Student Eye

FashionMusic

Events

Note from the EditorStudent Eye Content

Student Eye Team:Student Editor: Kaleigh McGroryAssistant Editor (Design): Adam ScovellStudent Design: Rachel Morris. Pete Brown, Alison MooreEnrichment: Alan Bailey, Alison Moore, Lee CarterWriters team: Megan Gantley, Christopher Beckett, Jenny Lamont, Rachael Gray, Stephanie Dickinson, Jordine Lam, Megan Kehoe, Lois Ventre, Bethany McCormack, Adam Scovell, Kayleigh McGrory, Alan Bailey

Hello! I’m Kay - the new editor for the Student Eye this year. This issue is to welcome you to Liverpool Community College; whether you’re returning for your second/third year, or just starting out (like me!). I started here in September to start my A-Levels and so far love it! I study three languages and I.T (as well as trying to be as nerdy as possible and do every Enrichment going…hey it can’t hurt!).One of my Enrichment activities is this – The Student Eye. For those of you who don’t know, this is our college magazine, created and run 100% by students! (With a little help from Enrichment of course). It’s been a great laugh creating our first issue, and sometimes challenging trying to make it as fun and interesting as possible! Hopefully we succeeded and have found something to offer everyone…no matter what kind of student you are! Many thanks go out to all the team who helped with our first issue, and we hope you enjoy reading it! If you think you could offer any suggestions or help contribute towards our next issue in any way, we welcome your input! Enjoy…and see you at Easter!

Pg 3 University or gap year

Pg 4 What is Enrichment?

Pg 5 Student Governor rant

Pg 6-7 Stort story: part one

Pg 8-9 Vegetarianism

Pg 10-13 Fashion

Pg 14 -15 Events and music

Pg 16-17 NUS Conference

Pg 18-19 Gifts for her & him

Pg 20 Embarrassing stories

Kay

At the time of going to press, many students are nervously making last minute adjustments to their personal statements and UCAS application forms. But why do so many people seem attracted to the prospect of university?

During the last two decades, the percentage of teenagers opting to apply to university has increased dramatically. With the worst part of the recession over, many young people are opening their eyes to the opportunities and career paths a university degree can offer; with an increase in applications of 8% from the start of the economic downturn. Also, the daunting prospect of spending three years away from

home is a much more positive alternative to youngsters than job hunting and unemployment.

The increase in applicants from those from the poorest backgrounds is also a positive sign as universities strive to broaden the type of applicants who continue to higher education. The ever increasing price of student loans and top up fees isn’t making young people reluctant to apply either. Fees are not needed to be repaid until graduates are earning over £15,000 and the prospect of three years of fun (mixed with hard work of course!) is making the lure of university ever more exciting!

By Rachael Gray

Still thinking about what to do next? Considering a gap year as your next option? There are opportunities in the college next year to work as a volunteer, supporting students to gain new skills, plus you get your expenses paid! Here’s the story of one of this year’s volunteers...

As a vtalentyear Volunteer, I have gained a lot of experience from taking this fantastic opportunity! I would recommend this to anybody because it’s a brilliant experience and can benefit you in every way possible from confidence building to team leading skills or general organisation. These are essential key points to any employer, so as well as helping you develop new skills it reflects positively on your C.V.

Before I took this career path I was a qualified Joiner, I was working long hard hours and a bit tired of doing the same jobs over and over again. I wanted a career that could give me more of a variety and a bigger challenge. The main reason I chose to do this was because

I wanted to work with people, in a team environment which is professional but also fun at the same time.

By becoming a vtalentyear Volunteer you will be involved with engaging students and getting them involved in projects such as The Student Eye magazine, Bollywood Dancing, a range of projects or college trips. Generally running activities to help students to develop their skills.

What are the benefits?As well as all these new skills and experiences, I have made new friends and met lots of new people. You probably want to know about how you can support yourself if you are a full time volunteer though. You can get upto £100 a week expenses and on completion of the year you can apply for £1500 grant to go toward future training and education...not a bad pay off for a year of fun, friends and new experiences! By Alan Bailey

University and UCAS applications

vtalentyear....What’s that?!

