Waterfront issue 248

02 I NEWS

thewaterfront 2. 02. 15

thewaterfront Third floor, Students’Union Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP (01792) 295 988 web: waterfrontonline.co.uk twitter: thewaterfrontSU facebook: the waterfront swansea Editor Kay Byrne editor@swansea-union.co.uk News

Laura Fiteni waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk Features

Hilary Webb waterfrontfeatures@swansea-union.co.uk Sport

Ned Bristow waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk Welsh

Laura Fiteni waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk Music

Liam Turner waterfrontmusic@swansea-union.co.uk Film

Joshua Vaughan waterfrontfilm@swansea-union.co.uk Culture

Swansea is now a top 30 research university by a Waterfront reporter

waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk SWANSEA University has been able to achieve its ambition of becoming a Top 30 Research University, according to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014.

Swansea University now ranks at 26th in the UK, a large jump from 52nd in 2008.

Vice chancellor Professor Richard Davies said: ““Swansea University is on a strong upward trajectory, so we expected to see significant improvements in REF. “But even we are surprised by the scale of our success. It is extremely gratifying that we have doubled our world-leading research in the six years since the 2008 results, with a third of our research now classed as world-leading. This ranks us with some of the big players in UK higher education. It also opens up greater opportunities for research funding.

“This highly successful REF 2014 outcome for Swansea rounds off what has been an extraordinary year for the university – we have seen increases in research income

and student numbers, and have been awarded numerous accolades, including What Uni’s University of the Year, Insider Magazine’s University of the Year for business engagement, and shortlisting for the Times Higher Education University of the Year“Oscar”.

“90% of Swansea research was judged to be internationally excellent in its impact.

The evidence provided included more than 1,400 research papers, book chapters, articles, books, and other published outputs from 63 research groups, as well as more than 50 case studies demonstrating the breadth and impact of the university’s research.

“Furthermore, Swansea University is among the 30 most environmental and ethical universities in the UK, winning a First Class Award and ranking 21st out of 151 universities in the People & Planet University League 2015. The university were awarded full marks in auditing and environmental management systems, engagement, environmental policy and staffing.”

Two examples of some of the world-class research submitted by Swansea University

for the REF 2014 included: - Professor David Bewley-Taylor, College of Arts and Humanities, has provided a challenge to conventional wisdom within high-level debates on international drug control.

- Researchers from the Materials Research Centre (MRC), College of Engineering, have developed new coatings for Tata Steel Europe through collaborative research.

Meanwhile, a campaign has been launched to keep Swansea University at the top of the WhatUni Student Choice Awards.

Swansea University currently holds the ‘University of the Year 2014’ award at Whatuni.com in the Student Choice Awards. Swansea also made the top three in the Courses and Lecturers, Students’ Union and Clubs and Societies categories.

Mini campaigns have been happening across the university this month to try to encourage students to defend our title and place their own reviews on the site.

Voting closes on 28 February and the winners of the Student Choice Awards 2015 will be announced on 23 April.

Varsity comes home to Swansea by a Waterfront reporter

waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk

Emma James waterfrontculture@swansea-union.co.uk What’s On

Ben Rees waterfrontfrontrow@swansea-union.co.uk Societies

Sophie Wiggins waterfrontsocieties@swansea-union.co.uk Fashion

Nanette Turkson & Crystal Rose waterfrontfashion@swansea-union.co.uk Food

Sophie Berman

waterfrontfood@swansea-union.co.uk Games

Declan Murphy

waterfrontgames@swansea-union.co.uk Relationships

Sophie Wiggins waterfrontrelationships@swansea-union. co.uk Website

Andy Pover waterfrontweb@swansea-union.co.uk Advertising

Annie Cottam (01792) 602496

VARSITY is set to return to Swansea on Wednesday, 22 April and excitement is already mounting about the games being held on home soil.

Following four successful years of Varsity being held at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, it’s a big change for the whole event.

With most of the games this year being held at the University Sports Village, the showpiece rugby match at the end of the day will be played in the Liberty Stadium.

The Green Army will be hoping for a repeat of last year’s result, in which Swansea lifted the cup for the second year running, beating Cardiff 19-15 in the men’s rugby.

Paul Thorburn, the Welsh Varsity Chair, said: “The Welsh Varsity competition is one of the best occasions and the biggest student sporting event in Wales.

“Its return to Swansea for the first time in

GLORY: Last year’s victory. five years is exciting news for the city and the students.”

Swansea University Students’ Union Sports Officer Charlotte Peters said: “For the

first time in five years our athletes finally get to play on home soil!”

Tickets are on sale now from the student’s union website or Fulton Outfitters.

Full-time officer elections get under way by a Waterfront reporter

waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk ELECTIONS for full-time officers of the students’ union are being held a month early this year, with nominations for candidates already closed.

Five full-time officer positions are up for grabs for the year 2015-2016.

• President • Societies & Services Officer • Welfare Officer

• Education Officer • Sports Officer The winning officers will have their work cut out, with the Bay Campus opening in September 2015.

The elections will be held electronically, through a voting portal at www.swanseaunion.co.uk/elections.

Polling will open on Tuesday, 24 February at midday, and will close on Friday 27th February at 5pm.

Election results will be available on Friday 27 February from 7pm onwards.

The positions are full-time – i.e. a minimum of 35 hours per week, and will be paid a salary of circa £17,528.

Deputy Returning Officer: Stuart Rice, Assistant Returning Officers: Sara Correia & Shona Vrac-Lee For those students who have difficulty in voting, please contact one of the assistant returning officers on 01792 295465 (Sara) or 01792 295467 (Shona), or email at elections@swansea-union.co.uk, or visit www.swansea-union.co.uk.

No let up on Dean as row escalates

from page 1 created to address the marginalisation of the economics department as the department became demoted to a section.

“I cannot see the situation improving before the move to the Bay Campus. The task group seems to be going round in circles due to the fact there has been little improvement to the culture of fear within the school,” Cohen said.

“It is unacceptable that students are being treated so poorly, and I am becoming increasingly concerned about the treatment of some of my postgraduate subject representatives.”

The same concerned student has drawn attention to the university’s worsening reputation and the degrees of Swansea graduates.

“Simply google Swansea University, or Swansea Uni School of Management - the news articles are embarrassing. We pay to further our education, not tolerate bullying, nepotism, and a form of dictatorship where those that oppose him are punished.

“We do not think that it is acceptable, in a place that is meant for freedom of expression and growth of our understanding, to be marginalised as a few people with a grievance. Over 1,000 people signed the petition, how can you put a spin on a figure that equates to around 80% of SoM staff and students?”

As a result the controversial Dean is currently having all his communications with students vetted by the university and the students’ union as a result of a series of complaints by students and staff about incendiary remarks.

The decision was reached after Cohen spearheaded a campaign last November which called on university officials to act on student concerns and hold the Dean accountable for his behaviour.

Subsequently, it was agreed that every communication with students

by Professor Piercy should be signed off by Ms Cohen and Raymond Ciborowski, the university’s registrar and chief operating officer before sending.

“It must be a real blow for Nigel to have someone in their early twenties have to check to see if he has made another blunder! It must also be embarrassing for Nigel’s line manager and all the senior management of the university, they pay him £165,000 to be babysat,” said an anonymous student.

Cohen said: “To go forward, Nigel Piercy must show to all staff, students and the wider university community that he is committed to improving the dire situation he has caused, to get the staff morale and student experience as his focus, and make sure that he is ready for his college to move to the Bay Campus with little concerns from the students’ union.”

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NEWS I 03

New taxi scheme means you’ll always get home

by Laura Fiteni

waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk WELFARE officer Joel Gascoyne and the students’ union have secured a scheme with Swansea taxi company Data Cabs to provide students who find themselves in emergency situations with the means to get home safely.

The scheme allows students to present their student card as currency in exchange for a lift home and is aimed at increasing safety among the student population. The scheme was put in place as an emergency option to ensure students who have lost or can’t access their money can get home safely.

Students are expected to re-collect their student card and repay the taxi fare to the students’ union the next day.

“It was one of my top priorities to get in place at Swansea during my term of office,” said Welfare Officer, Gascoyne.

“Data Cabs was the obvious choice due to their large fleet, professionalism and range of vehicles including disabled access. The management of

Taxi scheme: Joel Gascoyne. the taxi firm were keen to work on improving safety so it was simply a process of writing up a contract that got the best deal for students!”

Similar schemes have been implemented by other universities by whose example the scheme has proven to have operated smoothly.

Second year student Ross Houlbrook said: “ I think it’s a fantastic idea, it means that people can get home

safely if they lose their money or lose their friends meaning they can’t afford to get home.”

However there has been some concern that this new system could be misused. “Oh God this is going to be abused so much” , commented one student on a post about the launch of the new scheme on social media.

In response, the students’ union said: “We must stress this is an emergency service and usage will be monitored.”

