Insights into Manchester Part 9: Farewell, RocketWorld, In Wonder Still...

When I was a child, I remember being enchanted by my little world.  As my tiny feet walked through life, I found that almost everything was a reason for wonder and joy.
 
These days, I try my best to emulate that perspective. Luckily, I got the chance to feel that side of me shine again in Manchester. 

A World Without Borders

As I look back on my time in this remarkable city, I think that participating in RocketWorld was one of the highlights of my time in Manchester.  RocketWorld is an initiative that brings together international students around Manchester universities to visit primary schools across Greater Manchester.  During these visits, university students have the opportunity to share stories about their country with 7-11 year olds. RocketWorld aims to help tackle intolerance, prejudice and racism by dispelling fear and ignorance through fun and adventure. Over 18 000 children have now taken part in the projects and over 1500 volunteers from all over the world have taken part as well. All visits involve a giant EarthBall with NASA satellite imagery.  This shows our planet as it is seen from outer space without borders.

RocketWorld is part of the International Society’s One Love school projects.  The International Society is a not for profit organization that works with Manchester Universities to offer its members opportunities to go on trips across the UK, attend language classes and participate in projects such as RocketWorld.  Being away from home can be tough but if you’re lucky, you meet people who make you feel at home wherever you are.  The International Society was my home away from home throughout my exchange.

Rocketworld is a mission for international peace and friendship.  My part in the mission involved talking all about Canada.  I told the kids about our crazy Canadian winters, our love for hockey, the color-changing maple leaves and I even told them about maple taffy (or as I described it there – a sweet syrup lolly).  They were all ears.  Staring at the photo of syrup drizzled on a bed of snow, one boy exclaimed: “That’s wicked!!”  Their infectious energy made me excited about all those Canadian gems that I often take for granted.  At one point, I asked the kids if any of them knew how to make a snow angel.  Their hands darted up as they exclaimed “Me! Me! I do!” then proceeded to sprawl across the gym floor and show me.  My heart was full.

Snow Angel Delight at RocketWorld

Everything new that I shared was a catalyst for greater curiosity.  And every funny part of our country I showed them was met with a sense of intense wonder untarnished by prejudice or judgement.  In the eyes of a child, we are all equally deserving of the chance to tell our story.  You see, from little worlds, big worlds grow.
 
Throughout my time in Manchester, I’ve looked for stories to share with you.  From the Learning Commons to the John Rylands Library to Radio Lollipop to Trafford Tales to everything in between…stories have abounded my time in this city.  They have an unparalleled connecting quality and they can fill us with wonder and joy again. As I share this final Insights into Manchester post, I hope to share one more message: Where there is life, there are stories waiting to be uncovered - stories we will read, stories we will learn, stories we will remember and stories we will write ourselves.

Final Photo in Manchester - The Open Road Ahead

Author

Gabrielle Thomas is an English Literature student at McGill University in Montreal, QC, Canada.  She is currently studying on exchange at The University of Manchester.