Today we spent another day at Birmingham City University. We first started walking towards the University. We were all excited to start the day. The speakers being able to bring this information and life and give real-world examples helped us grasp a better understanding of how the United States and Birmingham have many similarities and differences.

First, we had a speaker who came and talked about school nurses. She talked to us about the importance of these school nurses and how they impact the school. Having a school nurse who is passionate about their job is very important. When the school nurses can provide good care for the students they can have a better education. This better education starts when hygiene and care help towards having better mental health. When we increase mental health by lowering the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. When students are in better mental health conditions they can put their concentration into education. When they have support from the facilities, teachers, and nurses, they can worry about their mental health less. This is then what leads to students being able to concentrate on their education. They can learn and put their focus on their schoolwork. Another amazing implementation of the education system in Birmingham is the accessible counselors in their schools. Although in the United States, we also have accessible counselors in the schools. It is starting to spread into more schools. I found it interesting that we both have this for our students. I love that the schools care about the student’s mental health and realize how much mental health affects education. Educating parents on how to help their children be prepared and ready for school will also set them up for a successful path. 

We also talked about special education in Birmingham and how it is handled. We learned that being on the wait list is very common. We also learned that teachers are trained to use an EpiPen and trained with how to treat an asthma attack. Safeguards at different levels, in Birmingham schools, have features starting in infant schools to bring awareness to these students. Being on the waitlist, which is two years, will give the diagnoses for special education. 

Our next speaker had to cancel because of a family emergency. Instead, we had two other speakers come into our classroom. We have history in the background of Birmingham. We learned all about the diverse the city is. It is amazing to see how all of the people in the city are so involved in their community. We also learned about three different authors and their key arguments. With such clear arguments, we learn what the authors are passionate about changing and the experiences that they want others to have in their lives. We learn how different mental health issues have challenges and how they can overcome the obstacles. 

Next, we went on a tour of Birmingham. The tour was 2 hours and it was from Windrush’s perspective. We learned new facts and it was amazing to see everything. Our tour guide was very educated in what she was talking about and was able to answer any questions we had. She was very engaging and was so fun to pay attention to Everything seemed to be very lively with people walking around and shopping. Another thing that I have noticed is that there have been many concerts. In the town, everyone is very friendly and open to answering any questions we may have. 

We then went to dinner at Jamaya. It was the best meal of the entire trip! I loved it! I got mild jerk chicken with a side of fries. I got my plate first and ate the entire thing! We had a great time at dinner talking and catching up about the day. We all get along very well and I am going to be so sad when we leave. I am planning a reunion already! I love eating dinner all together and being able to talk and bond even more!  

Overall another day at Birmingham City University was very informational. We were able to connect the information that we learned today between the United States and Birmingham. Learning how the healthcare system, hospitals, and education system work here in Birmingham is very interesting. The Windrush tour was so good. I was able to learn more information on Jamicia and its background. It is my favorite palace to travel to! I am having so much fun and I can not wait to have another amazing day tomorrow.