For those seen to be abusing the scheme, “students will be chased via email in the first instance with fines being placed on university accounts (like library fines) and blacklisting from the scheme as a last resort”, said Gasgoyne.

With the new scheme in mind the students’ union have recommended keeping student cards separate from wallet/purse in case of loss.

“I can’t see myself using it, but it’s a fantastic idea. However I don’t think people are always going to remember to keep their student cards separate to their wallets/purses, “ said third year ancient history student Sam Adlington.

History and Classics students launch their own journal

The editorial team of Gorffennol.

by William Murphy

waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk GORFFENNOL is the online student journal of the History and Classics Department at Swansea University.

It is run by a student editorial team of 10 members ranging from first years to MA students under the guidance of two members of staff from the department (Dr Evelien Bracke and Dr Martin Johnes).

The editorial team have also received a talk

by Prof Thomas Jansen who coordinates the student journal at Trinity Saint David. The journal is a pilot project designed to display student work and also increase career skills through editorial experience.

Gorffennol will produce two journal issues a year alongside regular blog posts submitted

by both students and staff on module specific research. The journal will be published on a biannual basis. Gorffennol is Welsh for “Past” and as such the journal will showcase outstanding student work from all subject areas, from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome right through to the modern period in each journal issue.

The first issue of the journal is being launched February 10 at 5pm in the council chamber of the Abbey building.

The editorial team will be giving a presentation on their experiences with the journal from editing and design to issues that were faced with and what they expect from the future of the journal, which will be followed by a reception. You are welcome to join us.

To contact us, read the blogs and explore the website, please see http://gorffennol.swansea. ac.uk.

Reforms take a million young voters off the electoral register

by Lily Summers

waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk ONE million young voters have disappeared from the electoral register, many of them students, according to new figures.

Coalition reforms mean that universities can no longer blockregister students living in halls of residence.

Individuals must now register individually, rather than through the head of the household, which also includes university authorities. The reforms were intended to reduce electoral fraud.

Ed Miliband, the Labour leader, said that this was a “final insult” and a “scandal” to young voters and urged talks with the electoral commission and the Government to resolve this problem.

The drop is most acute in student cities such as Cardiff which has shown a 25,000 drop in registered voters and 20,000 in Liverpool.

In response, the Liberal Democrats and the Government has accused the Labour Party of “scaremongering” and pointed out that 4.5m have applied to register since the new system has been introduced and £14m is being spent this year on

national and local initiatives to maximise voting turnout.

Toni Pearce, the NUS president told the Financial Times that there was a “huge amount of work to do” to ensure students were not being disenfranchised by the process.

“Students are calling for a new deal and for politicians to outline a positive vision for the future, and it is incredibly important that they are encouraged to take part in democracy, not kept out from it,” Ms Pearce said.

As part of their #GenerationVote campaign the NUS is encouraging students to participate in Bite The Ballot’s National Voter Registration Day on February 5.

NVRD day is aimed to sign up as many UK voters as possible, last year they helped register nearly 40,000 people and in 2015 they’re aiming for 250,000.

Register online before the 20th April deadline at https://www. gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Lost Generation and 10 Reasons Students Use Not to Vote DEBUNKED: Turn to pages 12 and 13 for our in-depth look at you and the General Election.

The experience stays with you

Layo at PwC’s More London office

Assurance Actuarial Consulting Deals PwC Legal Tax Technology All degree subjects Voted employer of choice by students in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers survey for eleven years running.

Opportunities with the UK’s number one graduate employer Offices across the UK including Swansea » Join summer or autumn Your career is just that; yours. You choose it. You live it. You make it happen. To get the best from it, you need the best opportunities. That’s why opportunities are at the heart of a career with us. Opportunities to grow as an individual, to build lasting relationships and make an impact in a place where people, quality and value mean everything.

For Science graduate Layo, that meant exploring the business world on our Tax Summer Internship – and like many of our talented interns, she was offered a job with us at the end. Now she works on major tax projects, helping the employees of some of the world’s biggest companies manage their complex tax affairs. Join PwC – we’re focused on helping you reach your full potential.

Take the opportunity of a lifetime www.pwc.com/uk/careers www.facebook.com/PwCCareersUK

© 2015 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. All rights reserved.

Diverse people make us stronger

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NEWS I 05

Tidy tenants rewarded with prizes by a Jasmine Teague waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk

ARE you clean, neighbourly and overall an ideal tenant? If you pride yourself on these things but are not with Student Accommodation Services Lettings, you missed out an opportunity to win £300!

SAS are the leading letting agent for Swansea University students providing a range of benefits designed around students. Steve Daniels from SAS believes that students have been unfairly given a bad reputation in the private sector when it comes to renting out properties.

He acknowledges the fact that many students are, in fact, ideal tenants and that they aren’t rewarded enough for their efforts in the upkeep of their houses. He therefore decided to run a competition to make sure that students are being acknowledged and rewarded for their efforts.

All tenants of SAS were automatically entered into a competition where they could potentially win prizes based on how well they kept their houses. Criteria included: •Cleanliness and making sure safety procedures were followed (e.g. no candles and fire escapes were not blocked) •How neighbourly students were e.g. keeping noise levels to an appropriate

level and ensuring the correct bins were placed out and recovered on the appropriate days •Whether students kept up to date with their rent payments or were liaising with the Residential Service Finance department if not.

The winning house, which best fit the criteria, won £300 worth of Amazon vouchers. Charlotte Hudspeth said: “I was so pleased and happy when I discovered that my house won the competition! We have a cleaning rota

in place so it’s good to see that all out efforts have paid off. I was very thankful for the Amazon vouchers from SAS which I used on Christmas presents for the family.”

Second place won £200 of vouchers.

Swansea reconnects with hospital founded by missionary in 1866 by a Waterfront reporter waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk

LINKS between Swansea University and China are on the horizon thanks to the opening of a new joint medical centre at Wuhan Union Hospital, which was founded in 1866 by a Swansea-born missionary, the Reverend Dr Griffith John.

The centre was opened in a ceremony in Wuhan, China, attended by leaders from Swansea University and the Wuhan Union Hospital, and by the UK Consul General. It will promote clinical and life sciences research, and build student and staff exchanges and education collaborations through an annual Medical Forum, a professional association, publications and collaborative projects.

The new centre builds on the formal collaboration between Swansea University and Wuhan Union Hospital, initiated in 2012, when a delegation from Union Hospital and Huazhong University visited Swansea to present a copper bust of Griffith John to the city. The bust is permanently displayed in Swansea Museum.

Wuhan is a fast-growing city of 8 million people on the central China plain. It is on track to become the third-largest city economy in China by 2025. The UK government has just opened a new Consulate in Wuhan, aimed at boosting opportunities for UK links, especially in the healthcare, education and low-carbon development sectors.

The Wuhan Union Hospital, one of China’s biggest, has over 5,000 in-patient beds. Each year the hospital staff care for 3.5 million

Hospital founder Dr Griffith John. outpatients, admit 158,000 patients, and carry out 72,000 operations.

Professor Iwan Davies, Pro Vice Chancellor at Swansea University, said: “This new Medical Centre at one of the leading teaching hospitals in China opens an exciting new chapter in Swansea’s longstanding links with Wuhan, which is also one of China’s fastest-growing cities.

“By promoting clinical and life sciences research collaborations, and encouraging student and staff exchanges, I am confident that the centre will realise significant research, humanitarian and health discoveries, whilst at the same time building on the historical links between Swansea and Wuhan. “

Natalie Blight was chuffed that her house came second. “I love the house we’re in and the people I live with, so it’s great that SAS can see that, and recognise that we are taking care of it.”

Emily Ellis, whose house received third place and won £100 of Amazon vouchers, said that the money will help her out with paying for textbooks this term.

Steve Daniels claims that the competition was tough and praised all SAS tenants for how well they maintain their properties on a regular basis.

Another competition will run in the 3rd term. He wants to combat the negativity surrounding students when they vacate properties by rewarding those who have maintained the house all year around. SAS still have plenty of houses available for next year.

Top: 1st place winner Charlotte Hudspeth receives her prize.

Inset: 2nd place winner Natalie Blight.

Nikita wins poster contest by a Waterfront reporter

waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk

THE winner of the Unfair Practice iPad Poster Competition is Nikita Shah, pictured above left.

The competition was launched in September 2014 when students were invited to design a poster to help inform students about examination regulations.

The objective was to develop a poster that would act as a visible reminder about prohibited materials or activities in examination venues.

Despite a high standard of entries, Nikita’s design stood out due to its clever use of imagery to convey the regulations in a way that can be easily understood by everyone.

Nikita was presented with the prize of an ipad, by Mary Paget, the Superintendent of Assessment.

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NEWS I 07

Study Aid is a student’s best friend

by Sophie Wiggins waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk

Girl’s attacker is jailed

by Zoe Stabler waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk

YET again study aid was brought to you during the stressful exam period by the student’s union and volunteers. Run by education officer Ilana Cohen, study aid saw volunteers handing out free coffee, tea, hot chocolate and lollipops in the library.

