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5 Things to do in Quarantine

by Chloe Royle

With the current global situation, many of us are finding it difficult to keep busy and distract ourselves from the news. With that in mind, I have decided to create a list of a few things that you can do to keep busy and creative!

Start a new book.

I’ve found that reading over these past few weeks has distracted my mind completely. It’s one of the best forms of escapism and keeps your mind working in a creative way. You don’t even have to read something for university, go ahead and find something simple and relaxing, like a short story or even a young adult book.

I’d personally recommend reading:

Circe – Madeline Miller

Conversations with Friends // Normal People – both by Sally Rooney

Any books set in a fantasy world! By putting yourself in a world completely unlike your own, its so much easier to stop overthinking and you might find a new favourite.

Start a new TV series or binge watch an old favourite.

Watching something is one of the easiest ways to spend a few hours if you’re feeling particularly anxious. I’ve recently been rewatching Reign, as I find the colours and setting so comforting and distracting. With Disney+ being a thing now, you also have every opportunity to go back to your youth and watch something nostalgic, so go and watch Hannah Montana or Phineas and Ferb shamelessly! No-one has to know 😉

Bake!!!

Now is the best time to make as many sweet treats as possible. Ensure you have everything you need in your house to do baking, then go for it. Bake a cake, create your own cookie recipe or even make a savoury meal for you and your family! You can entertain everyone and yourself by making sure you all have something good to eat.

Set up a tik-tok.

One thing that is keeping us all busy during the quarantine in social media. However, a lot of the apps we use are full of coronavirus horror stories. So, if you want to have a laugh or be more creative, I would recommend downloading tik-tok! You don’t necessarily have to make them, but there are so many different accounts that are creating fun content for you to enjoy.

Finish university work.

As much as none of us want to, university work is still due in. whilst it can be a huge burden and pushed back deadlines make procrastination super appealing, it’s probably easier to get it done whilst you can. Separate your time into half an hour slots and work with lots of breaks. Once you get started, you’ll find that it’s a great distraction technique and you won’t have to worry about the outside world for a while. Also, get yourself lots of snacks (maybe baked goods?!) and lots of blankets to create a positive space for yourself.

I hope that some of you will want to do a few of these, it’s definitely the perfect time to get everything you’ve been thinking about done.

Keep busy and keep positive! Summer is closer than we think 😊

Self Isolation: An Interview.

By Emily Burrell – Arts and Culture Sub Editor

Thank you to all interviewees for their participation and honesty. Interviews were conducted 31st March 2020.

What are you doing to keep yourself entertained during self isolation?

Interviewee A:

I am trying to do university work; I am also watching lots of TV and I’ve started colouring.

Interviewee B:

I am watching a lot of Netflix and Disney+ . I am also talking to my best friends a lot. They are all self isolating at our university house and I have had to come home due to ill health.

Interviewee C:

It really should be university work, I am doing some … Mainly, I am traumatizing myself by watching the entirety of Grey’s Anatomy in the shortest amount of time possible. How quickly can someone watch 16 series? I’m also exercising in the garden with my housemates. This has made me realise how unfit I am.

Interviewee D:

I am trying to do my dissertation. I am having difficulty though.

Interviewee E:

Like everyone one else I have stolen my flatmate’s Netflix login and I am slowly making my way through the entire archive. I have also begun to paint, which has only made me painfully aware that I have the artistic capabilities of a 7 year old. My painting has made it onto the fridge, so that is an achievement. I am also occupying my time with the mountain of washing up me and my friends keep producing because we all keep snacking out of boredom. I am convinced my house singlehandedly keep the jacket potato industry afloat.

How is self isolation effecting your well being?

Interviewee A:

During self isolation I am feeling down because I am unable to plan anything to look forward to in the near future.

Interviewee B:

It is affecting my wellbeing a lot. It is difficulty for me to exercise due to my disability. Walking was the easiest way for me to exercise. Now, I am unable to leave my home for 12 weeks, I can no longer do this. I was struggling with my mental health prior to the pandemic, however being away from my friends is very difficult. I feel out of the loop and I do not want to pester them. I hate being away from my friends. Also, it is very hard for me to express my feelings in a productive way that would make me feel content.

Interviewee C:

I still haven’t wrapped my head around the idea that isolation might last for a while. So far isolation has been okay because I am with my friends and keep in touch with my family regularly. Teaching my dad how to use House Party was an experience. I have felt very bored and unmotivated and I am unsettled by the uncertainty of these times. We are living through history, which is cool. I can’t wait to help my grandchildren with their GCSE History and their sources be an meme of Boris.

