Arts, Vibes and Culture
A True Prestonite
by Latoya “Simplistic” Burnham
(Shamrock Cluster Rep 2005-2006)
“Your home away from home!”
It’s the phrase that you will come to appreciate for all that it means, because A. Z. Preston Hall is not just a place of residence – it’s where you’ll meet your friends, acquaintances and extended family for the duration of your stay.
A. Z. Preston Hall is big on respect for persons and property – and especially our lawns, discipline and most of all “fulticipation”. It’s a word that will come to symbolize everything that’s Preston. As the cultural mecca of the University of the West Indies, we place great pride in the arms of the Preston Entertainment and Cultural Ensemble (P.E.A.C.E.). This organization is one of the many things that defines and separates A. Z. Preston Hall from the rest. But it’s not the only thing that defines us. We have a great sporting tradition and although not overly successful in our sporting endeavours, the support Prestonites give to their own in sporting competitions makes all the difference to every event and to the hall. There is not another place of residence on this entire campus that can “out-cheer”, “out-shout” or “out-chant” A. Z. Preston Hall at any event. It has never happened and with the dedication and fulticipation or you our new Prestonites, it shall never happen. We have a tradition of the best, most original and creative chants on the entire campus. It is something that is envied by the other residences.
As Prestonites we take our responsibilities to leadership very seriously. Preston has always been a hall of leadership on this campus, and that influence is not something that should be allowed to wane as long as this hall exists. On hall, a true Prestonite even if not being able to make every event, in some way lends assistance. Cluster meetings, hall meetings, committee meetings are all important events to attend. In addition to having some of the most creative, intelligent, talented and well-rounded individuals on campus, we have always set examples of EXCELLENCE, in everything from school work, to the production of shows and the hosting of events. But in order to host such events, it comes down to the involvement of everyone on hall.
Support of cluster and hall events is crucial. Any event that fails on A. Z. Preston Hall is not only the fault of those hosting the event, it reflects on all of us. While competition between clusters and zones keeps us all on our toes throughout the year, it should not be used as an excuse to stay away from any events hosted. Whether it be on Cluster Sherwood Manor, Vikings, Regensen, Einheit, Italia, Shamrock, Los Matadores, Porto Santo, Olympia, Burgplatz, Belgique, La Maison, or Amsterdam – cluster support means a lot on Preston.
Fulticipation is a word that Preston has made its own, not because it’s in the Freshers’ Guide, but because we truly believe it. If you sit on your cluster a whole year and do nothing but chat about who hasn’t done what, the question you should ask yourself is – what have I done? When you pass the café or amphitheatre while preparations are ongoing for an event and you don’t pause to lend a hand or inquire if assistance is needed, but see it fit to cry down the hosting or failure of that event, first ask yourself – what did I do to make it a success? If you sit in your living rooms and chastise any committee for not performing, but haven’t lifted a finger in assistance, be it to act on a decoration team, to help serve, usher, to simply turn up – do you then deserve the privilege of criticism?
Criticism is not a right. It’s a privilege. A privilege for those who’ve tried their best to aid those who are trying to succeed – but failed. When you sit on a cluster a whole year and do nothing, you not only cheat someone who could have had your spot and contributed to the development of one of the university’s youngest halls, you cheat yourself. You cheat yourself of the opportunity to realize your full potential.
For those of you who are here this year, hold high the glory of participation, pride, purpleness on A. Z. Preston Hall. Learn to care about those living with you for the year. Don’t let the only time you are seen on hall be when you leave your room to go to class or library and back. You have wonderful facilities like Shark Bait, an upgraded students lounge and study area – use them.
It will be very difficult not to come to love A. Z. Preston Hall as your own. It is important though, to remember you are here to earn a degree, because Prestonites are not slackers in the academic areas. We have youth ambassadors, scholarship and grant winners, regional and national competition winners and all manner of successful people among us. The key is to tap into those persons here who can be of assistance, while extending that hand of help yourself. Make friends, enjoy the Hall and all it has to offer and leave knowing you have made friends for a lifetime.
Once a Prestonite, always a Prestonite. Live the relentless pursuit of excellence.