Volunteers also talked to students about their studying and other important issues, and this is what we found out.

1.

In an NUS affiliation flash poll, 77% were against affiliation which is an issue that is going to be brought up at the next forum. The main issues students were concerned about were that the £33,000 that goes to NUS could be used more effectively in other areas. Students also wanted to know exactly what do they get by being affiliated.

While other students thought affiliating with NUS was good for networking and potential jobs.

2.

Students want to be specifically invited to the student forum as the majority of students we spoke with didn’t know when it was on or have any idea it existed. Another issue highlighted was that they would attend the forums if the issues spoken about were of interest to them and of course many students suggested free pizza!

3.

The Excellence in Student Support Award was of interest to many students, we asked students to tell us their favourite lecturer and why. Many explained how a lecturer had been particularly kind to them or how creative, engaging and brilliant their lectures are. Some students even started the

Students swap their views for tea and sustenance whilst studying. nomination application on their phones.

4.

The General Election registration was one of the more important themes of study aid and is one of the union’s biggest campaigns. With the majority of current students at Swansea University having never voted in a general election this was of great interest.

5 Library survey asking students what they like about the library and what they don’t like and also what they would like to see improved in the library.

All the feedback the Education Officer has received has been put into a report to be acted on

for next year. Ilana Cohen told us: “I am so pleased with this year’s study aid. It was so important to me to make sure as many students as possible were taking revision breaks, even if it was to come over for a cup of tea.”

David Mair, a postgraduate Criminology student who volunteered during study aid, said: “I really enjoyed helping out at study aid because I get the opportunity to see how dedicated students are to their studies.

“Everyone I met received their hot drink with a smile and a bit of banter. I hope the hard work paid off for everyone!”

A CONVICTED rapist who “lured” a young woman to his flat and sexually assaulted her has been jailed.

Lee Molloy befriended the Swansea University student as she walked home along St Helen’s Road after a night out.

He persuaded her to go to his flat, saying he needed help with the electrics but once inside, the 39-yearold attacked the student, pulling her to the ground by her hair, climbing on top of her and sticking his tongue down her throat. The victim managed to escape and raise the alarm.

Molloy finally pleaded guilty at Swansea Crown Court, after claiming that the kissing had been consensual right up until the day of trial.

Molloy had a history of sexual offences — as a 15-year-old he was convicted of two counts of indecent assault and a conviction for rape in 2002.

It was concluded that Molloy was a “predatory sexual offender” who posed a high risk to women in the community.

Molloy was sentenced to four-and-ahalf years in jail, and was told he would be put on an extended licence for five years when he was released.

Don’t walk home alone - see Safer Taxi Scheme story on page 3.

NEWS I 09

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Students impress start up business and land dream jobs on graduation

by Chloe O’Connor waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk

START UP business, Adlet, situated in Swansea’s TechHub, was formed

by CEO Emma Coles after Emma won the Global Startup Battle 2013 in the Women’s Circle, sponsored by Coca Cola.

Adlet launched in May 2014 and since then has hundreds of members already signed up.

Adlet is a UK ad platform for bloggers and businesses to collaborate, allowing bloggers to monetise their blog and businesses to market their brand and products to a new, wider and rapidly evolving audience.

Myself, a third year Media and Communications student with a passion for the PR and Marketing industry, was and still am lucky enough to work with Emma as an intern since March 2014.

I really enjoy blogging as well as possessing a great passion for the PR and Marketing industry, so this role is perfect for me and I’m so glad I reached out to Emma to intern with her.

Due to the success Adlet has had since the launch, Adlet has been able

to employ recent Swansea University graduate, Kristy Lear, as well as myself, Chloe O’Connor, when I graduate in the next couple of months.

I feel that, having had the opportunity to work with Emma from the beginning of Adlet, even just prior to it launching, has given me first-hand experience of what it is like to start and run your own business.

It’s so inspiring and motivating and every day brings something new and exciting to work on in the Business, Marketing and PR world.

Kristy Lear, former Business Management student, explained: “Adlet has provided me, a recent graduate from Swansea University, with a great opportunity to start my dream career in marketing. I recommend any Swansea students to check out start up businesses like Adlet as the opportunity to work alongside a growing business is an amazing thing to be a part of.”

Kristy and I feel that what we have learnt whilst being at Swansea University has provided us with the knowledge, confidence and drive to actually bring our dream jobs to life and that is something we could not have achieved had we not applied to

From left, Kristy Lear, Chloe O’Connor and Emma Coles. study at Swansea University.

CEO, Emma Coles, said: “With Adlet growing rapidly, I am delighted to be able to add both Kristy and Chloe to the team. Their skills, knowledge and enthusiasm are great assets to the business and will allow us to grow even faster in the coming year. They are a credit to Swansea University and I’m really excited to have them both

on board.”

Adlet is located in the TechHub on Wind Street in Swansea, where many other startup businesses are also situated.

Emma is looking to expand the team even further by employing a Web Developer so if you’re about to graduate, check Adlet out. www.adlet.com

Documentary filming by a Waterfront reporter waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk

FILMING is underway by students of Media, Communications and PR on a film documenting life on campus for overseas students.

“One of the highlights of being a student at Swansea University is the diversity among students,” said Charlie Trotman. “I have been in previous universities where there was rarely a foreign word to be heard and found as a result, campus life really suffered. Even the supermarkets on campus are proof that Swansea University is a world in itself of different cultures coming together to learn, party and get a ticket to their career path.

“As a result, filming is to take place around campus, about the multi-national experience of life on campus. The production crew itself is made up of Chinese, Nigerian and British students making sure that lights, camera and action will be shouted in several languages and that all views will be represented.

If you are interested in being filmed for this film on your experiences as student, please email; charlietrotman2014@gmail. com or call 07595429086 and we can arrange an interview.

Image: Cali4beach on Flickr

2 February 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk

11

front!

Valentine’s not going too well? >> page 13

societies 27

careers 26

health 25

relationships 24

travel 22

food 21

film 19

culture 18

fashion 16-17

creative 15

features 12-13

L i f e s t y l e f o r S wa n s e a students

societies 27

careers 26

health 25

relationships 24

travel 22

food 21

film 19

culture 18

fashion 16-17

E XPRESS YO U R S ELF!

creative 15

15

features 12-13

2 February 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk

creative showcase

The killer inside me by Natasha Marsh Prologue Death is death and life is life and some people live to die. These are the people who keep me in business. You may not like me and that’s tough shit to be honest. So long as I’m not hurting you why do you have to spoil my fun? So let me tell you my story. I have four lessons to teach you about me and the way I like to work, listen carefully: 1. I like to start young, the younger the better. It’s easier to start my work when my victim is filled with self-doubt.

2. I will never truly leave my victim, even if I get bored and disappear for a while, I will be back. Even I need a break and a change of scenery every once in a while.

3. Male or female I’ll take you down.

Don’t doubt it. You’d be stupid to question it. I have been all over the world and I have mastered my art. Let’s just say, nobody is immune.

4. The only way to defeat me is to find my Achilles heel. Yes I have one. It’s hard to detect, so good luck in finding it. I won’t tell you. I like my secrets after all.

TODAY she threw her lunch away. Then, she signed her death warrant.

I walk her through the halls of High School in her fitted white shirt, provocatively loose tie and short black skirt. I make sure her ‘fat’ legs are on display for all to see. I’m in control. The fear and the hysterical laughter oozes and drips all around, a mask for all the insecurities. I love the buzz. All the hopes and dreams, disappointments and lies.

It’s my drug of choice, my poison. Within these halls and many others like it is where I feel most at home. My identity is so easily hidden. In a place where so many feel trapped, I feel free. She unconsciously pulls the skirt lower, afraid of the male gaze. I lavish in it. It shows her

how far she has left until she reaches that stick-like grace of a runway queen. She desires that appearance so much.

The classes pass by her in a blur, her mind catching only one thing in its grasp then letting it flutter by. I watch her trying desperately to connect in some way to the black Americans and science experiments. I lay dormant at these times. Lessons bore me, (always have). I have my own lessons to teach and mine are more direct. The bell rings and I yawn, stretching out my claws like a Cheshire cat. Dinner time, that’s when I thrive. I whisper in her ear and tell her all the things she doesn’t want to hear. It’s all part of my strategy you see: 1. Isolate the victim from friends.

I’m the invisible killer. I blend in, disappear and thrive on anonymity.

My name can be anything you want it to be. I can be anywhere at any time.

My disguises are varied and I carry out my work over a long period of time for maximum effects. I love the drama, my hours are long but in the end my payment is dutiful.

Newport. A place she learnt to run before she could walk. What a dump. I walk her home from school sufficiently satisfied with my days’ work. I’ve been to worse places, then again I’ve also seen better. To her there are predators lurking to pounce. To me however the predators are just as lost as she is. Everyone is trying to fit into this City and its oversized shoes. We are all trying to stamp out meaningful futures, are we not?

