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Editorial City of ‘Perfs’ Vacancies by KONNEKT Xoffa Xotta
Mindfulness, Meditation and Anxiety
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Executive Committee
Administrative Team
Writers
Media & Designers
Magazine Design
Cover Design
Johann Agius Kristina Saliba Manuel Xuereb Nicole Borg
Jessica Arena Cyreille Delmas Charlene Arapa Matthew Debattista
Johann Aguis KONNEKT Romario Sciberras Mel McElhatton
Nicole Borg Andrea Said Charles Mercieca Federico Barbaro Sant Kurt Abela
Pascale Spiteri
Pascale Spiteri
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editorial So your January exams are here and almost over and you want to wind down, relax and read something other than your never ending versions of short notes? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered! In this edition of The Insiter Online you will find Johann Agius’ reflection on how today’s youth spend their time in Valletta and all the stigma around it. Take a look at two new job vacancies kindly provided by KONNEKT. Read Romario Sciberras’ stunning poem in Maltese called “Xoffa Xotta’. And finally learn all about the art of mindfulness and meditation to get you through anxiety in Mel McElhatton’s very informative article. We hope you all have a successful round of exams!
Nicole Borg Executive Editor
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photo by Nicole Borg
City of ‘Perfs’ Johann Agius
Valletta City of Culture? More like the only place teenagers can roam on late nights instead of Paceville. ‘La La Land’ is possibly one of the most beautiful films of the past few years. It’s tipped to win Best Picture at the Oscars, and its astounding chart-topping soundtrack includes the gorgeous Ryan Gosling and Emma Stonesung ‘City of Stars’. No greater paradox could possibly stand out to me more than coming out of the movie theatre, after having watched such a perfectly gorgeous film, and finding the currently sad reality within the Maltese capital city on Saturday and Sunday nights (and only because it’s winter, and they are the only two 4
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non-school nights), lasting for those couple of hours before buses go about their final journeys around the island from the main terminus. For years, we’ve been bombarded with discourse on the so-called demise of a sensible and responsible generation, owing to today’s young people. We’ve eventually realised that every single adult in the history of mankind has considered those who are younger to be a threat to the supposedly orderly and efficient structure of society, as they indulge themselves in the pleasure of breaking the
rules their superiors impose on them.
with each other to see who can come closest to challenging the authorities, with the Inevitably, it’s become part of many people’s satisfactory prize being that of impressing daily vocabulary to associate negative their own popular circle. After all, this has connotations to “it-tfal tal-lum” (the kids of always been a key characteristic in being a today), especially whenever they experience rebellious teenager; successful risk equals some form of unruly behaviour on the part of maximum popularity. an angsty teenager. so for now we’re back in the rehearsal space But the situation nowadays has somewhat working on new music and planning future changed, taking the form of open exhibitions shows. In the meantime I’ll be performing with transparent barricades. We can’t a set of newer material with Beanstalk & really do anything about teenagers causing Friends, featuring Cikku Frendo on bass and unnecessary trouble. They feel utterly Pete Galea on drums, at Maori (Valletta) on unstoppable. So let’s passively let them indulge the 4th of January 2017, just 3 days after the in that mindset, whilst looking down on them release of Leçons Clinique. and watching on as they throw aside their education and personal development. When on this particular La La Land of a night I returned to the realisation that police officers So is there more to take into consideration have to be present all over Valletta, specifically than the simple fact that Maltese teenagers to monitor the hundreds of 13-somethings have nowhere to go and enjoy their free time roaming the streets with their pill-shaped properly with their peers? Will this issue speakers and ‘don’t mess with me’ attitudes, somehow be resolved merely if they are I automatically found myself mentally provided with more (and safer) places to let out processing the same negative connotations. their angst? In this way, will they no longer see moving from one of Valletta’s doorsteps to I have almost zero knowledge on the groups the next, blasting monotonous techno music, that term themselves as ‘perfs’ or ‘tal-1K’, as as their only choice before they turn 17 and