Interviewee D:

It is affecting my wellbeing a lot. I have realised how much I thrived being around other people. Therefore, I am really struggling, I feel as though I am inches away from a big breakdown.

Interviewee E:

I am very stressed, but I am trying to hide it. I am worried about my grades and the possibility that the graduation ceremony will not take place in July. I have made plans to be abroad in September. I have spent three years working hard and the thought of not being able to attend my graduation is quite frankly heart breaking. I want the cheesy stereotypical photos and for my parents to cheer embarrassingly loudly in the audience. I am also away from my family as my parents are key workers. I am worried for their wellbeing. It is very overwhelming.

How is self isolation impacting your university work?

Interviewee A:

I am still doing university work. However, I am aware that it is not up to my usual ability. I am unable to focus as my mind is elsewhere, so everything is taking longer than usual.

Interviewee B:

Uni work has got a lot harder. I struggled before classes ended and I would work alongside my tutors in order to achieve my best work. There is only so much that can be done over emails. It is also hard being organized and prioritizing lots of different work at once is overwhelming.

Interviewee C:

It has definitely had a negative effect. I am a lot more productive in the library and have struggled with not being able to meet my tutors in person. I am also graded on group work and this has proven nearly impossible to complete without face to face meetings.

Interviewee D:

I can’t concentrate on university work, with my family and dog at home there is a lot of constant noise. I need silence in order to complete my work – it requires me singing into a microphone. The noise also affects me when I am trying to write. It is very frustrating.

Interviewee E:

I have no motivation. I worked better in the library; that environment allows for me to be productive. However, as my daily coffee intake is increasing as is my word count. I’d say I’m on a solid one cup per 100 word ratio.

Do you feel supported by the university?

Interviewee A:

No. Although I appreciate their haste to respond and the unpredicted nature and severity of the situation, I am aware of other universities that have acted quicker and implemented better support for their students.

Interviewee B:

I feel semi-supported. My tutors are amazing, especially my personal tutor (she is the head of my course). She works tirelessly to make sure everyone understands everything. She is emailing everyone daily to just check in and make sure we’re all okay. She is truly brilliant. I do not feel supported by the university overall. I feel as though they could be providing more support than they are. I still have to sit exams at home, complete four more 4000 word essays; without face to face support this is more difficult than I believe they realise.

Interviewee C:

My department have given extensions and offered sykpe/zoom meetings, which is helpful. I know other universities have implement a no detriment policy and I am really hoping Edge Hill does the same. I would be very comforted by this safety net due to the unprecedented circumstances.

Interviewee D:

Absolutely not, for our dissertation they have completely left us uninformed and not acknowledge how this pandemic is affecting us. My tutors have said they will consider providing an extension and that the decision will be made by April 3^rd. This is our deadline day. I require university facilities (the music studio) to complete my dissertation, yet even without access I have been told to just get on with it. The department feels very unorganised, one person will say one thing and another will contradict them. This is very stressful.

Interviewee E:

I am aware that my lecturers are trying their best in a situation they were not prepared for. However, I also feel let down by the university. I wish they would employ an no detriment policy like other universities have. This would provide a lot of support in such an emotionally distressing time. They could defiantly do more to support their students’, but I am also fully aware this is very stressful time for staff too.

What is the first thing you are going to do when self isolation is over?

Interviewee A:

The first thing I will do is probably cry. Then I will go out for food or go to Tesco.

Interviewee B:

I will go to either my cricket club, my university house to see my friends or to see one of neighbours.

Interviewee C:

I’m praying it is sunny so I can spend the whole day outside. It will include food and drinks and seeing my friends and family. I miss them.

Interviewee D:

I will go to the pub and see my mates.

Interviewee D:

I will give my Grandad and my dog a hug.

Helpful links:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-public-on-mental-health-and-wellbeing/guidance-for-the-public-on-the-mental-health-and-wellbeing-aspects-of-coronavirus-covid-19

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/loneliness/about-loneliness/

https://quackehu.design.blog/2020/03/26/looking-after-your-mental-health-while-in-quarantine/

Basically Bobbi – Chapter Five

Rebecca Hodge

‘why are you only just tellin me this now and over text bob’

‘I just remembered now, Will!

Am I not allowed to send my husband

a quick text on his break?’

‘dont be stupid you know what i mean i don’t get why

you didn’t discuss this with me last night not like we

were busy or anythin we were sat there all night

eatin chips and watchin tele’

‘Will, I’m telling you I just forgot, okay? It slipped my mind, I have other more important things to be worrying about, you know, like running a home- you might recall me putting a clothes wash on last night, and a dishwasher load?’