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Enrichment is an opportunity to participate in college activities alongside your courses. It offers a variety of things to do, so no matter what kind of student you are; there’s something you’ll enjoy.

Why Should I get involved?If you’re applying for university and need to stand out, then what better way to show that you’re more than a student by getting involved with Enrichment? This helps you stand out and show you’re willing to get involved with college opportunities. It would show the universities that you are a committed student to both your courses and activities. It’s also a good way to meet new, friendly people.

What can I get involved with?Student Eye - Student magazineYou can get involved with the student eye magazine by writing, editing or being a photographer. It is a chance to get your hard work published or recognised by simply submitting an article.

Duke of Edinburgh Award The D of E Bronze award is offered for

students between 14-25 years old. It is a well recognised certificate that you can proudly put on your CV or UCAS application. This is not just a certificate; you gain leadership skills, team work skills and an experience like never before. It involves hard work, skill, physical activity, voluntary work and an expedition over the academic year…and lots of fun! The Enrichment Team will support you through all the expedition training so you can get the ‘Expedition Bronze Award Certificate’.

Other activities:• FirstAid• Radio• MusicStudio• Stand-upComedy• DJing• Bollywooddancing• Beauty\Fashion• Yogaclasses

How Can I Get Involved? Contact:Email: giveitago@liv-coll.ac.uk Telephone: 0151 252 4071

Contact the Enrichment Team in your college centre for more information!

Jordine Lam

What is Enrichment?

While trying desperately to think of things to write about, the sheer scale of possibilities often means that I just end up talking about nothing. Not that there’s anything wrong with that but really, I should write about something you, the reader, should find interesting...hmm. It’s a lot harder than you think. Though that’s probably because I’m juggling doing this, being Student Governor, going to meetings of every sort, trying to stay on top of my course, sorting out your student union, selling all my possessions on eBay - so I can afford an attempt to get into LIPA - working a mind numbingly boring job in Albert Dock and, to top it all of, keeping a long distance, girlfriend happy. Ouch. So you’ll forgive this ranting boy if his articles are sometimes slightly, but most of the time, completely devoid of any meaning or reason. So with that in mind, and a pint of lucazade in hand, I might as well start. On Monday, while debating on whether to spend all my hard earned money in Resurrection, Ran or Dawson’s, it suddenly occurred to me, how easy students are to market something at. Really, I could not figure out why I wanted to go into these shops. I didn’t need anything they were selling, I just simply wanted something. Maybe it’s just me and I’m

developing into a serious shopaholic but I never seem to feel satisfied coming over to Liverpool unless I take something new back home with me. I can’t be the only one. The biggest problem, for me, is walking past HMV or Waterstone’s without buying something. There’s just so much there and it’s horrible as there’s a Big Issue seller standing right outside who can’t even afford a drink, never mind the complete Monty Pythons flying circus box set or a hardback version of the Death on the Nile.

No, it is most definitely a good thing that he is standing there. Not that I want him to have to be there wind and rain; but if he goes, then so does my money as I’ll be in there wasting it on another Life on Mars box set or another final cut of Blade Runner. Though it wouldn’t do the credit crunch much good. I’m starting to think it might be cheaper to simply rent out a room in college rather than subject my wallet to the walk to and from the train station. I don’t think it can take much more. Might need to buy a new one…

Adam Scovell... ...your friendly neighbourhood

Student Governor

Stuff and Things

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Claudia wrapped the scarlet cloak around her shoulders and stared around their dungeon lair the candelabras lighting her way down the corridors of their subterranean world. She hated being the Vampire Princess hated the responsibility that came with the battle to come. She clasped the velvet cloak around her neck with a beautiful golden ruby brooch encrusted with her family crest and walked slowly into her quarters head held haughtily high. Keeping up appearances. But once the heavy wooden door slammed shut the sigh she released revealed centuries of sadness. She sank onto a chair and hung her head waiting for the bell at the centre of the tunnels to be rung announcing that it was time to got to war. Her long black curls were tied up in an elegant knot and shone beautifully in the candlelight. Her pure white skin was still perfect after 400 years and shone as radiantly as if she really was 18. Her wide amber eyes were laced with dark lashes and her heart shaped mouth was not yet stained with blood. She was incredibly beautiful. A stunning gold and pearl Tiara glittered in the candlelight on the small dark wood dresser that stood beside the long gold coffin emblazoned with her name and title "Princess Claudia Tiamarea" and lined with dark blue silk. A golden Chandelier laden with candles glittered on the ceiling casting an orange flickering glow around the room. She had lived in this vast underground maze for years. She sighed again resignedly and reached out picked up the golden Tiara and placed it on her curls and as she waited her amber eyes clouded over and memories came flooding back of how she got her title…

