Making Waves: AZ Preston Hall in Action!

Since May, AZ Preston Hall has been making waves! From welcoming new Preston Media Committee executives to hosting mental health panel discussions, the hall has been teeming with energy, creativity, and community spirit. Like a school of sharks moving with focus and purpose, Preston Media has ensured that no moment slipped beneath the surface.

Diving Into Pre-Orientation

The past five months have been packed with unforgettable experiences. June kicked off as students dove into pre-orientation under theme “What I Wish I knew! Advice for a Confident Start.” The summer quickly built momentum with the Hall Tour challenge and the launch of the Brokie Calendar for those chasing the “soft life, soft budget.” Excitement swam through Move-In Day as we welcomed our incoming sharks. From Zumba dance-offs to the Fresher’s Cocktail and freshers’ induction, the riptide of energy swept across the hall.

Riding the Wave of Activity

July and August kept the excitement flowing, with events celebrating achievement, creativity, and teamwork. A special highlight was Dance-O-Rama, where cluster six (6) Los Matadores delivered a fierce and unforgettable winning performance that had the hall cheering from fin to fin.

September was a whirlwind of activity: flag-raising ceremonies in honour of St. Kitts and Nevis, Belize, and Trinidad and Tobago, alongside strong academic showings from the P.E.A.C.E. Freshers Debate Team. The First Year Experience Program 2025 launched successfully, followed by the Third Year Experience Program featuring “Dolaz and Sens” sessions such as “Mind Over Money” and “Moni a gi weh!”, while the Preston Academic Support System (PASS) launch provided new academic pathways that connects students with tutors and resources to help them excel.

 Adding to this, the AZPH Environmental Program introduced the “Grow What You Eat” vertical farming challenge, encouraging clusters to plant their own fruits or vegetables with support from the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA). September also saw athleticism shine in the Cross-Country Event, which brought the shark spirit, endurance, and energy to new heights.

These initiatives were complemented by Love, Lust, and Life at UWI by the Jamaica Network of Seropositives. As sharks, the Az Preston hall also surfaced in the international beach clean-up—saving one reef at a time—while inviting applicants for the Mister and Miss Aston Preston Hall 2025/2026 crown. Whether keeping it clean, rocking crowns, or growing gardens, every activity helped create a vibrant hall culture and gave every student a chance to make a splash.

Swimming Forward

October has brought mental health awareness tides to the shores of the sharks, with a weeklong dedication from October 5-10 and the World Mental Health Day Inter-Cluster Social Media Challenge.  The Third Year Experience Program continued with “Dieting on a Budget for Busy Students,” while an Emergency Preparedness Session, led by Major Clive Davis, in collaboration with the Facilities Office and Environmental Committee, shared vital safety strategies, and disaster tips.

As the semester swims forward, Preston Hall remains committed to keeping the current flowing—spotlighting student voices, celebrating teamwork, and adding plenty of fin-tastic flair along the way. With every splash, the hall is writing a legacy as bold as the waves it rides. Here's to 30 years of excellence, resilience, and a renaissance worthy of the shark spirit!

By Xantiesh Reid