‘you got a grease stain on your favourite jeans and you wanted

to wear them again for going out with the girls tonight so that

explains the wash and we had no clean bowls left for desert’

‘anyway, granny frannie is not staying with us bobbi barely enough

space for the two of us and i cant be doing with her clumsiness

everyday and the “spare room” that you called it earlier is not a

“spare room” you know its my games room so she cant have that room’

‘ *our games room’

‘I know she’s annoying but she’s family. What was I supposed to say?’

‘no’

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want Francine living under our roof and sleeping in “our games room” either- we are no Sister Sledge hit song personified, as the BBQ anecdote painted, or in fact, didn’t paint, earlier. We are family, yes, but there’s no ‘get up everybody and sing’ about us. To be honest, it’s not just Francine that Will doesn’t like, my whole family are a bit, well, how can I say this politely…

WEIRD.

Why should I have to be polite? They’re MY family, I won’t get offended!

But hey, aren’t all families? No, no they’re not actually- not like mine. Mine is particularly weird. I’m talking discussing how the pH levels in their allotment soil are affecting the growth of their cauliflowers, the benefits of washing your hair with shower gel rather than shampoo, competing for a Guinness World Record for the most yo-yos using your toe and practicing under the table at birthday teas.

Oh, and turning up without contributing to the buffet- what is that about!? A sin that is in my eyes that are never too big for my belly.

You know that Will and I both enjoy a quiet night in… with the karaoke machine; well, Will has a few go-to karaoke songs and We Are Family actually used to be one of them! Well, it still is, only after a couple of, shall we confidently say unusual, family gatherings on my half, he started changing the lyrics. He thinks he is hilarious! In the first verse he sings…

“All of these people/ around me- go’way/

how can they be that gross?”

It’s a good job I am not like my family, isn’t it? He sings it in the shower as well, so much so that I even sing his version. I’ve forgotten the actual lyrics now.

I am in much need of a Reece’s peanut butter cup- if ever someone has filled a cup with such perfection, its Mr. Reece. That was an odd sentence, maybe I am just a little bit like my fa…

A random shiver comes over me, I put my phone back down on top of the biscuit tin. I’m sure there was an open pack of Reece’s in the naughty and nice nook. I spot the orange wrapper poking out right at the back…

“I just… caann’t… ssseem t’rreeaa-ch…

GOT ONE!”

It’s gotten a bit smushed by the emergency jar of chunky peanut butter, haha- by its own kind! Its own family. Ah see, there is no perfect family! I laugh out loud at my own strange thought before unwrapping the chocolate and popping the kettle on. I am completely dreading Will coming home and having to discuss this Francine predicament. There was no way I could have denied her a place to stay when we have a room available- gosh, I sound like a woman working behind a check-in desk of a hotel who doesn’t want that old high school mean girl with her brand new Mercedes and rising dog accessories company knowing where she works. I was wanting to start shifting Will’s gaming gear out of the spare room today before she arrives on Saturday, but I have this cold, sort of, empty feeling in my stomach whenever I think about it, unless I’m just hungry? Yes, that’ll be it! I should go grab another snack from the nook, take my teabag out (it’ll probably be all stewed by now) and make a start on preparing the room. Nothing to worry about! Will, well he’ll just have to deal with it, won’t he?

I head upstairs with my favourite mug that says ‘lazy day’ and aim to have quite the opposite! I unplug the console, neatly box it up with the controllers and I don’t stop until the only thing left in the room is a smart, black frame hanging on the wall holding one of our wedding photos.

“There! Half way to a guest room!”

I sip my now cold tea and lick the melted chocolate off the penguin wrapper that I saved for a job-done reward. The cold, empty feeling is still there. I am dreading him coming home even more than I was two hours ago.

‘For better, for worse’… this might just be the ‘worse’ part!

The Trial of Gabriel Fernandez – A Review

Maria Murphy

The new Netflix series The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez is a much watch for crime lovers. This heart-breaking six-part limited series directed by Brian Knappenberger goes into the murder of Gabriel Fernandez by his mother Pearl Fernandez and boyfriend Isauro Aguirre.

The mini docu-series takes a deeper look into the case and how it became one of the most famous child abuse cases. Knappenberger goes through the beginnings of the investigation through to the sentences received. Following from the first report by the LA times, prosecutor Jon Hatami takes the lead to bring justice for Gabriel and other child victims of child abuse. The investigation revealed a lot more than planned, showing the troubles and lack of control Child Services in the LA county had over the cases they were being given, “Gabriel was an eight-year-old boy whose death exposed something more rotten”. Being the first child abuse case to be televised it is understandable why this series will open the eyes of the public to take child abuse allegations a lot more seriously.

