These two weeks, we focused on two things: delivering to both our schools, and our research.

First, delivering to both our schools: due to a change in schedule, our group split into pairs - two going to School M, and two continuing at School N.

In M, the first challenge was adapting our 4-member interactive mystery to be executable by 2 members. Since we were roleplaying the 4 suspects, we had to do it simultaneously for 2 groups, switching to 1 person performing all 4 characters for  a group that arrived later. This meant a) being versatile in adjusting to the situation on the spot and b) getting creative - switching characters by putting on sunglasses or zipping up coats. We learnt that unlike school N, school M’s participants did not seem to have prior experience in other after-school-clubs and seemed quieter – it is possible that added to the initial relative awkwardness, especially since they were with children from other years who they may not have known. Nevertheless, putting ourselves out there, in an exaggerated presentation style (that might seem awkward in everyday life) seemed to help the kids warm up to us, and the activity, considerably, and they seemed engaged and excited by the end. 

I miss the kids at school N too, more than I knew I would - but I heard they had fun at their next session, and did ask about the two of us (though it was funny that they asked by our character names instead)

Next, in research, we seem to have gotten more of a direction. In particular, I’ve learnt the importance of knowing how to organize and present even rough thoughts. Similarly, we’ve managed to get a couple of interviews and an unexpected level of kindness, though the time limit has prevented some others. 

Then, we had a community trip to Blackbird Leys, including lunch at a community center. Seeing their community spirit in action, trying cultural foods and understanding how international this community was. We saw how the community comes together, volunteering and turning up to each other’s events. In particular, although we knew it existed, understanding and getting a personal perspective on some cynicism on how long the university’s “support” will last. It is, in that sense, ironic how short our cohort’s runway is. I hope the kids do learn something from our extracurriculars - maybe planting an idea for the future - and that we make the research foundation we set the best that it can be. I hope these clubs continue over the many future years, and continue building upon our research, and continue building the trust between these communities, helping where they can.

Finally, I've really loved the program in how it almost felt like a high school class again - as someone else put it really well, I've met people here I would not have met otherwise (as compared to the college/subject/hometown-centric groups that tend to be more common), and learnt a lot from them. These are conversations and friends I've learnt a lot from and had a lot of fun with, from bubble tea sessions to late night kitchens, and I look forward to the future.

This was fulfilling, and I hope the next weeks go well.