Claudia and Timothy a Night Forever More

Short Story - part 1

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400 years ago in London England she had been 18, a young Noble Woman in Queen Elizabeth's court. Her mother had disappeared soon after her birth but her father was a close friend of Queen Elizabeth’s and shared an unbreakable bond with the young queen that had guided her through many of the worst times in her life. When the young king Edward died, Claudia's father had run straight to the princess and comforted her and stood by her side as she prepared for her coronation but did not venture out into the sunlight to watch. Instead he had waited behind and shared wine and celebrated with her. But eventually the young queen became curious about why her friend only came to visit her at night and why he hated sunlight and would not look at the silver cross she had been bought for her birthday and one night as they sat drinking wine in her chambers she asked him. He took a leap of faith and in the light of their friendship he told the queen his secret. That he and his two children Claudia and her brother Robert were vampires and that he was many years old having been bitten in childhood and how his wife had disappeared without a trace soon after the birth of the twins leaving him to face the world alone. The queen was shocked but much to his relief she did not leave, she kept their secret and so in loyalty to their father she employed Claudia as her maid of honour and had her wait on her in her chambers with the curtains closed to block out the sunlight and employed Robert in the kitchens, where on her orders there was no light except the candles and he was to be made to cook no garlic. Someone else must do it. She helped their father rise quickly through the ranks and they lived with her at her court. No one but themselves and the queen knew the truth and she would forcefully crush any rumours about why they didn’t go out until nightfall or why the people of the town where suddenly waking up with red holes in their throats - which being superstitious they put down to demons. Their father advised the queen faithfully through every problem which she faced and they stood resolute unquestioning together.

Then one night the winds began to change. Elizabeth came running to their house in the dead of night in the pouring rain a black cloak around her head and collapsed on the doorstep. Their father scooped her up and she showed them a letter from a young French man calling himself the Vampire King. He wanted to send killers to assassinate Elizabeth and then steal the English throne by force with his vampire army. Their father was horrified but said they had to fight and so he and Elizabeth revealed their secret to the English vampire community and began to rally the English vampires together into an army and a task force by night and continuing a facade of normality by day….

...to be continued in the next issue - By Jenny Lamont

Pros and cons of Vegetarianism

Are you hungry and can’t afford to splash out? Well look no further...

...A new all-you-can-eat buffet has just opened in Liverpool One and the food is AMAZING, atmosphere BRILLIANT and service A*. It’s called ‘Red Hot Buffet’ and is only £13 ahead plus with a student card it’s 20% off...so you do math!

You can order any food you want and it is cooked to everyone’s satisfaction and served on large buffet tables. The place is clean as a whistle, you could probably eat your dinner off the floor! When asking the man what trading standards thought he simply replied ‘They think it’s brilliant, 10 out of 10 I would say’.

All that for £13, you can’t really argue!By Megan Kehoe

Cheap and Cheerful:

Vegetarianism is an increasingly popular dietary choice. New studies regularly suggest health benefits, and the prevention of animal abuse remains an important factor for some people. However, not everything about going meat free is positive. In this article, I will be investigating the advantages and disadvantages.

According to campaign group Viva, 850 million animals are slaughtered yearly to provide the annual British meat consumption. The majority of meat on the market is produced in factory farms which, as the name suggests, aim to raise

as many animals for as little money as possible. This means that conditions are often overcrowded, and hygiene poor.

Free range farms tend to provide a better quality of life for animals. It is more expensive, however a good alternative.Small, local farms are also an option, as they tend to provide more natural conditions and general better treatment.