Not only are you shown pictures of Gabriel’s little body, all bruised, cut and damaged, you are also shown the bloody stains and marks that have been left all over the apartment where Fernandez and Aguirre would beat the little boy, and hide him in a small cupboard in a bedroom with no food, water and blankets. What is shocking is the amount of times child services were called to look into the family by Gabriel’s teacher and also a security guard that spotted the injuries on the boy. It is upsetting to know that these social workers would take the lies from the mother and boyfriend as to the way Gabriel had these horrific injuries over actually seeing the little boy and asking him themselves. They did the bare minimum for Gabriel and if they had taken more notice of the red flags the whole incident would’ve been prevented and throughout the series you can see they had done the bare minimum for a lot of other children.

Even though the sentences given, Pearl Fernandez got life in prison and Isauro Aguirre was sentenced to death, was a success on the prosecutors side and a victory for Jon Hatami and his team as they got justice for Gabriel, there is still a sadness over the case knowing that an eight-year-old boy needed to be abused and murdered for just being born, for the county to understand that something needed to happen and change. I found it upsetting that the chargers were dropped from the 4 people that dealt with Gabriel’s case, I did feel like they deserved some what of a punishment as they did not do their job properly which resulted in a loss of life.

The last 10 minutes is a montage to Gabriel and showing clips of his family mourning the loss of his life, while also showing how they are celebrating him but opening a youth center for children. What breaks your heart at the last moment is knowing that two-weeks after the sentences of Gabriel’s mother and her boyfriend, in the same neighborhood a 10-year-old boy was murdered by his mother and boyfriend. Even with the efforts but in to prevent it from happening again, it is sad to know it will probably continue.

This is a must watch for anyone and it is the right series to start the important conversation on how to keep child abuse victims safe and how to prevent anymore murder cases from happening.

Looking After Your Mental Health While In Quarantine

Daisy Lewis

It’s all over the news, it’s in every conversation and it’s completely unavoidable. COVID-19 has taken over our lives for the past few months and unfortunately, it seems as though the situation is only going to get more intense before it begins to get any better. Whilst you will have been bombarded with information and advice on how to keep yourself physically healthy, it’s important to note that your mental health is something that needs care too. Now the country is essentially on lockdown and many of us are out of work and stuck at home, it’s easy to fall into a rut. In an attempt to tackle and avoid this, I’ve compiled a short list of things to keep in mind during these uncertain times.

Go outside.

Yep, I know. It’s the opposite of everything you’ve been told, right? Well according to one of the latest updates from Boris, we are entitled to one outdoor exercise a day – use it. Take advantage of that allowance as we don’t know if and when enforcements are going to change. Staying cooped up for 24 hours isn’t going to do your mental health any good, so make sure that you’re trying to leave the house once a day (if you’re well, of course) and getting some fresh air. Don’t feel as though you need to be sprinting around the park or cycling for hours, just go for a walk and escape your four walls for a bit.

Have a clear out.

It’s a great opportunity to sort out your room and get rid of some old clothes and bits and pieces that have been left untouched for weeks, months or even years. Bag it up and wait for the local charity shops to re-open or even try and sell some bits on Depop or eBay.

Pick up a new hobby or revisit an old one.

If you’ve been neglecting your sketch pad then why not pick it back up and get creative again! If art isn’t your thing then what about baking or reading? There’s an endless list of things you could be doing to pass the time, just give something new a try and you may be surprised that it turns into a hobby that sticks around.

Write a schedule.

Your routine may have gone out the window at the minute and you may even be struggling to remember what day it is, but unfortunately this is the new normal. To help you feel more at ease and productive, I have personally found that writing a schedule has helped a lot. This was specific to my university work and I wrote out what I would like to get done each day of the week (giving myself weekends ‘off’). In this schedule make sure you consider down time and don’t leave it too rigid, just in case something else comes up. It just helps to have a little stability.

Stay in contact with friends.

Although you cannot see each other in person, make sure you keep talking to your friends and family who you don’t live with – especially those you know who are struggling or who are on their own. A FaceTime, call, or text is easy to do just to make someone’s day and to keep yourself sane too. Don’t forget, Netflix Party is now available so you can even have TV marathons together, while still staying home!

Be kind to yourself.

It’s understandable that you may feel pressure to be productive every minute you spend at home and not at work or university, but it’s important to cut yourself some slack. We’re all going through this strange time together and everyone will handle it differently. Just because someone is posting online about being up at 6:00AM on a run, then working for 8 hours and then making a home cooked meal and reading until bedtime doesn’t mean you have to (it also doesn’t mean that what they say online is true to their actual life). If you fancy a Netflix day (or week) then go for it, don’t feel guilty for lounging around or not making it out of the house. There is no pressure from anyone and if you feel any symptoms then make sure you self-isolate and let your tutors know if you need an extension for any assignments.