I fancy a detour to the cemetery. A two hour walk will do her good, especially after all that fruit and cereal she’s eaten.

There is nothing cheery about Cheerios.

Sugar to rot your teeth and all those calories to rot your body. I’ve warned her but she still has some fight left. That won’t

I’m Natasha Marsh, a 3rd year Media Studies student. I have loved writing since I was small, I also love to act, sing terribly, and chat until I make people’s ears bleed. Hope you enjoy this edited version of a story I created for a second year module. last. I walk her past the council houses uniform, brown, bland and reeking of unfulfilled visions. They are like an army.

A battalion of brothers keeping the world out and the depression in. Strangers to one another, brought together by fate and misfortune.

I can see the road sweating, buckling under the unrelenting weather. So much for Wales and its yearlong winter chill. Hiking uphill, my destination in sight, I gasp in air and tell my unwilling host to continue. A few more pounds, I crone, you’ll be able to fit into that top in Primark-the one that is really suited for an adult but aimed at a child.

Here at last. Don’t worry my pet. Not long now and I’ll allow you to sit down, I can’t go letting you pass out now can I? Slivering in between the graves I wallow in the silence. I play over all my successes of the day and I start to thread my next moves out in my head.

2. Get the victim to eat smaller portions. or none at all.

3. Make the victim believe I have their best interest in mind.

As a hit man I work slower than most.

I like the thrill of watching my victims waste away, mislaying their grasp on reality. The end game is irrelevant. I’m the oppressor, they are the oppressed.

Ah, an old acquaintance of mine. Ben Jameson, popular, good looking and a high libido, take any other twentyfour year old. It was one of my greatest pleasure when he allowed me into his world. Like so many of his exes, I had great fun in playing with him. He wasted away, a shadow of his former self. I on the other hand became full on the life he gave to me.

Here he is now little pet all tucked up in his mahogany bed. Do you ever wonder what will be said about you, when I’ve left you to rest, at last? No you don’t do you?

You’re only on a diet. It’s not dangerous… for me anyway. No little pet, you and Benny boy here are completely different.

Now my dear, sweet, naïve readershere was a guy that didn’t read my rules and take me seriously. Now all that’s left is his mum’s last message to him. “Here lies a fallen Angel, gone to soon.” Boo- hoohoo. It’s so tragic. No. It’s predictable, preventable. Like I said, all you need to do is find my weakness and poof I’ll be gone. Leaving you (or what’s left of you) to the misery of existence. How many others have I put here? I must invest in a diary. It’s so hard to keep count these days. My history book could be a best seller- The Diet Disorder Diaries. What do you think little pet, would you read it?

Come on up you get little pet. We’ll share a lot of memories like these. You and I will write our own chapter and it will be magnificent.

Have you got a story, poem or photo you’d like to share? Email editor@swansea-union.co.uk

Poetry by Laura Fiteni

Laura Fiteni is a third year student and news editor of The Waterfront.

The Shadows

Men in Suits

The stars in the bright sky look down where they lay The wandering shadows asleep on the Kingsway.

The city is stirring, the shadows awake The sirens are blaring, no crying they make.

Shadows in shop windows, reflections in shop doors Huddles of dirty blankets on dirtier floors The filthy blankets plead quietly, Saying little, blind spots in society.

Pixelated faces and muzzled mouths Muted complaints and beaten brows Robbed of their names and branded as thugs Stripped of their rights, then we wonder why they turn to drugs And high visibility jackets ask them to move on To hide behind corners ‘til at least daylight’s gone And rather than provide a place to stay the shadows are asked to hide away But where do you go if you don’t have a home?

There’s nowhere but the streets to roam.

Always in danger, no crib for a bed Wearisome shadows lay down wearisome heads.

War’s decided by men in suits And fought by men in marching boots Holding the flag of country who gives them no choice who lose their lives like they lost their voice If a soldier poured oil not spurted blood They’d fight harder to stem the flood But we’d rather bleed a nation dry Than walk to work instead of drive We can afford to arm but not to feed We take our fill to sate our greed And stuff our pockets with stolen goods then console ourselves with ‘should’s and ‘could’s We can’t send vital resources or medical supplies prefer to fill our planes with bombs before we take to the skies Better to fund a war campaign where there might be financial gain Don’t interfere with injustice, just disputes ‘send in the uniforms’ respond the suits don’t send architects, doctors or teachers we prefer to send more destructive creatures

2 February 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk

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w it h na ne t t e t u r k s o n & C Rysta l r o se

fashion

Meet the students with their own fashion label T

HIS week the spotlight is on start-up company Lifesick Clothing, created by current PhD Swansea University student Liam Betsworth, and Swansea University graduate Jamie Clark. Here the boys shed some light on the inspiration behind their brand, their creative process and advice on starting and running a successful clothing label, writes Nanette Turkson.

Tell me a little about yourselves and your brand Lifesick Clothing?

We came together around May last year, when Jamie had this crazy idea to start a clothing company. As for my background, I started at Swansea Uni seven years ago in 2008. It sounds like a long time ago, but it’s gone really quickly! I did a BSc in Computer Science along with Jamie, and then moved onto a PhD in Human-computer Interaction (HCI). And here I am, still at Swansea, graduating this year.

What was the inspiration for starting the brand, and how did you decide on the name Lifesick Clothing?

The inspiration came from our own love of bold independent clothing companies, and a belief that we could add our own spice to the mix.

We were fed up of people slapping a bit of text on a t-shirt and proclaiming themselves a clothing company, we set out to create a premium brand, made of better stuff. We did the sums, and from the outside it looked great, so we went ahead with the idea. Looking back now, we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into!

In terms of the brand name, we wanted it to be unique, memorable and pack a punch.

Can you take us through the design process, from concept to physical product?

Our products typically tend to come out in ranges and collections. We start the process by firstly scouting potential artists or art that we’d like to work with. Once we’ve found what we’re looking for, we help to finalize each design, making sure they’re spot on. We use the highest quality garments, and we never print a design that we wouldn’t personally wear.

Roughly how long does the whole process take?

The whole process can take around a month or two. We don’t rush our designs, and the garments themselves can take a few weeks to be manufactured.

What are your best sellers from the collection?

Individually, all the products have been rather popular, though collectively, the embroidered beanies are our best seller.

How would you describe the Lifesick customer?

Someone who has great style! Our designs mainly attract students and alternative individuals, but we welcome anyone who has good enough taste to buy our clothes.

What have been the main challenges you have faced a start-up company?

I would say our main challenge has been acquiring a brand identity. Do not underestimate the difficulty of creating a desirable brand! Your designs may be good, but it means nothing if no one knows who you are.

Cat Hat Unisex Black T-Shirt, £17.99

“Lifesick prints unique, limited edition designs so you can make a statement and stand out from the crowd.”

Beanie £12.99

What are your personal favourites from the entire collection?

My personal favourite has to be the Cat Hat t-shirt. It’s both bold and charming. I wear it all the time.

What advice would you give to readers wanting to start their own clothing line?

It costs a huge amount of money and it’s a massive risk. But, if that does not put you off, give it a go. With persistence, your hard work will hopefully pay off.

What are the future aspirations for the company?

We’re always looking to expand the company. In 2015, we’ll be releasing a number of additional ranges, bringing fresh designs and increasing our potential customer base. We’re also looking to stock our collections in a number of clothing shops.

Where can readers purchase Lifesick clothing from?

You can purchase all of our products at lifesick.com. Early this year, you’ll also find some of our stock on campus in Fulton Outfitters, the students’ union clothes shop. Later this year, keep an eye out for us at festivals. We also tend to pop up there.

How can readers get in touch, and keep up to date with what you are doing?

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook (username: lifesickco). We also have a mailing list that you can sign up to at lifesick.com. You’ll get the latest news and offers before anyone else!

Stairway to Hell Unisex Black Sweatshirt, £27.99

2 February 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk

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w it h EM MA JAM ES

culture

Choose from the best of everything Student offers at the Taliesin LIVE PERFORMANCE / LIVE STREAM Wednesday 11 February 7pm RSC Live Screening - Love’s Labour’s Lost Thursday 12 February 1pm & 7.30pm The Muddy Choir – a story of three boys serving in World War 1 Wednesday 18 February 7pm National Theatre Live Screening - Treasure Island

Above, Timothy Spall stars in Mr Turner.

T

HE festivities of Christmas may be over but that does not mean you cannot enjoy life back in Swansea, writes Emma James.

There has always been so much to do in Swansea, for all kinds of students. 2015 will be even better, with greater and more entertainment available.

Former police detective Trevor Marriott will be taking the stage in the Grand Theatre on February 17, revealing the real “truth” behind a few of our favourite myths and mysteries.

Did man really walk on the moon? Does the Loch Ness Monster exist? Do UFO’s and alien species exist?

On St David’s Day, the first of March, the Brangwyn Hall at the Guildhall, Swansea, will be celebrating our Welsh culture through music. Wales’ very own Cory Band (pictured, right) will be performing at 4pm (tickets £10).

