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Changing Views at Westminster: How I Discovered a Diverse World

Federico Ursini — Sun, 07 Jan 2024 23:46:21 +0000

Diversity at its Core

So, there I was in the bustling streets of London walking past crowded streets forming a symphony of languages and ethnicities. This was almost like stepping into a second universe as opposed to my humble hometown where everyone knew each other. As for the day I walked in through the gates of University of Westminster, it was as if I entered that diversity not only geographical but, in every sense, possible. Reading was not just a matter of having to learn but rather becoming a citizen of the global village – an experience that brought about changes in my biases and widened my perspectives.

More Than Checkboxes: EDI Woven into the Fabric of Everyday Life

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity (EDI) is not simply a slogan printed in one of the brochures issued by Westminster it is a real, tangible thread embodied within the very life of every live on campus in Westminster. The university has committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment that is diverse, equitable and inclusive. Discrimination and harassment are not tolerated nor accepted at campus grounds.
For example, an international trade class assignment that was originally meant to be quite simple, created a discussion about colonial legacies and economic inequalities when a fellow student from Ghana shared stories about his family experiences. This was a wake-up call for me: a reminder that the textbook graphs and theories was based on lived experiences.

Beyond Textbooks: Societies – Seeds of Change

The university of Westminster provided me with both an intellectual awakening and a personal one. I got out of my comfort zone and went into the student groups and societies’ world. The salsa nights at the Latin American Society, the Salsa Society, beat with the kind of lively energy that would make me feel like I had been transported to busy streets that could only be found in films. The open mic nights organized in the LGBTQ+ society have given rise to conversations about identity and acceptance, which has broken stereotypes and fostered empathy.
Each meeting was like an addition to my worldview, which gave me new ideas and perspectives. The Polish Film Society screenings allowed me to view an entirely different history that I barely knew about, and the debates hosted by the African Caribbean Society made me re-examine my prejudices.

Professors Beyond Lecturers: Catalysis of Growth

The university faculty has been champions of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. My literature professor incorporated personal stories into the discussions on migration and displacement, leaving me not just with the information but with a passion for the causes of social justice. Becoming a champion of gender equality, my economics professor shattered all the doubts I had about developing a career in such ethnically dominated fields and showed me that it was possible to make my dreams come true.Personal Growth: From Hesitant to HopefulReading and encountering diversity is not just intellectually stimulating personally it has been transformative. I realized almost immediately that going to the University was not as frightening, and that it was where I belonged. I made friends with peers from different backgrounds, with whom we had moments of laughter, tears and late-night study sessions fueled by instant noodles and dreams. Throughout my journey at the university, I broke language barriers and studied unfamiliar customs, as well as delt with cultural differences. I learned to listen actively, speak, and listen effectively and embrace empathy.
However, this has not been a smooth ride. Through self-reflection and constant learning I conducted an in-depth analysis of my unconscious biases. For instance, my original naivety regarding cultural appropriation was corrected by the fellow students; that forced me to be not only more enlightened and be a responsible global citizen.

Unexpected Discoveries: Finding My Authentic Voice

My journey at the university has not only been about embracing others for me; but a profound journey of self-discovery. I strived to become the voice for social justice by volunteering in a local refugee center and attending international conferences. These events have nurtured empathy. It has enabled me to become more confident in assuming leadership within student groups and societies. After all, such skills could help me as a potentially young professional to make significant impacts.

A Tapestry of Belonging: Leaving Westminster, Carrying the Torch

As I look forward to a new chapter in my life, the lessons that were learned at Westminster will be always close to my heart. The vivid tapestry of experiences that are burned into the university walls no longer seems foreign; it feels like home. Now, I do not consider diversity to be a problem, but as an advantage and limitless opportunities to develop individually.
Westminster has not only given me an education but opened my eyes to the world through a lens of inclusiveness and empathy. It has made me feel that an ordinary person’s voice like mine does matter, whatever my origin, and background are. It has given me the knowledge and courage to fight for a world in which, irrespective of your past, you are part, you fit in.

This is only a snapshot of my life transformation at the University of Westminster. Countless stories remain untold, friendships left unmentioned, and challenges successfully dealt with. My experiences are just one strand in the rich pattern of the University, which is a showcase for its enduring focus on EDI. So, if you want an education that extends beyond books, an open-minded community, and a journey that will break your echo chamber and redefine your world, then come to Westminster. Come and weave your destiny, and find out the real power of belonging in an environment where each story has significance.

Illuminating my journey
Author: Federico Ursini

The post Changing Views at Westminster: How I Discovered a Diverse World first appeared on wbsdigital.