Balanced vegetarian diets can enhance health; according to a report by the World Cancer Research Fund, ‘vegetarian groups have been shown to have lower overall mortality, lower risk of

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Restaurant review

cardiovascular disease, lower rates of obesity, and longer life expectancy than general population comparison groups.’ There are also however possible dietary deficiencies associated with vegetarianism. Some vitamins and minerals may be absent from a meat free diet, such as vitamin B12, which is found mainly in animal products. Protein may also be lacking, as it is largely found in meats. Although portein can also be found in many vegetarian alternatives.

The environmental affects of meat production are increasingly evident. Methane from livestock is one of the main contributors to global warming, with some estimates suggesting that half of all greenhouse gas emissions come from intensive farming. On the other hand, farming can contribute to recycling, with institutions such as schools providing unwanted food as animal feed.

It is clear that a vegetarian diet has its benefits as well as its down side. Personal considerations, such as the cost of meat alternatives, are also a factor. Whether to eat meat or not is dependent on the lifestyle choice of the individual – whatever you choose, be sure to make an informed decision.

By Stephanie Dickinon

Food and health

It’s that time of year, the gale force winds are hammering against our fresh complexions and the bitter cold is making our youthful eyes tearful. It’s time to get those winter coats out, not that you haven’t needed them for at least 6 weeks now, it’s officially fall.

With the passing of Halloween, you’d think all the horrors of the season are gone; however, they seem to be lingering on every corner. It creeps up on you when you’re least expecting it, waiting in line at the cafeteria, journeying to check-out an issue of Vogue from the library. That’s right, you guessed it, the dreaded animal print coats, jackets, scarfs, handbags are back, and in full force by the looks of things. I like to think I know what your thoughts are interms of style,but I sure know I can’t leave my classroom.without thinking I’ve taken a wrong turn and ended up at Chester Zoo.

Now, I have no problem with a nice animal accessory, I’m talking a trim here,

or maybe even to go to the extent as to wear a pair of gloves, the idea is not what is worn, but how it is worn. By this I mean prints can work, of course they can work, and they have gone straight from being just right to being so wrong they’re right.

When I look around and I see this overload of gargantuan safari it just makes me so disappointed in all of you creative individuals, who are essentially, desecrating a style which has been around since the 1920s.

Onto a more positive note, I only feel it is my duty to advise you of some alternatives to this rather peculiar collection you have decided to not onlybestow on yourselves, but the unfortunate individuals surrounding you.

First, always remember, the best accent to an animal print, is black.

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Fashion

Easily the most adaptable of tones, especially when paired with something more vibrant, for example, an animal print. Don’t misunderstand what I have written here, I am not encouraging this crime of fashion, I am simply offering an alternative which still permits you these pieces in your everyday wardrobe. So many people have said ‘less is more’ and this is what I want each of you to think when dressing yourselves each morning. Coco Chanel once said ‘When accessorizing, always take off the last thing you put on’. Remember this advice as it will aid you more than you can imagine.

Now onto the subject of the faux fur coat, as you know last season this key piece was all the rage, and unfortunately you all seem to have slipped into a time warp, in which you won’t accept the fact that fashion changes, as do the seasonal trends. If you must wear this somewhat dated piece, then please make this your statement piece, in which any other piece you wear revolves around it, and does not detract from it. I’ll be touching on this subject more in my next article; if you care about fashion then you’ll be sure to read it.

As Jackie Collins, the vixen of animal prints once said “My weakness is wearing too much leopard print.”

Keep up appearances, The one who knows best.

Ok…I hold my hands up, I’m not a fashion student, and I’m no Carrie Bradshaw. But I read Prints Charming (in my leopard print scarf ) laughing at the whole idea of this “law of fashion”. In fact, a friend of mine asked me what I was laughing at and I looked up to see her sitting there in her fabulous faux fur coat! So to the idea of this piece being “dated” I’m no expert…but isn’t the term Vintage? Seeing as it started long before last winter! The term vintage to me, means that fashion doesn’t expire, or date, it comes back with a vengeance and yet still manages to look as fashionable as the last time. (The only difference being we’re more animal friendly these days…Who says faux fur and Matalan leopard print can’t look good?).

Now, I was laughed at by Mr Prints Charming himself when I said I’d do the flip-side to his controversial article, he thinks me not being a fashion student was his advantage…well I think it’s mine! I wear what I like because I like it, irregardless of what I’m told in a lesson. I assume any of our wonderful fashion students know that it’s not a case of what’s in or out (because seriously…who even decides that?!) It’s what looks good, what feels good! Because after all, that’s what fashion is actually all about…right?