Nearer to home, the film Mr Turner will be screened in the Taliesin at 4:30pm and 7:30pm on February 13, starring the wonderfully talented Timothy Spall, and following the story of the eccentric British painter J.M.W Turner.

The Taliesin offers students special rates on film screenings and on also on a wide range of live performances and live screenings.

This term there are performances from theatres across Britain,

including the Royal Opera House, the English National Opera, the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre.

Shows includes Swan Lake, Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost and Love’s Labour’s Won. Discounted tickets are priced at £5 for all live shows and £5.50 for cinema tickets.

For more information visit www.taliesinartscentre.co.uk and www.swansea.gov.uk.

Be prepared to be scared Prepared to be terrified as the “Woman in Black” takes the stage in the Grand Theatre Swansea, writes Emma James.

This classic adaption of the book will be performed live between February 23-28.

The cast and production are celebrating 25 years of producing this masterpiece on stage in the West End. This story follows a young lawyer who

Writers wanted

unearths a malefic, female ghost that causes harm to the locals in the village he has travelled to.

Tickets are £13.

If you enjoyed the film (starring Daniel Radcliffe) you will certainly enjoy this show.

More details at www. swansea.gov. uk

Are you interested in writing? The culture page is looking for all sorts of writers, whether you want to review a book or performance, or even advertise an upcoming event. To send work or to find out more contact: waterfrontculture@swansea-union.co.uk

CINEMA Monday 2 February Nightcrawler (15) Tuesday 3 February Citizenfour (15) Wednesday 4 February Set Fire to the Stars (15) 5.15pm & 7.30pm Thursday 5 February Fury (15) Friday 6 February Kon Tiki (15) Monday 9 February Leviathan (15) Tuesday 10 February The Imitation Game (12A) 5pm Friday 13 February Mr Turner (12A) Monday 16 February Diplomatie/Diplomacy (12A) Crosby, David Tennant GALLERY Fri 20th February – Wed 1 April Warren Heaton

societies 27

careers 26

health 25

relationships 24

travel 22

food 21

film 19

culture 18

with Joshua vaughan

fashion 16-17

19

creative 15

features 12-13

2 February 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk

film

Counting down to Star Wars VII 2015 has already been labelled ‘The Year of Film’, writes Joshua Vaughan, so here’s a rundown of the top 10 anticipated movies of the year.

10 – Terminator: Genisys Well... He’s back. Director Alan Taylor’s film will apparently return the robotic franchise to its former glory by implementing retro colouring and Emilia Clarke (Khaleesi from Game of Thrones) as Sarah Connor. Set to be released June 25th.

9 – Insurgent Hot off the heels of Divergent comes its first sequel, Insurgent. Some call the franchise the new Twilight, but to live up to that title, this film will have to be REALLY bad. Set to be released March 18th.

8 – Furious 7 I kind of wish I had put this at number 7, now... After the untimely death of actor Paul Walker, it took a special group of people to pull this project together.

They did just that. In cinemas April 3rd.

7 – Ant-Man Earning its place at 7 purely due to the fact that it has it has finally got going; Paul Rudd puts on the super suit in the last film of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “Phase Two”. Set to hit cinemas July 17th.

6 – Pitch Perfect 2 After the success of the first film, it was obvious that this comedy would get a sequel. Fat Amy and the group are back on May 15th.

5 – The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2 The hit franchise ends here, and it seems like it

Daisy Ridley as Rey, as seen in Star Wars: The Force Awakens teaser. is poised to break some kind of financial barrier.

Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook) looks like she’s gonna kick some serious butt - again. Released November 20th.

4 – Jurassic World They do move in herds. The park is up and running, the dream has been realised, and Star-Lord is riding around on motorbikes with Velociraptors. Stuff has hit the fan. Out June 12th.

3 – Fifty Shades of Grey Well, it’s here, and it’s not going away. The literary ‘sensation’ is getting its own film, and as almost 50 million people viewed the trailer on YouTube, it seems

like it’s a big deal. Released February 13th.

2 – The Avengers: Age of Ultron The superhero blockbuster returns for round 2, fighting the robotic creation Ultron (James Spader) in a battle to the death. New additions to the team make it worth a watch. Or two, or three. Out in cinemas 24th April.

1 – Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens It’s not often when a film comes along which unites two, maybe three generations, and this is one of those films. JJ Abrams (Star Trek, Armageddon) directs what could be the most influential film in the last few years.

Released December 18th.

Film Reviews Birdman

By Charlie Trotman

The first thing you’ll notice about Birdman is the camera, it pecks at the characters, on their issues, their flaws, we are constantly chaperoning the actors. You are literally taken on a journey which feels a lot more unexpected than the recent blockbusters such as The Hobbit.

Keaton stars as washed-up actor Riggan, as he struggles to adapt a Raymond Carver play ahead of its opening night. His cast includes Edward Norton as a wiry method actor, his ex wife and their fresh out of rehab daughter. For some films, this would have been enough and this is where Birdman really soars.

Riggan is constantly reminded of his past fortune and fame by a younger version of himself, in the ghostly, gravel voiced Birdman - hatched from a time when Riggan was a beloved ‘action figure’ who lit up every screen. His chiselled chin has now been overshadowed by a dodgy goatee and his wig is not just a stage prop. Enter Mike (Edward Norton) who drinks real gin on stage and beyond the critics, stands in the way of Riggan’s ambition to claw back some of the fame.

Birdman punctuates this heady cocktail with bursts of jazz that sound like a tramp was let loose on some tin cans, memorable one-liners and hallucinatory sequences that will make Freshers week look like a kids’ birthday party. Birdman somehow manages to be an Oscar-worthy film in which the main protagonist can describe himself as a ‘turkey with leukemia’ one minute and perform serious plays the next. Most films these days have so much handholding it’s refreshing to be taken under the wing with Birdman, which you’ll want to be dragged through multiple times.

Chef

By Charlie Trotman

Carl Casper (Jon Fauveru) is a talented chef, stuck in a kitchen nightmare, cooking the same old menu week in, week out. He cares more about perfecting his lava cake than his own son. When a review erupts through social media which compares him to a ‘needy aunt’ Carl finally loses it.

Chef is a heady dish of Cuban Music, Cheese Toasties and a surprisingly touching father and son story, served up with humour and enthusiasm.

If you are trying to diet, this film is not for you, the camera rolls around glorious scenes of Carl’s innovative creations, this isn’t slow cooking, it’s a waiter who’s had a bit too much of the house white. The film ramps up the heat as Carl goes full Cuban and buys a food van in Little Havana, switching from scallops to sandwiches, tweeting relentlessly as he makes his return to the foodie scene.

It is in this environment, that Carl finally bonds with his son Percy (Emjay Anthony) Carl has the heat but needs Percy to switch it on. Beyond the food, the film is primarily concerned with their relationship and how social media has become so important to a restaurant’s success. Put in this context, it somehow doesn’t feel that farfetched when novelty restaurants such as Cereal Cafes are opening in London. This stops the film bubbling over in what could have been simply about a funny fat man selling sandwiches.

As a side dish, the film stars Sofía Vergara (best known as Gloria in Modern Family) as Carl’s fiery ex-wife who has lost faith in his commitment to their son. Robert Downey Jr and Dustin Hoffman also feature, but like the film, it’s the underdogs that really shine. It’s a film I would never have watched, had I read the ingredients, but I’m glad I went.

Would you like to review a film? if so, get in touch on waterfrontfilm@swansea-union.co.uk

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health 25

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food 21

film 19

culture 18

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with Sophie Berman

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21

features 12-13

2 February 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk

food

Fabulous fare for a frugal February If you haven’t managed to start your new year diet yet, here are some clever recipes for February that keep in all flavour, without the fat, writes Sophie Berman.

Turkey meatballs with courgetti Following overindulgence at Christmas and the stress of exam period; contrary to popular belief, February is really the month for a detox. This recipe is deliciously satisfying, low in fat and inexpensive to prepare. The meatballs serve 4 people.

Ingredients: Olive oil 500g turkey mince 2 x onions 1 x red pepper 2 x garlic cloves Fresh parsley 2 x eggs 1 teaspoon x dried thyme 1 teaspoon x dried oregano 2 x cans of chopped tomatoes 4 x courgettes Breadcrumbs (optional) Method: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the turkey mince, one chopped onion, the finely chopped red pepper, one chopped garlic clove, the fresh parsley and eggs into a bowl and mix everything together. If the mix is too wet try adding some breadcrumbs to bind it all together.

Roll the mix into balls and place in a roasting tray.

To make the tomato sauce, fry one chopped onion in a little olive oil and salt. Once softened, add a chopped garlic clove, the dried herbs and the tinned tomatoes. Season to your taste.

Pour the sauce over the meatballs and place the roasting tray in the oven. Bake for approximately 25 minutes.