Greening Our Campus: How Westminster Champions Sustainability

Federico Ursini — Sun, 07 Jan 2024 23:41:59 +0000

A Sustainable World

Walking around the historic buildings and vibrant green spaces of the University of Westminster campus in central London, it becomes clear why Westminster has established itself as a leader in campus sustainability. From recycling programs to solar power installations to ethical purchasing guidelines, our University integrates environmental sustainability in every facet of campus living. As a student passionate about climate change and sustainability, I find these strategies to be inspiring.

Westminster Sets High Sustainability Standards

The University has a “Being Westminster Strategy” that measures our sustainability performance in areas such as governance, estates, procurement, and community engagement. Westminster has adopted the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals Framework. This has been done with the intention of supporting the commitment to creating a sustainable, equitable, and healthier society.
The proof is in the numbers. Westminster has thus far reduced carbon emissions by 43% compared to levels in 2005, with over half of our waste being diverted from landfills. It has cut its water usage by 41% compared to the 2005-2006 baseline. All new personnel are trained by the sustainability team on Hands Up for Sustainability, which explains how Westminster is aiming to minimize the impacts of environmental harm. Sessions include such topics as how to use video conferencing instead of flights, double-sided printing tips, and tricks, and turning the equipment off when no one is using it.

Recycling and Composting Are Key

For the residents in student accommodation, there are mixed dry recycling bins available within the building, meaning paper packaging, metals, and glass can be sorted. These recycling bins are also available across campus buildings and common areas. Research indicates that, in the U.K., approximately 9.5 million tonnes of food go to waste, which contributes to 7.7% of the U.K.’s total annual greenhouse gas emissions. The University’s new food waste bins, located to the right of microwaves in the café, help divert the waste and send it to anaerobic digestion to create biogas for nutrient-rich biofertilizer and fuel.

Westminster has put a food waste disposal system in the campus kitchen areas; this device shreds food scraps into a slurry that can be safely sent to the water treatment system to help expand composting efforts. Posters placed on sinks provide students and staff with information about the things that can be washed down the drain. Through such initiatives as this, Westminster hopes to reduce its food and organic waste by 50% by 2025. The University conducts annual Rubbish Art contests from waste materials in order to sensitize the issues of consumption and waste.

Conserving Energy in Campus Buildings

Our campus includes the latest technologies, from motion sensor lights to more sophisticated heating systems to double-glazed windows that help decrease energy used in buildings. A BREEAM sustainability score of Excellent was given to the University’s new Student Accommodation Building, which opened in 2015 as a result of its energy-efficient design. Some of these noticeable features include automated LED lighting in the stairwells and corridors that switch off when there is adequate natural light, as well as a system of light tubes that channel natural sunlight to one end or another. Installation of solar panels on the roof also furnishes renewable energy.
Westminster has led the way across the campus in replacing lighting and heating fixtures with energy-saving options to reduce electricity usage by over 20% since 2005. In order to systematically track and improve energy conservation efforts across the whole University, Westminster maintains an ISO 14001-certified Environmental Management System throughout. Students also play an active role, with dorms competing each year on energy-saving challenges. Such small improvements as turning radiators off in empty rooms, closing windows while heating is on, using curtains to minimize heat loss, and switching lights off when going out of the room all together make a great difference.

Campus Groups and Events Promote Sustainability Mindset

Westminster has a variety of student societies that cultivate concern about the environment, such as the University of Westminster Conservation Volunteers which plan park clean ups and tree plantings. GreenSoc campaigns for more water refill stations in order to reduce plastic consumption, and the Climate Justice Society spreads information about environmental justice issues. Westminster Sustainability Showcase is an annual event that combines students, staff, and other organizations to show case the different sustainability innovations and research being developed within the organization.

There is a campus garden in between the Marylebone site and Westminster Business School where students can farm vegetables surrounded by plants and wildflowers that promote diversity. Gardening also helps community members understand the principles of permaculture and brings us closer to food systems. The gardens produce those supplement offerings in nearby cafeterias. Westminster also has hives that produce honey used by culinary students and local food services.

Ongoing Progress Toward Sustainability

While we appreciate Westminster’s environmental successes so far, university leaders are also keen to point out that sustainability is an ongoing improvement process. Areas like supply chain management, water conservation, travel emissions, and curriculum integration continue to benefit from sustainability efforts. Westminster’s all-encompassing sustainability strategy, coupled with universal engagement across the campus, leaves me convinced we will achieve our ambitious 50% emissions reduction goal by 2030. Although our university may be set in the heart of a thriving London and you would not expect to see much nature among urban density, environmental stewardship leaves room for nature and its ability to come back from virtually anywhere, providing a vision of cities of tomorrow becoming more successful habitats with sustainability as the core principle.

Sustainability as a choiceAuthor: Federico Ursini

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