Hope your exams and coursework deadlines have been smooth and you all do well. I'm excited about you returning to us for semester two, as we have lots going on at the Union for you to be involved in. There's always ways through us to learn, meet new people and gain new skills! 

Quick update from me on some things to expect:

After lots of discussions with the Library and the University during the first Semester, I can confirm that manila papers will be provided for all our students with dyslexia. This will start from the beginning of semester two. This is an achievement for us, as we have been lobbying the university to provide this service. We hope that as we continue to work for you, you are provided with all of the advice and support you need.

We have a number of diverse events coming soon for you to get involved and get to know other student's cultures and traditions. I'm Bulgarian and I love learning about different cultures here at Salford! I'm delighted to announce that I, along with my sabbs team, we will be organising an International Fair in February and look forward to seeing you all there. The International Fair will take place in the end of February and students from different countries will have the opportunity to present their own country and show what is different and unique for their own culture. At the fair I hope we will have an international quiz that will allow you to learn something new and interesting about a different nation and their way of life. Lots of dancing and singing will be also part of the fair so we could have some fun while getting to know one another. If you'd like to be involved, just contact me!

Another very exciting and educational event will be taking place in the end of February just before our election period. Baba Marta is a tradition in Bulgaria where people give each other martenitza that is a bracelet made of red and white twisted yarns. The tradition is celebrated on the 1^st of March and symbolizes the upcoming spring. The legend says that the martenitza symbolizes freedom, health and prosperity. We would like to give you the chance to be part of this celebration and make your own Martenitza.

We would like to encourage all of you to come and join us to all of these events so you could make the most of your cultural experience.

Keep an eye on our facebook page for more details, and as always, you can come and see me in University House, upper floor offices.

See you soon!

Marina