If anyone is struggling with university work, make sure you email your personal tutor and let them know. If it goes beyond this and your home isn’t a safe space, then please contact someone. I have left a few helpful numbers below for if you find yourself in a dangerous situation or you just need to talk. As always, our emails and Instagram messages are open for anyone who needs advice or fancies a chat!

Freephone 24/7 National Domestic Violence Helpline, run by Refuge: 0808 2000 247
The Men’s Advice Line, for male domestic abuse survivors – 0808 801 0327
The Mix, free information and support for under 25s in the UK – 0808 808 4994
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428
Samaritans – 116 123
Big White Wall ‘A safe community to support your mental health’ – bigwhitewall.com (log in with your university details)

She Took My Hand – A Poem

Emily Burrell – Arts and Culture Sub Editor

She took my shaking hand and placed it

on my heart.

She said…

You may feel the cracks but the beat

is steady

It is a reminder that we are alive

It is a pretentious and ironic

metaphor

But a metaphor non the less

It speeds up, slows down and sometimes

it even skips a beat.

It is life.

And then she took her hand off mine

and her touch slowly slipped away

But the beat stayed, mostly steady

with the occasional change of

rhythm…

I took her hand and placed it on her

heart and told her what I had heard

before.

And she smiled, a smile that hid a

thousand tears

A smile the dreamed of a million laughs.

A smile that let me know that I will

never truly know her.

And so my hand slipped away.

And I’m sure her heart changed rhythm

occasionally, maybe it slowed when she

watched the sky turn darker shades of

blue or raced when she danced round the

garden in her bare feet.

She took his hand and placed it on his

heart and told him a story that someone

had told her before.

And his fingers tapped in time to the

beat

And there they danced to the rhythm on

the crumb lined kitchen tiles in that

shady white house.

And this time the hand stayed and a

ring added a snare to the rhythm.

And they danced.

They took her hand and placed it on her

heart and told her the story that someone

had told them before.

they tapped a slow rhythm like a lullaby

until she fell asleep

and she dreamt of her parents dancing

around the kitchen

she smiled in her sleep, a smile that will

conquer a thousand tears and aid a

thousand laughs, a smile that will let the

world know who she wants to be…

She took his hand, like she had her

mother’s 2 years before and placed it

on his heart.

She said…

I may feel the cracks and the beat may

be slow

But it is a reminder that you are alive

And she tapped as he fell asleep, like

the lullaby her parents played when she was young

He breathed in time to the soft little

beats

Until he breathed no more…

She placed her hand on her heart and felt

the cracks but the rhythm reminded her that

She was alive

Of the lives the story had lived before

And she tapped to the rhythm as the tears

fell down her cheeks

But the rhythm was steady and stayed

It was a reminder that she was alive…

Q&A with the SU President Candidates

Daisy Lewis

We got the opportunity to speak with the two candidates up for SU President this year; Kate Vickers and Sam Farrell. In this exclusive Q&A, the two share their personal memories of Edge Hill as well as answer the all-important question: what is your go-to meal deal?

Starting off, if you could choose just one, what is the main reason that you’re running for SU President?

Kate: I have absolutely loved my time as President this year and loved working for students, it’s the voices and actions of students that inspire me to come into work every day and work to achieve new things for them, such as the bus running until 1AM on social nights or the new social space for students on the Manchester campus, but I don’t feel finished yet, I have so much more I want to achieve for Edge Hill students.

Sam: The main reason why I’m running for SU President is because after 3 years working my way up in the SU bar, I’ve identified a lot of things that I think can be done better than how they are now and whilst I acknowledge that there’s plenty of people who would be good for the role, I think my unique experience puts me in a position to make changes that other candidates could not.

Moving onto something far more serious – what is your go-to meal deal?

Kate: A controversial one but I love a prawn mayo sandwich and anything sweet for a snack, but for the drink it has to be something with caffeine in it, when you’re running from boards to committees to ‘Give It A Go’ activities, caffeine is essential.

Sam: Subway, cookie and a drink all the way! After a long day at work I’d happily sell my sister for a Meatball Marinara.

Looking back at your time at Edge Hill, what is your favourite memory?

