Nafisa Ali, our Sports Support Bee, reflects on the Biomedicine Society event called the ‘12-Hour Book Club Challenge’ and how it enriched the student experience by facilitating collaborative reading and bringing the members closer.
One of the highlights of my year with the Biomedicine Society was participating in the 12-Hour Book Club Challenge on behalf of the society's book club. This unique event involved all participants joining a Microsoft Teams call for 12 hours to study or read books, with a prize for whoever stayed on the call the longest.
Initially, we were all focused on being productive, diving into our studies or reading. We took breaks every half hour, relaxing for ten minutes before getting back to our tasks. As time passed, however, our focus shifted, and we began to chat and relax together. Our conversations ranged from worldly matters, morals, and principles to fun topics like movies and childhood memories. These discussions were a fantastic way to get to know each other and understand different perspectives.
I met some incredible people during this challenge, many of whom are still my friends today. It was a great way to warm up to university life and connect with others, especially after the isolation of lockdown. The challenge started around 9 PM and ended at 10 AM the next day. Initially, we thought it would be easy, but by 4 AM, the difficulty became apparent. We started with about twelve participants, but by 5 AM, only four of us remained. The remaining participants were particularly engaged in discussions about politics and historical events.
Given our diverse backgrounds, it was fascinating to learn about different cultures and beliefs. I truly enjoyed these conversations, even though I couldn't stay until the end of the challenge. The experience was enriching and a wonderful way to bond with fellow students, blending productivity with meaningful connections.