the world in a week

university. some might say we're living in a bubble. but, over the course of 3 days last week, taking place within the non-aesthetically pleasing 60's style buildings...

• about 50 students occupy a lecture theatre as an act of solidarity with the Palestinians living under the violence and occupation of Gaza, drawing up a petition with requests for the university to fulfill certain actions to offer support especially to Palestinian students in the form of scholarships, sending out old computers and making a public statement condemning the current situaton
• "Hear Afrika" society puts on an event: 'Somali Aid', a fundraiser for a Somalian orphanage with poetry, DJs and live music.
• I watch a film on child slavery around the world for a my human rights course
• I'm set a spanish translation about Obama's decision to shut down Guantanamo bay
• We discuss the pros and cons of the UN
• All the bars and computer rooms on campus are full of students watching Obama's inauguration

i felt a little bit like my head had been run over. and SAD. seems the world is falling apart. and hope sometimes seems quite dim. and i know we are not experts by any means, and there's a whole lot we don't know and don't understand and haven't experienced. but all the same, i'm glad people care and are looking beyond the classrooms.