Kate: There have been so many incredible opportunities presented to me whilst at Edge Hill so it’s so hard to choose but one that stands out to me is my role in the ‘Reclaim The Night’ march in Liverpool, I attended as your elected Women’s Officer. I marched alongside other women, non-binary people and allies, marching against street harassment. I also sat on the organising committee for this event and as a result of this and my work surrounding Edge Hill’s gender equality campaign, I was awarded the Part Time Officer of the year award, that was definitely a highlight for me.

Sam: Definitely the production The Core (the acting society) put on last year. Being President of The Core has been one of the greatest parts of my university experience so far and getting to see all the hard work the cast put in pay off at the end of last year was incredible. Especially considering how closely the script resonated with people in the society, it was nice to see them change and develop over the course of rehearsals. To this day it’s one of the highest selling independent student productions ever to be staged in The Rose Theatre and getting to sit in the audience on that final night and see the finished product and feel the audience reacting to it was just immense.

How will you, as President, ensure that students enjoy their Edge Hill experience?

Kate: I think this is a really broad question as so many students at Edge Hill need such different things, so my first job will to be to continue going out and listening to students, as I have done this year and make sure that we’re coming to you, rather than you coming to us as I have detailed in my manifesto. I can then act on students’ feedback on a one to one basis rather than assuming that the entirety of the student body need the same things from their student experience as no one students’ experience is the same.

Sam: I’ll ensure students are enjoying themselves by simply engaging with them. I think, as impressive as our SU is, for the longest time now there’s been a disconnect between the internal decision making process and the student voice. I hope to bridge this divide during my time in office by creating opportunities for students to feedback directly to the SU. I think, for example, sitting the president of a society down with say, the manager of the SU bar and getting them to voice the opinions of the people within their society, is the most effective form of market research the SU could ever hope for. It’s a win win for everyone really.

On a day or night off, where is your favourite place to go in Ormskirk?

Kate: On a night off I absolutely love going to karaoke, although I try to spare the students of Edge Hill the horror of my singing voice! And when I wake up in the morning and realise how much I’ve spent at the bar I don’t feel quite as bad in the knowledge that every penny goes back into SU campaigns.

Sam: Pre drinks in a mate’s gaff. Wherever or whoever it’s with, I’ve always preferred the start of the night when you sit around in someone’s living room playing drinking games and chatting absolute shit than the club itself. Some of the best laughs I’ve ever had have been in times like this. To be honest I wish more people would commit to having house parties nowadays.

Finally, you have had plenty of opportunities to speak about how you’re going to impact Edge Hill if elected as President, but we want to know, how has Edge Hill impacted you?

Kate: I’d be lying if I said Edge Hill hasn’t given me a few more grey hairs than I had before my first year! But I’ve had some incredible experiences, particularly since being involved with the SU and I’ve made some brilliant friends that I hope will continue to be a part of my life after my time here is done and not to mention I somehow managed to graduate so I now have a degree too.

Sam: I actually can’t imagine what my life would’ve been like had I not come to Edge Hill. The friends and connections I’ve made whilst being here are some that will stick for the rest of my life. The amazing facilities and faculty have allowed me to develop not just my craft, but as a person. I’m so much more open minded and confident than I was when I first came here 3 years ago, that’s why it would mean the world to me if I could have to opportunity to give something back to this institution and its students. I feel I owe that at the least.

You can find out more about Kate and Sam and read their full manifestos on their social platforms. To learn more about the candidates up for Vice President and part-time roles, head to the SU Instagram or Facebook page. Don’t forget – voting opens tomorrow (17^th March) at 7AM and closes at 10PM. You can vote online at https://www.edgehillsu.org.uk/suelections. 

I love you like a father but if I tell you I’ll have to go because I can’t risk losing you again – A Poem

Lucy Duffell

the figure has always held so dark

golden boy,

I don’t want to put him there

you deserve better but keep taking

saying all the right pieces

(It feels so selfish) to want to know you

to hear your stories from car speakers

remembering all the words

crave my own verse

to have someone tall proud

hands on my back

let me show you my city and all the doorframes I’ve lived in

every corner I’ve run from

aged four thirteen these are my streets my concrete monuments of pocket stories.

I fumble

at the lint lining

you are tucked in bed at home and I’m back here alone twelve years old just wishing I had someone

to own me

I don’t grow cold I make manage

not your responsibility to hold

softly in your wallet frame

after all

I must remain

a safe distance away

in awe.