To make the courgetti, use a julienne peeler or alternatively a normal vegetable peeler. The julienne peeler will create spaghetti made from courgette whilst the vegetable peeler produces ribbons. Allow for one courgette per person. Gently fry your courgetti or ribbons in a little oil until softened.

Serve the meatballs on top of the courgetti with some rocket and parmesan shavings.

EASY: Light but tasty meatballs cooked in the oven.

Greek yogurt pancakes With Pancake Day falling on the 17th of February this year, this recipe may appear to be a healthier option. Dowsing them in maple syrup or Nutella is however tradition. This pancake mix will serve two or one very hungry person.

Ingredients: 200g Greek yoghurt 1 x egg 70g x flour 1 teaspoon x baking soda Method: Crack the egg into the yoghurt and stir to combine. The mixture should be lightly yellow and will have a few lumps in it.

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and baking soda.

Pour the yoghurt/egg mixture into the flour mixture and combine. The batter will be very thick.

Spoon the batter onto a pre-heated pan and flip once they start to bubble.

Cook until golden brown on each side and serve with your favourite pancake toppings.

Enjoy!

The Gower Kitchen in Uplands serves quality food at

reasonable prices. The menu is small, however there is something on offer for everyone; from sandwiches to set lunch menus. The roast lunch on a Sunday is particularly good at a price of £14.95 for 2 courses and £17.95 for 3 courses. For a cheaper option, the restaurant hosts Burger Mondays where you can choose from three burgers (beef, chicken or vegetarian) and a pint of beer or a glass of wine for only £10.

LOW IN CARBS: Substitute Greek yogurt for some of the flour.

Have you got a recipe you’d like to share? Email editor@swansea-union.co.uk

2 February 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk

22

STUDENT JOURNEYS

travel SIGHTS TO BEHOLD: Black bear crossing highway between Squamish and Whistler, BC. Right, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California.

How to meet people in Canada I

AM 23 and in my final year studying English Literature and History. As part of my course, I spent a year abroad studying at the University of Victoria (UVic) in British Columbia (BC) in Canada. Now that I’ve downloaded the app Timehop, I’m realising just how much of a whirlwind the past year has been for me, writes Ina Pace.

A year ago, for example, I went on a trip through the Rockies in BC and Alberta with a group of exchange students to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving (they celebrate Thanksgiving about a month earlier than the Americans.)

In fact, Timehop, my photos and the odd diary entry remind me of the challenges I embarked on, and how I actually pulled through alright. If you had told me back in sixth form that I would be doing a year abroad on the other side of the world, I probably would’ve said “that’s not me, I could never live that far away from home for that length of time!”

But I actually did that. Because, believe it or not, it quickly becomes very easy to adapt to the lifestyle.

However, the thought of making the most of opportunities never left me.

For me that is what a year abroad, is about. You are presented with a range of opportunities and it is up to you decide what you want to take from them.

It’s incredibly overwhelming travelling to somewhere you don’t know much about, let alone the fact that you don’t know anyone there. When I arrived in Victoria I felt very isolated as I had no friends or familiar faces around me. I didn’t even know my fellow Swansea exchange students, though I befriended some of them over time. Whilst UVic was sound in organising social events and

orientations for exchange students, confident in approaching people and I found it difficult to adapt to certain generating conversation. aspects of Canadian culture. They do Besides making friends with not have a fresher’s week as we do. Canadians, I jumped at the chance to They have a “frosh” week with a few introduce myself to those with familiar official orientation events and private British accents. This led to me making house parties, but there is not so much friends with exchange students from a clubbing or drinking culture as there around the world with whom I travelled is in the UK. The Canadians in BC cannot over the course of the year. You learn legally drink till they are 19 years old, to organise trips together, whilst coand being put on an academic floor in operating with and protecting each halls of residence other. I went to surrounded mostly San Francisco and “I felt lonely and quite by 17 year olds, the Seattle in my first miserable on my birthday semester, staying social life was not during the first week, as I had expected. in pretty dodgy yet somehow managed Though I enjoyed hostels. I also went my unfamiliar to Hawaii for my to convince a random “frosh” week, I felt February reading Canadian to spend time like I had to take break, having with me. We remained close a lot of initiative managed to find friends throughout the in finding new incredibly cheap academic year and to this flights. friends.

This day.” involved talking It was useful to to anyone who make a mixture of I deemed approachable in UVic’s friends; I found I could fully immerse cafeteria for the first couple of weeks. myself in Canadian culture whilst also I felt lonely and quite miserable on having empathetic friends who shared my birthday during the first week, my interests in exploring. yet somehow managed to convince Specific highlights of my year a random Canadian to spend time included my first attempt at skiing, with me. We remained close friends my parents visiting me in Vancouver throughout the academic year and to for Christmas, zip-lining in the Alpine this day. I was lucky enough to stay resort Whistler, and watching an icewith her and her family in mainland hockey match. I found the Canadians BC for a few weeks over the summer warmer and more conservative than before I left for home. the British. Canadian students would This further enabled me to experience always get up to shake my hand in Canadian culture and wildlife (I greeting, this custom, as well as being saw a bear!) not to mention forests, prioritised on the road as a pedestrian, mountains and lakes on a much larger I became very used to. However, never scale than on Vancouver Island. My having a fixed price on the bill (from point here is do not be afraid of taking added tax and courteous tipping,) not risks and stepping out of your comfort so much… zone. I am by no means an extrovert Regarding the academic side, I only but I have found myself to be more needed a pass grade. To be blunt, I

prioritised travelling over the library yet still put a substantial amount of effort into my studies. The workload is more intense than at Swansea but by no means too stressful and certainly no harder. I got more regular assigned reading and more frequent assessments.

My time abroad overall has given me a feeling of invincibility and the sense that the world is a much smaller place.

I feel, in a reassuring sense, I have been forced to grow up and become more independent. After my studies at UVic ended I had the confidence to travel to Los Angeles by myself, overcoming obstacles like getting lost Downtown, and being stranded when my bank card got blocked…

I would recommend doing a year abroad not only for the sake of enhancing your CV but for your own personal development. People asked me before I went “What if you hate it?

You’ll be stuck!” I say make the best of every situation. Staying strong and taking risks will make you proud of yourself and give you a sense of achievement that is priceless.

By Ina Pace

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health 25

relationships 24

travel 22

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film 19

culture 18

fashion 16-17

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features 12-13

2 February 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk

health

Making the black dog sit and stay

My name is Poppy Box. I am 21 and in my third and final year of a maths degree at Swansea University. I have been suffering from depression since I was 11, but life is starting to look better now.

FOR as long as I can remember, the black dog has followed me. For the past couple of years he’s kept his distance, followed me from afar, but likes to creep up closer now and again to remind me he’s still there.

For about eight years he was right on top of me, yet only I knew he was there.

No one else could see him, or hear him.

The worst part was, I didn’t understand why he was there. Why had he chosen me to follow, or did he follow others

too? I never told anyone about the black dog, not for a long time at least.

Instead I let him follow me, crushing me because I didn’t know what other people’s reactions would be if I told them. Would they think I was insane, would they think I was exaggerating?

Would they say, ‘he follows everyone, get over it’, or ‘you just want attention’, or ’just stop letting him follow you’?

When the black dog is there, following you around every day, it can be hard to get up and face the world. When the black dog is there, the smallest task takes extraordinary effort. When the black dog is there, nothing really makes you feel happy. Being followed by the black dog changes your life.

One day I told someone about the black dog. He didn’t make fun of me, or tell me I was stupid or think badly of me. He helped me to see that it was time to find the help I needed to try and lose the black dog. Together we found me that help, and eventually the black dog backed away. I never lost him completely, but I managed to move him far enough away that, for the most part, I didn’t even know he was still there.

I didn’t have to look him in the face in the morning before I could get out of bed. My time without the black dog was the best time of my life.

The black dog is of course a metaphor

for depression. It is a metaphor widely used today but was thought to first be used by Winston Churchill. For a brief history of the use of ‘The Black Dog’ as a metaphor for depression, please see the link at the bottom of the page.

So why am I writing about this?

Because 1 in 3 people will suffer from depression at some point in their lives, and yet hardly anyone talks about it.

Because of this, many people who are suffering don’t feel they can tell anyone, and in turn don’t get the help they need.

Mental health, the poor cousin?

So university has started back with a bang; alcohol has been consumed, pizzas eaten and maybe new friendships formed. The change from our home routine has been like night and day, writes Martyn Collins.

But when the lights come on and the neighbours go home, do we stop to consider how we are feeling?

Of course we are tired, of course we are skint, but have we considered our mental state? When we feel the onset of a cold we instantly break out the chicken soup and duvet but do we always take similar action when it comes to changes in our mental health?

With anxiety and depression being the most common mental health problems, affecting one in three of us in our lifetimes, it’s not something that simply needs more attention but rather an issue that needs ‘normalising’.

We must accept that the onus of mental illness does not solely lie in far-off sanatoriums and fictionalised institutions; it can and will affect ourselves and our loved ones in often mild and temporary ways.

