Writers' Corner #26

People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don’t know each other; they don’t know each other because they have not communicated with each other.

Martin Luther King

Nowadays, it’s not that strange to be amongst people of different races, ethnicities or cultures as the world has adapted itself to accommodate all human beings. Although this new way of thinking is becoming more and more popular, it has not yet been properly carried out by the entire world.

On the one hand, as the statement conveys, the problem is in the mentalities of people who don’t realise how much of others’ cultures they have assimilated into theirs, be it in the food sector, the fashion industry, or even in the laws, and, instead of being grateful for such diversity, they proceed to complain about immigrants and their “foreign” lifestyles. This mainly occurs due to a lack of communication, as Martin Luther King wisely stated, which creates these stereotyped concepts.

On the other hand, government officials are not always encouraging integration as they have their own interests to worry about. Donald Trump, for instance, is one of the most racist presidents currently active. Besides discriminating against Muslims for their alleged affiliations with terrorism, he also despises Mexicans, blacks, women and anything else that isn’t a white male. Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that peoples’ mentalities aren’t evolving as fast as they should.

In conclusion, we should all embrace diversity - as it strives to bring us together - instead of building walls that separate us.

Denise Pinheiro, 11º F

A Primavera chegou à Biblioteca!

Writers' Corner #25

The School of my life

I’m a seventh grade student and I’m writing to make an account of my experience in this school during the first term and what made me enjoy studying here.

I will start by describing it. It’s a large, imposing and beautiful building. It is well maintained and we all contribute to keep it that way. One of the places I like to be with my friends is the indoor patio because it is very nice to be sitting on the benches watching the fountain and the students passing by.

Another thing I like about this School is that the students are friendly and polite, and there are so many studying here! But what I like the best is the relaxed environment that is at the same time civilized and has rules.

Now I’m going to talk about an episode that is new to me at School. During the student association elections, the candidate lists organized interesting events. What struck me the most were the concerts during the breaks, because it is different to see all School gathered in the school room that usually has tables, chairs and sofas, but at that time there was only one stage. The bands that acted managed to liven up the environment a lot.

Everyone at school is nice (well, almost…), which helped me to adapt in an easier way to the change.

And I will stick around. Goodbye!!!

Afonso Eça Guimarães, 7º B

Celebrar Sophia

Março é tempo de celebrar Sophia!

Writers' Corner #24

I am glad I picked up the courage to move to a country thousands of miles away from the stability of home.                          

 (Xitao Chui, Singapore, studying at the University of Glasgow)

Have you ever thought of studying abroad?

Studying abroad is a very popular activity nowadays.

I would love to travel to another country and study there. If I studied abroad, I would have the chance to learn new words, practise accents and, most importantly, learn about the fascinating culture of a specific country.

I have an extreme passion for the U.K. and specially London, but in honour of my favourite actor - among other reasons -, I would choose the Republic of Ireland. Ireland is such a beautiful place! Yet, it is extremely underrated. I would choose Dublin, not only because of the influencers that were born in the city, but also because of its beauty and grace. The language wouldn't be a struggle for me because I can speak and understand Irish English (the local accent and vocabulary).

Still, the great difficulty I would face is money as I can’t afford it. I could participate in the Erasmus programme , but for me it wouldn’t be the same feeling.

If I ever studied in Dublin, I would probably never leave it!

Lara Pires, 10º M

S. Valentim

Dia de pensar e escrever os afetos.
Hoje, escreva uma carta de amor.

Writers' Corner #23

I am glad I picked up the courage to move to a country thousands of miles away from the stability of home.                                                 
(Xitao Chui, Singapore, studying at the University of Glasgow)

Have you ever thought of studying abroad?

I would like to study abroad. I think it would be a good experience for me to grow up, but my mom wouldn’t really  let me go.

If I had the chance, I would go to South Korea because, in my opinion, it would better fit/suit my objectives. They have good artists there and they are growing in the fashion industry. I would learn a lot of things about their culture and history, which would be good for one of my favourite hobbies - writing.

There would be some difficulties, though: I would be far away from home; I would have to learn more Korean; and, the most difficult thing, I would have to accept a different culture.

In conclusion, it would be very beneficial, but, at the same time, I think it would be too much for a teenager.

Beatriz Pereira,10ºM