Written by Heather Craven (ISH Resident 1976 – 1979)
I was so fortunate to have been interviewed by Liz Ware for one of the few places given to UK residents at ISH. I remember her being wonderfully kind and encouraging to a quite overwhelmed 18-year-old from the country.
I remember her telling me that if I was offered a place, as a UK student, I was encouraged to welcome overseas students and to help them settle into life in the UK. To be honest, I am not sure, but I think I was the recipient of a broader education at ISH than just my chosen career path as a Speech Therapist. I had wonderful roommates from Norway, Trinidad, USA before settling for a single room for my final year.
I became a floor representative and then worked on as a student officer- manning the switchboard, mini mart and membership desk. It helped eke out my funds, and I remember that I was given a dinner voucher, which meant I could purchase a ” Vienna steak” on my duty nights. Never quite sure what it was, but it was a treat as I recall.
My time at ISH holds a special place in my heart and memory.
Along with my roommates, I made so many other friends and enjoyed many cultural experiences. I remember being dressed in a Sari and feeling every inch the princess for the International Dinner that was being held that evening. I recall attending as a student host for a UN evening where we entertained embassy representatives from across the world. Another highlight was my first Goats Reunion, which was held in the park within Park Crescent and attended by the Queen Mother. I still have the invitation in my memory box.
I left the UK to work and live in Australia in 1981- it was meant to be a 12-month adventure, but the old story I met my future husband and stayed. He was always amazed at our Christmas card wall- cards from all over the world- as a stamp collector, he loved it. Nowadays, the list is a bit shorter and the greetings tend to come in electronic form, but they are cherished just the same.
With travel, we have caught up with some friends over the years in Canada, the UK and the USA, and it never ceases to amaze me how we pick up where we left off the last time, as if the past almost 50 years had not passed.
My time at ISH holds a special place in my heart and memory. Thank you to all those staff and friends who made it so special.
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