as lowering your bills, you’ll feel fresh and awake the next day.

DON’T Cancel that Gym Membership

Having a hard time going to the gym? Well, would you be more motivated if hitting the gym saved you money?

Those with gym memberships can take a shower after their workout. In addition to getting in a good workout, which also can improve your finances, you’re also saving money on utility bills.

Forget the Olive Oil

Prices at the checkout are already putting a dent in your grocery budget, and now one litre of imported extra-virgin olive oil will set you back upwards of $18, due to extreme weather conditions in Europe, resulting in a global olive oil shortage. Shelves are packed with cheaper alternatives such as canola, rice bran, and sunflower oil.

It is important to remember that AI is not just confined to ChatGPT and other ‘generative’ tools. It also includes the likes of Grammarly Premium, translation software etc that can significantly alter student writing.

Let’s think about why you are at University – to simply get a qualification or to learn?

Assuming you are here to learn, then the emphasis should be on developing the different skills that will help you in employment. Taking shortcuts with AI – either to generate content or to edit/ improve your work – may not help you to do this.

Examiners have been told to advise students about whether AI can or cannot be used in their course. But the default position is that it is not to be used unless specifically allowed by the examiner – as distinct from students assuming they can use it because nobody told them not to.

Referencing

Take time to read the referencing page on Te Kete Wānaka. This contains a section about use of AI.

https://bit.ly/3X8471p

If you are permitted to use AI in your course, then you MUST reference it like any other source. We recommend including the following:

• A written declaration stating which tool(s) were used, how they were used and the prompts used to generate the output.

• In-text citation if the generated text has been quoted or paraphrased within the text of the assessment.

The page then provides guidance to students as to how to cite and what to include in a written declaration/acknowledgement.

Generating Content

With the exception of those courses where students may be asked to use AI to produce and then critique content, I think we all agree that a line is crossed when students use AI to uncritically ‘generate’ content for assignments – ie. to get it to write their assignments. That is no different to ghost writing or plagiarism and involves no real work from the student –and especially so if they do not reference it. Such cases will be treated as cheating and referred to the Proctor.

Grammarly

Some students when challenged over AI use claim that the AI is produced because they used Grammarly to ‘check’ or ‘edit’ their work. This explanation is not robust. Some detailed testing last year established to a reasonable degree that original writing fed through Grammarly and amended will NOT be detected as AI by the software. Turnitin specifically addressed Grammarly when they designed the detection system.

So, any AI score will more than likely not be because of Grammarly use alone. However, Grammarly Premium and other writing programmes are AI in that they make decisions for you about what to include/exclude from your work.

A significant portion of our assessment of student work is not just whether you have used appropriate research methods, found appropriate evidence, created meaningful results etc but can you communicate this knowledge effectively.

If you become overly reliant on AI for editing and writing – and especially the ability of Grammarly Premium to synthesise – then it becomes debatable whether you are displaying all of the skills necessary for us to assess the quality of ‘your’ work.

We can understand why students use translation tools to make their work read more coherently. But I do not think anyone should be using these tools. This is also AI. Students have enrolled at a university where the language of instruction and assessment is English (or te reo). Again, part of assessment is not just whether you can gather the necessary research, theories, arguments etc. for your assignments but also whether you can express that research clearly for the person who is marking your work.

If you keep on using these tools, then:

(a) you are doing nothing yourself to improve your English and (b) we are entitled to ask whether this is actually your own work and whether you can in fact communicate effectively in the language of instruction and assessment used by this university. There are very good support staff in Learning, Teaching and Library who will help you to develop strategies to improve your work. Getting an AI to do it for you teaches you nothing.

PROCRASTINATION STATION

CRINGE-INDUCING WORDPLAY

A man just assaulted me with milk, cream and butter. How dairy. Did you hear about these new reversible jackets? I’m excited to see how they turn out. I’m a big fan of whiteboards. I find them quite re-markable. I bought some shoes from a drug dealer. I don’t know what he laced them with, but I’ve been tripping all day. Just burned 2,000 calories. That’s the last time I leave brownies in the oven while I nap. Yesterday I accidentally swallowed some food coluoring. The doctor says I’m OK, but I feel like I’ve dyed a little inside. He drove his expensive car into a tree and found out how a Mercedes bends. I’m glad I know sign language. It’s pretty handy. Don’t trust atoms, they make up everything. RIP boiled water. You will be mist.

FAMOUS QUOTES

Knowledge is power - Sir Francis Bacon

Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving - Albert Einstein

All that glitters is not gold - William Shakespeare

Eighty percent of success is showing up - Woody Allen

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent - Eleanor Roosevelt

Nothing is certain except for death and taxes - Benjamin Franklin

The truth will set you free - the Bible I’ll be back - Terminator

SUDOKU

How to Play

Every row and column must contain the numbers 1 to 9 without any repetitions. Every 9 x 9 box must be filled with the numbers 1 to 9.

HORRIBLESCOPES

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

You are a quick and intelligent thinker, but also you’re really a narcissist kissing herself in the mirror. You are inclined to expect too much for too little. This means you’re a cheap bastard.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

You’re the logical type and hate disorder. Your shit-picking attitude is sickening to your friends and co-workers. You’re cold and unemotional and often fall asleep suring sex. Virgos make good bus drivers and pimps.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

You’re optimistic and enthusiastic. You have a reckless tendency to rely on luck since you have no talent. The majority of Sagittarians are drunks. It’s not Cupid’s arrow that people wanna see you get hit by...

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

You are quick to reprimand, impatient and scornful of advice. You do nothing but piss off everyone you come in contact with. Like the fish, you wiggle your way out of any type of work.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

You’re sympathetic and understanding to other people’s problems, which makes you a sucker. You’re always putting things off. That is why you will always be on the benefit. Everybody in prison is a cancer.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

You’re the artistic type and have a difficult time dealing with reality. Chances for employment and monetary gain are nil. All Libras die of a venereal disease.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Because you are dictatorial, distrusting and unimaginative, you have a future in politics There has never been a Capricorn of any importance.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

You have a minor influence on your friends and people resent you for flaunting your power. You lack confidence and are a general dipshit. Like the Ram you are thick headed and love to butt heads.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

You consider yourself a born leader. Others think you’re an idiot. You are vain and cannot tolerate criticism. Like the Lion you’ll bite anyone’s off head that messes with your hair and enjoy masturbation more than sex.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

The worst of the lot. This poisonious animal describes you well. You’re shrewd in business and will achieve the pinnacle of success because of your total lack of ethics. Most Scorpions are murdered.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

You have an inventive mind and are inclined to be progressive. You lie a great deal. You make the same mistakes repeatedly because you are stupid. If you want people to like you better, forget the water and bring a beer.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

You are practical and persistent. You have dogged determination and work like hell. Most people think you are stubborn and bull-headed. You are nothing but a goddamned communist. Your sign is the Bull because that is what you are full of.

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.