Basically Bobbi – Chapter Four

Rebecca Hodge

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Thank God for internet shopping. I’ll get Will to pick up prawn crackers and ketchup later on his way to the Chippy. The delivery could take up to 5 days so unfortunately it’s no gym until next week- I mean, I could do some exercise before then but I’m reluctant to do anything that strenuous without the correct clothing. So that’s two pairs of leggings at £4.25 each, two sports bras at £3.75 each and three sports tops at £3.50 each. If I can sneak a peek into Will’s wardrobe when he goes out to the shop later I might find a few hoodies I could lend for me to just throw over the top. I noticed he was wearing his new Adidas one last night as I watched him shove a half-full pack of Percy Pigs in the pocket (and I know they’re still in there because he hung it back up before bed, and there was no sign of any sweet strawberry snacks in the naughty and nice nook this morning). I’ll fish them out later too.

I wonder would it be wrong to order a fish with fried rice and chow mien later? Only as wrong as sushi I guess- fish and rice, only this fish comes enveloped in a beautifully crispy batter, like they’re delivering your dinner all gorgeously gift-wrapped!

My phone buzzes quite suddenly, violently vibrating the biscuit tin- the lack of biscuits inside leaving it a hollow, echoing drum. I close my laptop over, nearly trapping the biscuit remains; two hobnobs and a custard cream which I’d placed on the keyboard like a little snack tray. I go to the kitchen and relieve the tin from its attack and find that it wasn’t just Will after my Chippy order for him to pick up after work, but my cousin Francine- “Oh hello, rando!”

We haven’t spoken since the 2016 Summer BBQ, and even then it was more of a forced
conversation in line for another hotdog (or veggie burger, in Francine’s case) from Uncle Jeff. Poor man. Aunty Enid had it in for him that day, every time he took a bite out of his burger it was “do you know what’s in that burger?” and “God knows what they put in those things.” And every so often throughout the afternoon I’d hear his irate response “Bloody beef! It’s just bloody beef!” from the BBQ area- talk about hen pecked! I mean, no one was in the best of Summery moods that day, it was pretty cold and wet. Mum and Dad battled with the gazebo for a good three quarters of an hour while Auntie Mel only made it worse switching between ‘helping’ and then directing from underneath the barely standing thing when the rain got heavier. Mum got all confused and puffed up when Auntie Mel started shouting what Mum thought was direction, but was actually a hot drinks order towards the kitchen window. She kept flapping her arms about trying to get the attention of Francine (or ‘Franine’, as she’s wrongly called her own niece since the day she visited her at the hospital, so Mum and Auntie Enid say) as she could see her filling up the kettle.

I don’t know why no one’s ever corrected her, although surely she hears other family
members call her Francine when we meet up (as rarely as that may be). Anyway it’s too far along now… imagine, “by the way, it’s nothing big, but just for future reference Auntie Mel, Francine is called Fran-CINE not Franine.”

We ended up under the gazebo for about ten minutes before deciding it wasn’t too
comfortable for all the family to be standing shoulder the shoulder on one patch of grass. Francine tripped over the leg of Dad’s camping chair- that he insisted on squeezing under the gazebo- knocking into my arm at just the moment I was squirting ketchup onto my hot dog, which incidentally ended up down my jumper (the ketchup incident I was referring to earlier) so I went in to change. Soon after everyone followed.

Safe to say Will isn’t Francine’s biggest fan.

‘Grannie Frannie’ he calls her. Obviously not to her face- well, we haven’t seen her face since for him to say it to if he wanted! I have a funny feeling that’s about to change.

‘Hi Bobbi, it’s Francine, long time no see! Hope you’re well. I thought it might sound rude to just ask you out right but Mum told me to just text (you know Mum!) So, would you mind if I came and stayed with you and William…’

I’ve never called him William. Where’s she got William from? It’s just Will!

…‘for a few weeks or so? I’m being transferred to Hartley for 6 months…’

6 MONTHS! Oh no. No no no no no. NO! Nada.

…‘you’re the only one I know living in Hartley. Thanks, Francine X’

Thank you cuz. I know EXACTLY how this is going to pan out. First, it’ll be “only a couple of weeks”, which will quite easily slip into “just til the end of the month”, which will only drag out further and quickly become “another week or so”. And then there’ll be Mum and Auntie Enid nattering away over the phone about “oh how wonderful, marvelous, just superb!” it is that their two girls are living under the same roof. Oh and more unexpected visits from Auntie Enid left right and center! Before you know it, six months will have gone by and Grannie Frannie will be calling this house home!

‘Hi Francine, sure you can stay with us, that’s no problem! When will you be arriving? X’

What else was I to say?! More importantly what the heck is Will going to say?! I’ll have to
approach it carefully, like eating a custard slice cream cake. I hear the door go and I jump slightly…he’s home. Hey, he didn’t ask me what I wanted from the Chippy before he came home and I hadn’t made up my mind about whether to get fried rice, chow mien or fish and chips, or which combination of those.