Take a step back and don’t be afraid to say “I need to see my mum, I’m finding it hard to concentrate” or

“I’m feeling down, let’s do something different this weekend.” Awareness and recognition of these feelings can lead to greatly increased chances that homesickness, anxiety or stress don’t develop into more complex conditions.

It is said that the definition of insanity is ‘doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results’ and while certain university tasks can often feel repetitive; studying for yet another exam or writing yet another essay, the adverse mental health effects of this repetition can potentially be alleviated through a solution as simple as a change of scenery or a simple chat with a tutor or lecturer.

Have you stopped to think about not just how you work but where you work? Are you tinkering away on a laptop in the same room that you sleep in? The same room that you eat in? The same room that you drink too much alcohol in?

Where we reside and the activities we undertake there can have a profound effect on our mental state.

We know not to exercise in the bathroom, and we know that sitting on the throne is not the place to begin an essay on the use of pastiche

in avant-garde Postmodernist literature. So why do we spend hours researching and writing atop a bed which we expect our bodies to know, when the time comes, is for relaxation and sleep?

Small lifestyle changes are not the solution for everyone and mental health is as complex as it is interesting, but they can make the difference in many cases. Awareness, acceptance and change along with unconditional positive self-regard are crucial arrows in the target of good mental wellbeing.

Look at yourself, look at your friends, make the change.

There is a huge stigma attached to mental health issues, even though it is a health problem just the same as a broken leg, a heart problem or any other health issue you can think of.

People don’t understand mental health and so don’t react appropriately.

You wouldn’t tell someone with a broken leg to ‘just get over it’, or someone with a heart problem to ‘just stop letting you heart skip beats’, yet many people would say things like this to someone with a mental health condition.

I want to bring mental health to the forefront. I want it to be something we as a society understand and are willing to talk about, not think if it as a taboo subject. Mental health is one of the few health issues that may genuinely be helped by talking about it, yet it is also one of the few we feel we shouldn’t talk about.

There is lots of help available for those suffering depression. Personally, medication has helped me, though it will not help everyone. If you feel you are suffering, the best thing you can do is speak to your GP. They will be able to help you find the right treatment for you. They may suggest medication, or they may suggest a form of talking therapy. Most importantly, you will not be forced to do anything you don’t want to do.

A GP will work with you to find the right treatment for you, for example, my GP told me that a combination of talking therapy and medication would work best, but I wasn’t comfortable with talking therapy, so I will take medication until I feel ready to talk, which will be soon. For me, writing this article was the first step to being able to talk about my depression.

If you are a student at the university, you can also speak to the Wellbeing Centre. Alternatively, if you feel you are in crisis, there are help lines you can call, such as the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 in Wales (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week), or for the Samaritans Welsh Language Line call 0300 123 3011 (open 7pm - 11pm only, 7 days a week).

LINKS: For more information on depression from the NHS visit www.nhs.uk/ conditions/depression/pages/ introduction.aspx.

‘Black Dog’ as a metaphor for depression: a brief history: www. blackdoginstitute.org.au/docs/Foley. pdf www.mind.org.uk – provides help and information on mental health. www.youtube.com/ watch?v=XiCrniLQGYc

Martyn Collins is a first year Mental Health student.

www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/ www.sane.org.uk/what_we_do/ black_dog

2 February 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk

26

with JO davies

careers

Gain experience – and set yourself up for success T

HE Easter and summer vacations are coming up fast. So, depending on the stage you’re at, it’s a great time to be thinking about ways to make the most of the vacation periods and give your employability a boost, writes Jo Davies.

Valuable ways to gain experience include many different activities which can often fit in quite easily around your studies: •Graduate recruiters’ placement/ internship programmes •Temporary part-time jobs •Jobs with the Students’ Union •Work shadowing •Voluntary work •A course to learn new IT skills •Getting involved in Students’ Union clubs and societies •Travelling or working abroad

Keep an open mind Be prepared to explore different types of job roles and employers in both the private and public sectors. Many opportunities are open to students and graduates of any discipline because employers aren’t interested only in your degree subject; they also value the kind of generic high-levels skills that graduates have, and these skills are transferable across all sectors.

Here’s a ‘top ten’ list: communication/ negotiation, teamwork, leadership, organisation, a positive outlook and perseverance, confidence/self-reliance, problem solving, ability to work under pressure, commercial awareness and entrepreneurial flair.

Consider SMEs (Small and Medium Sized Enterprise – up to 250 people) as well as large organisations. Working in an SME can give you the chance to get involved in a wider range of activities, often with a higher level of responsibility than in larger organisations where individual roles may be more specialised. Also, SMEs may recruit for jobs and placements at any time of year, depending on when opportunities arise, rather than having set dates for graduate recruitment programmes.

Planning your career journey – how does work experience fit in?

As you research different career options, you can build up a picture of what you need to do when in terms of work experience by focusing on questions like: •What are the entry routes to this career?

•What further training/study do I need to do?

•Do I need to get specific work experience before I apply?

•How does the recruitment process work, and when should I apply?

Having done some research, you can always come and have a chat with one of our careers advisers to help clarify your ideas.

Be ahead of the game It’s never too soon to start getting experience and build up your CV to avoid disappointment after you graduate because other people have lots more experience than you. Some areas where it’s especially important to try and get career-specific experience include banking, accountancy, management consultancy, journalism, marketing, teaching, academic research, social work, and law – but this is by no means an exhaustive list.

Career specific work experience can be hard to find, but things like part-time jobs and volunteering really help to boost your skills too.

If you are aiming for a career where further professional training will be essential such as solicitor, barrister, teacher or chartered psychologist, you need to get relevant experience under your belt early so that you’re in a position to include it in applications for postgraduate courses.

Large corporate graduate recruiters offer formal, structured work experience placements/internships during vacation periods, mainly for second year students, although some are open to first year students too.

These schemes form an integral part of employers’ main recruitment and selection processes, so it’s important to get onto one if you’re intent on working for a particular company after graduation. Competition is fierce, so if you’re in your first year you will need to look out for application closing dates very early in the next autumn term. In the meantime, it’s good to find other sources of work experience to sharpen your competitive edge.

However, even if you’re not applying for the kind of structured programmes described above, there are many other excellent work experience opportunities to explore – have a look at the information sites below.

Key starting points for information – Ideas on how to find work experience opportunities and make the most of them: •Lots of resources are signposted on our MyUni work experience page at https://myuni.swan.ac.uk/careers/ employability-and-work-experience/

work-experience/.

•Graduate Prospects : www.prospects. ac.uk/work_experience.htm •TARGETjobs: https://targetjobs.co.uk/ internships

Help from Careers and Employability – find us on MyUni The main website for Careers and Employability is now on MyUni at https://myuni.swan.ac.uk/careers/ where you can find how to contact us, get advice and browse information resources on a wide range of topics including employability and work experience.

Networking – tap into the hidden employment market Many opportunities are not advertised, especially in competitive areas such as public relations and the media where employers often have ready-made talent pools from the speculative applications they’ve received. So it’s well worth cultivating your network of contacts for information and making sure you tailor your own speculative applications as effectively as possible for each organisation that you apply to. See our page on networking ideas, including social media, at https:// myuni.swan.ac.uk/careers/job-hunting/ networking/.

Employability Awards The Swansea Employability Award (SEA) helps you to explore who you are and then gain experience and develop skills.

Visit https://sea.swan.ac.uk/ to find out more and register. There are other awards available through the University which stand alone, or can count towards the SEA. See www.swansea. ac.uk/employability-awards/ for details.

Employability Awards are recorded in your Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR), giving you recognition for the work you put into developing your employability.

WoW, SPIN and Santander placements The Career and Employability Service’s Placement Team arrange placements across a wide range of employment sectors, generally with local businesses. These can be short, unpaid opportunities to try out a job you want to explore further, or longer paid internships. Visit https://myuni. swan.ac.uk/work-placements/ for more information.

Here’s an example of one of our many successful placements: Kudsai Phiri from Zimbabwe is an international student who undertook work experience in the UK which led to long-term employment. She studied Medical Genetics here at Swansea University under Dr George Johnson.

Kudsai was successful in gaining a three-month Santander placement in the summer of her final year (2014).

She was subsequently offered the opportunity to undertake a funded masters or be employed in a permanent graduate-level position with the placement company, and she chose the position with Kirkstall Ltd http:// kirkstall.org/ .

Kudsai, said: “Being part of a company pursuing research in the advancement of medicinal technology, thus saving people’s lives through better science, cannot be over emphasized. I have always had a quest to work in such areas.

I am glad to say that the internship programme has even opened further doors of opportunity for me as I have been offered a permanent job at this company which is the most rewarding part of the Santander Universities SME Internship Programme.’”

