Welcome to the Wolmer's Alumni Association of the USA website FROM: THE UNITED NATIONS/UNIS GROUP OF WOLMERS GIRLS TO: THE WOLMER’S ALUMNI ASSOCIATION The week spent in New York was beneficial for our social, mental and educational development. It was not only for the purpose of learning as fun and excitement was experienced. The main purpose of the visit to New York was for a UNIS/UN conference entitled, “The Pursuit of Energy- A Catalyst for Conflict”. The conference was held on March 6th and 7th, 2008. The group of Wolmer's Girls that was apart of the Jamaica Delegation for the UNIS/UN Conference would like do extend a warm thank you to the member's of the Wolmer's Alumni in New York. They took great care of us from the kindness of their hearts. The first member of the Alumni that we came in contact with was Mr. Phillip Reid. He was like a father to us ladies as he ensured that we all had three layers of clothing whenever we were going outside. He also accompanied us to dinner almost every evening. Good conversations were created with him wherever we went and we are forever grateful. Ms. Janet was the second Alumni member that we met. She provided us with the necessary clothing to suit the weather experienced this we were extremely grateful for as we were by the looks of things quit unprepared. She was rather kind towards us. She and Phillip met us at the John F. Kennedy Airport when we arrived on Sunday 3, 2008. Though the nights that followed, we met Mark and Bryan. The gentlemen each brought us to lovely restaurants. Mark brought us to a Chinese restaurant in Flushing, Queens New York. At this restaurant they led us in productive conversation as we sampled a variety of unfamiliar dishes. We all had a grand time and our gratitude cannot be experience enough. Bryan brought us to Choice Kitchen and Cocktails in Manhattan. That night a live jazz band was entertaining. Their sultry music and the exquisite food created feeling of togetherness for us as a Wolmerian Family. That feeling could not have been any better it was lovely. The morning after, we paid a visit to Ms. Jean Cook in the Central Park Ave of New York. As students for us it was as if we knew her before we met her, hearing of how kind and accommodating she has always been to the groups who travel for various reasons. Although she was unable to entertain us due to her illness, her attitude was warm and welcoming on that day, and she spoke of the Penn Relays and sports in general. Miss Cooke's sister who was also a past teacher at Wolmer’s told us tales as a Wolmerian. The afternoon of that day, we went to the UNIS where there was a reception for all the participating schools of the conference. That night, us Wolmer’s Girls went ice skating. It must be said that none of us, with the exception of Ms. Richards had experience in ice skating. That was however fun and exciting as we all eventually learnt how to ice skate despite the many falls that we had. On March 4th, 2008, the Jamaican delegation went to the WFUNA building in New York where we had a panel discussion about some of the primary focuses of the United Nations. We also had a panel discussion around the argument of which gender was marginalized. On the same day, the Jamaican delegation paid a visit to the Jamaica Mission where we met, Dr. Wolfe, the president of the UNAJ in New York. The main discussion surrounded world poverty and where Jamaica stands in terms of what the United Nations classifies the poverty line. In The 6th and the 7th gave us the opportunity to sit in the United Nation’s General Assembly Hall. There, we met many other students form around the world. Many friends were made and new things learnt. Things such as the amount of energy that is consumed on a day to day basis by the world and future plans to help alleviate the over consumption of energy that would be detrimental for our planet. On the last day of the conference, we were given a tour of the United Nations building by one of their guards. The Saturday before we left, three of the six of us went to look for our families while the other three met Miss Beverly of the Alumni. She took us to breakfast at 'The Door', a Jamaican restaurant in Queens. That was great. Afterwards, she took us to the green acres mall where we coincidentally bumped into one of the girls and the introductions were made. Mrs. Beverly was very accommodating and friendly and we will never forger her for the kindness shown. The Saturday night, we met Mr. Michael Gabidon. He took us to dinner at an all you can eat Chinese restaurant in Brooklyn where the food was just wonderful and filling. After dinner, he took us to a gaming centre called 'Dave and Busters' in Queens. That experience was exciting and mind-blowing. It was a consensus that stop is a must do again if ever anyone of us is ever in New York again. Even though it was the day to leave, Sunday was nothing close to a sad, teary-eyed experience. This is so as Mr. Gabidon accompanied us to the airport with his fun and animated personality, and he stayed until all were accounted for. To him we say thanks. In all, this experience was what it was, partly because the Alumni were there for us and we extend our thanks to them.To those we met and those who contributed to this experience I can assure you that this once in a life time opportunity is one we will never forget. Yours sincerely, |