I have to go back to the prints being “so wrong they’re right”. I couldn’t agree more.

Prints ARE Charming!

Tunic £28.00Topshop

Bag, Miss Selfridge

£15

They are all so outrageous and individual they couldn’t be more right! They’re the easiest way to add some glam into our student lives, so to Jackie Collins – Queen of Glam – There’s no such thing as too much leopard print!

I see so many people walking round wearing furs and prints, and I don’t think I’m at a safari, I think they look fab! This amazing fashion era has returned were people can wear these statement pieces and look great, no one’s scared to stand out now that we’re all past that chav/chavvette phase we all had to suffer through a few years ago. Plus, it’s not only looking fab, in pieces like this, people usually feel it too! Plus they’re great to wear during our

wintery, months! And as for originality, who doesn’t own a pair of jeans? I have to agree with Mr Charming…it’s not what you wear, but how you wear it.

So, to all you who may have felt silly reading the flip-side article

because you secretly love your print scarf or furry jacket as

much as me…don’t! You…Look…Great! I don’t think it’s a case of what fashion says, trends come in and out and if you like it, jump on the band wagon! Who’s to say

you can’t?

…And there was me thinking fashion is an expression of self.

Kaleigh McGrory

Ballet pumps£50 Jimmy Choo

for H&M

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You might not have heard of him yet but David Koma is sure to become a big name in the fashion industry. After gaining a distinction at Central Saint Martin’s his graduate collection went on to shock critics and make all the significant fashion people open their eyes to a very structural, high on embellishment collection. Koma won Harrods design award for this collection which gave him tons of recognition internationally. David Koma has already gained recognition in the fashion world after just one year as a designer, celebrities such as; Lady Gaga, Megan Fox, Cheryl Cole and Beyonce have all worn his graduate collection designs. Koma’s spring/summer 2010 collection follows suit with the structural influence. The collection

consists of a lot of colour and small pieces of glass specifically made for this. The collection has been influenced by Antoni Gaudi’s work.

David Koma has also been influenced by designers such as; Pierre Cardin and Thierry Mugler. Koma has recently started to work on his autumn/winter 2010/11 collection; things are looking good for the St Petersburg born designer. The collection will be sold at Browns in February.

By Lois Ventre

David Koma

Viviene Westwood Dame Vivienne Westwood is one of fashion’s biggest empires, her highly accentuated designs and quirky way are things that define her. Westwood made her breakthrough during the late 60s, she and Malcolm McLaron created a show ‘Too fast to live, Too young to die’ on Kings Road. This wasn’t very successful until famous Punk band The Sex Pistols started to wear her clothes; many fans followed the trend which soon became a fashion movement. Vivienne Westwood work consists of four collections; the

gold label, the red label, anglomania and men’s, she has recently been raising awareness of global climate change and has recently been incorporating ethical awareness in her designs.

Fashion:Old Vs New

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Liverpool Unites Charity Gig

Liverpool O2 Academy 15th December £7

Some of our local bands with the help of some students at this college have joined together for this night at the O2 Academy to raise money for local charity ‘Liverpool Unites’. This charity was formed after the unfortunate death of Rhys Jones, it is ultimately against gun crime and helps fund organisations to help children and keep them out of the crime circle. Show your support to this charity, and the students who are stressing to set up this event, by coming along to the gig and enjoy a night of undiscovered talent as well as a few surprises as the night progresses The Line Up – Hippys On the hill Elderside The Hutts Adult By accident If you enjoy local music and that warm feeling you can only get from knowing you’ve helped a charity, then this gig is for you.

Father Christmas and his reindeer: 17th December, Clayton Square, FREE....You’re never too old to enjoy Father Christmas and his reindeer; it’ll get you in the Christmas spirit

Space Invaders: ‘Art & the Computer Game Environment’ 17 December - 21 February, FACT, FREE...This interactive exhibition lets you explore the boundaries between video game and real space, brining together art and game design

Christmas at the Academy: 20th December, Liverpool O2 Academy, £6 Festive celebrations at the O2 Academy include a line-up of Metropolitans, The

Little Hydes, The Fronteers and quite a few other bands.