Dr John Malcolm Wilkinson of Kirstall, said: “The internship programme is a great way for top-class graduates and SMEs to get to know each other without either having to make long term commitment until after the placement is completed.”

societies 27

careers 26

health 25

relationships 24

travel 22

food 21

film 19

culture 18

fashion 16-17

with sophie Wiggins

creative 15

27

features 12-13

2 February 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk

societies

Musicians: society of the month C

HOOSING a winner for society of the month for December was yet another tricky decision for societies and services officer Jerry Isokariari and societies and activities co-ordinator Charlotte West.

The society of the month for December are the Musicians’ Society. They have been active in helping other societies with their events, they have worked well as a committee and they have even performed for the Prince of Wales.

As the autumn term drew to a close and the Christmas festivities begun, the first couple of weeks of December were set to be some of the busiest for the Musicians’ Society.

Following the success of their Winter Concert on 29th November, they were given various performing opportunities by both the students’ union and other societies. Being involved with so many events provided great opportunities to promote the society

around the university and also benefited members hugely by giving them chances to perform regularly at a high standard.

The first event that the Musicians’ Society was involved in was the JC’s Christmas Event, which saw its newly formed Saxophone Ensemble perform a selection of Christmas songs. Having only performed together a handful of times previously, this provided a fantastic opportunity to showcase their ability. During the last week of term they were asked to take part in the SU Christian Union carol service by accompanying the congregational carols. Although a demanding week for a lot of members they were able to form a small wind ensemble to play, which went on to then perform at the student’s union carol service in JC’s later that week.

Another highlight that they enjoyed this month was participating in the Swansea city centre Christmas

entertainment programme.

They performed at Swansea Market on two separate occasions, allowing them to showcase all of their small ensembles, therefore involving as many members as possible.

They also volunteered to busk in aid of Save the Children at the train station, as asked by the SU Save the Children Society. This was an extremely rewarding experience, not only because they were helping to raise money for a good cause, but also as the performance coincided with the arrival of Prince Charles. They were delighted to be asked to perform on the platform as he got off the train.

Finally, the Big Band was asked to perform at the SU Hogwarts Society Yule Ball. With the smaller ensembles performing on several occasions, they were so grateful that Big Band were given the opportunity to perform more than once this term.

Along with providing many performance opportunities, they held one social in the form of a Christmas Meal. This was a great chance to celebrate the achievements that the society has enjoyed this term which reflect all the hard work of the members.

The committee is constantly seeking to improve member experience and by regularly attending Society Forums, are demonstrating their enthusiasm to improve not only their own society, but also the students’ union as well. They are also making progress with the ongoing campaign to improve the store cupboard, which will allow members to have the confidence of being able to store their instruments in a safe and secure environment.

Having reviewed the last term, the committee are excited to see what the New Year brings, as there are many great things to look forward to.

Now of course, it was a hard-fought battle for the Musicians because they had some stiff competition!!

The Hogwarts Society, as you’ve heard, held their annual Yule Ball again this year. Mo (Events Director) wrote: “We had a fantastic turnout, 80 people sat down with food in the refectory for an evening of celebration and entertainment. The event brought together multiple societies and in a way gave us a chance to reward our members for the fantastic society they are. We had help from Dance, Show Choir, Shoreline, Live Music, Save The Children and SU-TV recorded the whole thing, their piece to be released in the new year.

“We have made the student experience more memorable and without a shadow of a doubt given our members a night they will never forget. Swansea University would not be the same without the Hogwarts Society.”

Another contender for the prize was a last-minute entry from Save the Children Society President Tori-Ilana Evans wrote: “The society held two raffles, one for the English Society and one for the Hogwarts Society at Yule Ball (which between them raised over £120.

“We held a bake sale and also an amazing Christmas Jumper Day on December 12th at the train station, which raised over £900!

It’s amazing what’s been accomplished this month and year by all our societies.

Congratulations to Chris (Musicians’ President), Mo (Hogwarts Events Director) and Tori (Save the Children President) along with the rest of their committees for all the hard work they have put into their societies, not only in December but all of last term. If I’d had my way, you’d all have won!

Here’s to a new year filled with a whole new bunch of exciting society events!

waterfrontonline.co.uk

SPORT I 29

Some of the best: highlights from another successful sporting year

2014 Review

As we move into the new year of sport, we reflect on some of the most memorable moments of 2014; a year that provided us with many great triumphs. Here we collect some of our favourites, which demonstrate Swansea University students’ brilliant balance between on-thefield sporting success and generous charitable endeavours.

Thousands of us travelled to Cardiff on a scorching April day to make up an impressive Green and White Varsity Army. And we didn’t return disappointed, with the men’s rugby first team retaining the cup and cuing a night of wild celebration on Wind Street. It was truly a day to remember with around 30 of our sport clubs competing and six claiming famous victories throughout the day, before a 19-15 win sent the visiting half of the 14,000 student-strong crowd into raptures at the Millennium Stadium. Unlucky for some, Swansea will be looking for their 13th Varsity triumph when the two sides clash at the Liberty Stadium later this year.

A terrible tragedy pulled the University women’s rugby club together, as they put on a successful charity day in memory of a team member’s young nephew. Over £460 was raised on the day, as players from local clubs joined university students to compete a high-spirited friendly. The heartwarming event ended in a fitting manner; a 34-34 draw the final result after a fast-paced, tight affair. Organised, run and competed by students, the event showed the true spirit of university sport and the unique way in which it brings people together for a valuable cause.

Sportswomen from across the university came together to compete in a day of fundrsaising events for ‘Coppafeel’ – a breast cancer awareness charity. A round robin-style tournament was organised by Sports Officer Charlotte Peters, who designed the event as “not just as a fundraiser, but as a highlight of the women’s sporting talent at Swansea University.” With rugby, hockey, rounders and tug-of-war on the menu, all teams were afforded a chance to try their hands at a new sport in the name of charity. The rugby team ran out eventual winners of the inaugural tournament, defeating the hockey first team in the final, and it is hoped the event will become an annual event.

Back in March, the biggest society on campus afforded two lucky teams the chance to do battle for silverware at the home of Swansea RFC and Swansea Cricket Club – St. Helens Stadium. Team Sloth and SUMFC 6s locked horns under the floodlights, with Sloth secure a third consecutive Intramural cup final triumph in dramatic fashion. Striker Lewys Thomas hit a last minute winner to seal victory after an open, evenly matched affair. The knockout cup is one of the most celebrated intramural events of the year, with the Charity Shield, League competition and Varsity match also at the forefront of players’ minds throughout the season. SUMFC 7s are the reigning Swansea University enjoyed a proud summer of events, hosting two major European events and seeing students past and present shine in Glasgow’s gleaming Commonwealth Games. Sketty Lane hosted the European Touch Rugby Championships and then the IPC European Athletics Championships in August, the later becoming the biggest ever para-sport event to be hosted in Wales. Many students volunteered during the event, while household names such as Aled Davies, Hannah Cockroft and Jonnie Peacock graced the Sketty Lane turf along with around 580 other athletes who were housed in Singleton campus accommodation. Swansea students Jazz Carlin, Hannah Davies and Dewi Griffiths competed in the Commonwealth Games in which all of the home nations enjoyed huge success.

Swansea University’s American Football club – the Titans – have gone from strength to strength in recent years, and capped off a brilliant 2013/14 season by battering the Royal Holloway University Bears 3812 to win the BUCS Challenge Trophy. The Titans travelled to Leeds after waltzing through to the final, and did not disappoint; the victory never looked in any doubt. Captain Simon George took the MVP award on the day, and declared his and the club’s intentions to push on and compete for the Championship title this season. The club are certainly pushing towards another year of success with a 4-0 record up until Christmas, having conceded just 7 points in the process.

Swansea University student Rob Grounds walked away with the trophy as 22 golfers competed in a Pennard Golf Club charity tournament. The event, which took place at the blustery Gower course back in March, raised almost £1000 for the Leukaemia and Lymphoma Foundation and included a raffle on top of the golfing action. The university golf club also enjoyed domestic success, gaining promotion back to Western Division 1A in February with a 100% record – a tremendous response to the previous season’s underwhelming campaign that culminated in relegation.

The men’s rugby league side completed a brilliant clean sweep last season, winning their Western Division 2A title, the Anglo-Welsh Plate and then the BUCS Western Conference Cup – the latter two in the space of one brilliant week in March. After wrapping up the league early in the year, March saw the club claim the inaugural Anglo-Welsh title with a 44-14 St. Helen’s victory over Bath, before securing the treble with a superb Conference Cup final victory over Exeter. The Warpigs’ momentum has carried on into 2014/15, and they sit top of Western Division 1A with a 100% record.

Swansea University Taekwondo Club enjoyed a fruitful year in terms of medals, with various competition triumphs igniting competition between ‘Hall of Fame’ members.

Laura Fiteni is currently in the lead, having overtaken alumnus Sam Mason following a string of impressive competition showings throughout 2014. The club’s 2014 schedule included trips to Guildford, Cheltenham and Cardiff, with the club maintaining a proud medal record at each event. Despite losing out at last year’s Varsity, the club have their sights firmly set on avenging said defeat this time out.