“Hey Ripple, missed you today.”

“Hey, thought you said you were going to call me about what to get from the Chippy?”

Will leans in for a kiss and I stand and receive one from him; to be honest I can’t help
wondering what he’s got me for tea in the semi-see-through bag he’s holding, just slightly too far away for me to sniff out what’s in there.

“I know, I didn’t get a minute today to even think about it, so I just guessed when I got there.”

Great. I’m starving and he’s took a guess! Such a risk.

“You could’ve phoned when you pulled up outside the Chippy.” I say under my seething
breath.

He’s opening the bag and I can see three containers and something wrapped up in paper.

“What did you get then?” I ask, impatiently, before my tummy screams even more so.

“Thought you’d probably be alright with some fried rice and chow mien, and incase you
weren’t sure which you wanted I got a fish and chips too.”

This is why he’s my husband. Risk worth taking. God, I love fish.

Student Loneliness: A Honest Interview

By Emily Burrell – Arts and Culture Sub Editor

Man's Hand in Shallow Focus and Grayscale Photography

A special thanks to all the students that participated in this article, all of whom talked openly and honestly about their experiences.

Have you experienced loneliness whilst being at university?

Interviewee A:

Definitely!

Interviewee B:

Yes.

Interviewee C:

Yes, at times I have felt segregated and lonely.

How frequently did you experience this loneliness?

Interviewee A:

It has varied throughout my time at uni, it was probably the worst in first year when I wasn’t as close to people and sometimes I felt lonely daily. Now, its not as bad and I have close friends, but I still feel lonely at times.

Interviewee B:

During my first three/four months starting at Edge Hill. I went straight into second year as I had a qualification from another university. I felt like everyone had their friendship groups sorted from the first year and I would be an “outsider”. This of course was not the case and it took me a very long time to realise this. In that three/four month period, I wanted to leave! If any excuse to go back home came up I would go. My bags were packed to move back and go home permanently.

Interviewee C:

I would say first year was the hardest to deal with loneliness and the adjustment to uni and peers, especially with living off campus therefore not making the same connections with peers in halls and on my course. This loneliness was due to me embarking on an undergraduate degree at a different stage in my life to the majority of my cohort.

How did you combat this feeling and was it effective?

Interviewee A:

I didn’t really know what to do at first. Calling my family sometimes helped but other times it made me feel more lonely. I tried to socialize as much as possible or focus on work to keep busy. I still feel like I don’t know many effective coping mechanisms when I feel lonely.

Interviewee B:

I’ve never been good at talking and expressing my emotions which is still something I am still working on to this day. So, I was very closed off and insecure. I am very good at acting confident but for the most part, it is all an act. Being confident and acting confident are two very different things. Fake it till you make it right? The way I combatted this was by going out and forcing myself to talk to people. My tutor; lecturer; people on my course; people at the gym – anybody. Once that started happening, I felt myself relaxing and enjoying the experience of university more. I confided with a few people I trusted and they persuaded me to stay. I am so glad they did. I still experience loneliness now but I manage this a lot better than I did and I don’t put too many expectations on myself.

Interviewee C:

During the weeks leading up to freshers there was one activity for mature students in the SU. I went along and it was actually a fun event but this never developed to a regular meeting as far as I know and was not repeated throughout the academic year. I seemed a token gesture that was again repeated just once the following year.

What do you think the university can do to reduce loneliness?

Interviewee A:

Increase wellbeing services so they feel more accessible to everyone. I feel like approaching wellbeing can be daunting or that they may not take me seriously. Also, maybe have more casual events in the daytime to take the pressure away from meeting people might help. I am aware that these events take place occasionally but often do not know they are occurring until after they have concluded.

Interviewee B:

I think I could have been supported a lot more but I didn’t ask for help so maybe it was down to me to ask for that initial support. Perhaps it this apprehension to ask for help that the university could aid students with. However, I applaud the university as they are extremely good at organising events and experiences to get people to integrate within the community.

Interviewee C:

I am unsure what the university could do about this. I think catering for students who are either socially awkward and struggle to make friends or live off campus and have less opportunities should be a priority as peer support. Camaraderie is vital to sustaining interest during the first year of a degree. Personally, I had support and a network of friends and family at home, plus a wealth of life experiences to adjust in unstable environments – hence my survival but others may not have that! Perhaps a solution would be regular meeting space and perhaps an online community to reach out to others in similar situations. I would happily be involved in this to help others as I continue with my MA.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing student loneliness here are some helpful links:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/TacklingYouthLoneliness/

https://www.samaritans.org/

https://www.studentminds.org.uk/findsupport.html

https://www.mind.org.uk/