Wolfmother: 17th January, Manchester O2 Academy, £17

Kerrang Relentless tour featuring All Time Low and The Blackout: 23rd January, Manchester O2 academy, £15

Tinchy Strider: 12th February, Liverpool O2 Academy, £14

Other events to look out for:

Events

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Music

With ‘Drop It ‘Til It Pops’ and ‘Live At Dead Lake’ under their belt, the boys reminisce of days gone by and how best to start a band and have fun!

How did you start your band?Alasdair and I are related because we share the same parents (a Mum and a Dad). I met Paul whilst we were at University and we started talking about records that we liked. We started swapping records and talking about music then we decided that we should have a go at making some music.

How would you advise students on finding gigs?It's a lot easier to make things than find things. That works for everything. It's far better for you to find local bands you like and with which you share ideals. Ask these bands to play with you at gigs you've put on yourself. This will be far more fun and far more productive than emailing rubbish promoters for them to offer you rubbish flyer deals to play at their rubbish venues/club nights! Places like Mello Mello, The

Kazimier, The Pilgrim, The Caledonia will all let you put on gigs and you can promote them yourself just as well as anyone else. Most promoters only use the internet now anyway, it's not like you have to go fly posting anymore! Where are the best practice rooms in Liverpool?It depends what you want. We have a space in Elevator down by the Cain's brewery. The rooms are great but you have to rent a space full time so it would probably be expensive if you're at college and only playing a few times a week. There are a bunch of others but I haven't been to any of them in a long time so I couldn't really say what they're like. Vulcan, Pacific and err I can't remember any others. How do you go about writing your songs?We get an idea and then we play it till we think of more bits. It'll get arranged loosely until we're comfortable playing it as a performance. After we've played it for a while we start to change the bits we don't like or feel aren't working then it gets made

into a song by putting words and melodies over the top.

Do you have a plan of how you want to sound? We don't really try to have a sound. Our first record had a few a'cappella songs on it and was just one guitar, bass, drums and vocals. The second record has tons of overdubs and a ton of extra instrumentation but no a’cappella songs. Half the new songs for the new records we're working on have baritone instead of bass guitar and some of them are just two guitars and drums. It's never a conscious decision to sound one way or the other; it's just whatever sounds nice to us. What are your plans for the future of the band?It's difficult to plan when you do music for a job at the level we do. We just try to make as much music as we can and play as many shows as we can whilst we have the chance to do it full time. Realistically it never lasts forever so I think the best thing to do is as much as you can whilst you can.

By Christopher Beckett

Hot Club de Paris: How To Start A Band

Going to conferences is a highlight of being high up in the world of student politics. I say high up, I mean high up in our college terms as, nationally, I’m a tiny, tiny ant. Though conferences are fun, interesting and good place to meet people, I can’t imagine reading a step-by-step account of it is going to make exciting reading. Luckily for you, this conference was different. Firstly it was in Manchester and secondly it was in a hotel where we were all staying over night. Now a hotel full of students is a fun prospect for anyone (though not for staff) so there’s quite a lot to write about.

Though I’ll get some of the politics out of the way first. We now as a college have a Student Union. Like a university student union but without the bars and a lot less funding. This is basically here now as a tool to make your voice as a student heard because you are all

now part of it (that was automatic by the way. We didn’t all make you sign up then hypnotise you and made you forget it. Or did we…) so now we have one, the people that run it, aka me and about 5 others, need training and ideas to make it work well, which is why we went to the conference.

So after an hour journey consisting mainly of evil looks fired in the direction of myself and my two colleagues we arrive in sunny Manchester and are lost within seconds. After guidance from a very big map, we find the hotel, which is actually two minutes from the station. Once there we are told that our rooms won’t be ready till late afternoon so we sign in and get our rather snazzy name badges. I was rather proud of mine, especially after I’d changed it to Adam Scovell, “student governor LCC and ruler of the world”. I swear I don’t have an ego

problem. We then chose three separate talks throughout the day and in the meantime meet a few people including two girls who want to have a drink later on.

Having people from all over the country turn up is great but in the end we did, and always will, get labelled as “The Scousers”. Which is ironic really as one of us is from Skem, one’s from somewhere else that isn’t Liverpool and I’m a posh boy from the Ghetto known as The Wirral. Oh well. So after a day of being filled with big ideas and getting told about how government is going to scrap EMA (if the Tories get in that is) we were all a bit knackered and our rooms were finally ready.

Now no offence to our college but we were expecting to have to share a room between all three of us but no. We had a room each! Not only that, they were rather posh and full of

NUS FE Zone Conference

nice surprises like short bread and tea. After this we decided to start our student plan of a get totogether with the other Student Presidents and Governors. This went extremely well. Firstly after hanging around the bar for a bit and getting free drinks (well one) from the Polish bar maid (hmm. Yeah.) We joined the “quiz” downstairs and after meeting more people invited them all back to one of our flats for drinks and nibbles.

The next day we have a few talks in the morning then home. One talk is off an ex convict who now writes for The Guardian (Erwin James. Google him) which wakes us all up from our sleepless induced stupor due to the scary reality of the mans history. We say our farewells to our newfound friends, get some free food and make our way back to our train, which is delayed by 45 minutes. And people ask me why I bother!

17Adam Scovell

Giftsfor her

These necklaces can be altered to suit any name regardless of size, you can also choose the type of chain.Available from Ladyluckrulesok.com and any first time buyers should receive a discount and free gift. These cute vintage inspired necklaces with a personalised edge will melt anyone’s heart.

Beauty gift sets are pretty hard to go wrong with so go very right with these “sweet snuggles” sets at Superdrug all range at about 10 pounds or under and there is an offer of 3for2 so kill three birds with two stones.

These adorable figurines are actually perfumes designed by Gwen Stefani and based on her Harajuka range. Perfume is a winner any time and will be for you at costing only £12 and smelling sweeter than they look with hints of vanilla, violet and jasmine petals. Available at Debenhams.

Chupa chups themed woolly hats add nostalgia to an adorable present at a very reasonable price and are so sweet. Hats available at Tesco £10.

Gifts for him

Bethany McCormack

Men Kind - This store was just made for the ultimate man; it has everything from gadgets to gizmos. There’s something for every type of guy; the nerd, the jock or the music buff. You can find it at the top of: http://www.menkind.co.uk/

Superman wallet-£15 Superman Tee- £12

Superdrug offer a great range of sets for him, and as we all know the boys can never have too many products to make them smell better! With a 3 for 2 offer you’ll be spoilt for choice with most sets only costing around a fiver!

Wiki Hat- £13

Football themed ducks £6.99

Again best and simplest gift cologne keeps them smelling fresh (and a very easy one to wrap)

Mini amp speaker- £10

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Frolics in FrenchIt’s an unwritten law of school, if you have a supply teacher they have to be teased to welcome them properly into the school. This particular French teacher made the mistake of turning his back to me, leaving his “derriere” dangerously close to me. What was I to do? I mimed squeezy-gropes on his bottom, it got a great laugh…especially when he turned round and caught me…hands up, ready for the squeeze!

Taking a dipI was in Leeds with my mates and for some reason we decided to take a boat ride around a duck pond. We were messing about and I got pushed in! I thought it was funny until I climbed back into the boat and realised I was covered in duck poo!

Making a beeline for it!So, I’m holiday in a villa in Spain. I’d just got out of the shower and was hanging my clothes up outside; I threw them on a wall and accidentally disturbed a massive bee’s hive! They all swarmed right at me so I legged it away, dropping my towel mid-sprint! Looking back, I think I’d rather have faced the bee’s…though my whole family found it highly amusing!

Friends in FloridaI was on holiday with my family, I was about 8 and wandered off on my own. I finally found my dad and was holding his hand while we strolled. It was only when he stopped that I looked up…there was a big American man looking down at me! “Sorry, but you’re not my little girl” he told me! We were both lost!

Embarrassing Stories and Jokes

Why did the pie cross the road?Because he was meet’n potato

Why is there no medicine in the Jungle?Because the parrots-ate-em-all

Did I tell you about the 10 foot wall?Never mind…you wouldn’t get over it!

Did you hear what happened to the paper boy?He blew away!