I’m not sure I would even be one baby step can start comfortably clubbing? close to satisfying their criteria. Yet, it is quite fascinating to see the ways in which, My theory is inconclusive, as my collective essentially, technological developments and answer would be both yes and no. But I the invention of social media have transformed definitely believe it would be an extremely the way our teenagers are seeking to rebel. It’s imperative and beneficial leap forward. I also no longer just about trimming the curfew or believe that innovative improvements to our sneaking some of your parents’ cigarettes out islands’ education system are crucial, coupled of the house. with heavily increasing awareness on the power of artistic expression. Giving our young Now being rebellious seems to be done quite people more creative opportunities towards openly and unapologetically, as though it’s which they can focus their efforts might be entirely comfortable to proudly show it then the key. hide it. Groups of youngsters enjoy competing 5
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Vacancies by KONNEKT Junior Customer Care Agent - English Speaking Our client, a leading Internet Betting company is currently seeking to employ English speaking Customer Service Agents to join their Malta-based operation. In this role you will be responsible for assisting and liaising with customers via telephone, live chat, e-mail and social media. You will be required to listen attentively to gather all relevant information in order to assess and determine possible causes and solutions whilst ensuring customer satisfaction throughout. You will need to ensure that clients’ requests are met and addressed within the Company’s framework of quality policies and standards. The role calls for a person holding a passion for customer service with excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and written. Previous experience working in a customer service set-up will be considered an asset. This role is on a shift basis between 6:30 am - 3:30 am including weekdays and weekends. Temporary for 3 months. Job Code: MT 6981/17
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IT Sales Executive Our client is an industry leader providing various engineering related systems. They have built a solid reputation and workforce and are constantly on the lookout to fine tune their operations in order to reflect the best industry standards. They are currently looking for a passionate, energetic and meticulous individual to join the marketing team as a Marketing Executive. As a Marketing Executive you will be responsible for managing advertising campaigns from concept through to implementation, including producing performance reports for campaigns and recommendations for improvements. You will deliver content on social media, e-mail, SMS or direct mail and report on performance. S/he will coordinate and implement marketing activities and projects from planning to delivery, which may include: writing and proofreading copies, liaising with designers and printers, organising photo shoots and coordinating with media outlets. You will also manage and update the brand’s social media platforms including messaging, posting and updating all channels in order to increase online presence and engagement, by suggesting initiatives for online media and website. In addition you will plan and project manage marketing events and fairs in collaboration with respective parties involved and contribute to the company newsletter. The ideal candidate must be in possession of a tertiary level of education, ideally in Marketing or Communications coupled with a minimum of 2 years experience in the Marketing Field. You must be highly motivated, able to work on your own initiative and work under pressure. Good communication skills in both English and Maltese language is a must. Basic knowledge of InDesign and Photoshop would be considered an asset. Job Code: MT 8412/17 To apply, send your CV to careers@konnekt.com or apply on www.konnekt.com
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Xoffa Xotta ‘Il boghod, ‘il boghod, tbissima taqbeż u toghla, tiżfen fuq haxix hadrani, ghadu mxarrab bix-xita tal-lejl li firex gverta eterna ta’ stilel ghal din it-tbissima helwa li ma taf xejn ghajr il-loghob innocenti mat-tbissima l-ohra, u l-ohra wkoll. Kemm jidhru kuntenti jiddendlu minn stilla ghal ohra. Il-qamar jonfhilhom, jilghab maghhom. Xi jfaqqghu tad-dahk! Jergghu jmorru hdejn halqu “Iktar! Iktar!” iwerżqu herqana. Jitilghu wahda wara l-ohra fuq iż-żiemel tal-gwienah.. Wahda, tnejn, tlieta, erbgha... kollha fuq dahru – u l-ohrajn? It-tbissim ma jaqtax qalbu, ghax wahda mal-gewnah lemini, tnejn mal-gewnah xellugi xi tlieta ma’ denbu, u l-ohra fejn? M’ghonqu! Jgharraxha xaghru bellusi; dahka tidwi ghall-jum li garrhom lejh. Tbissima minnhom waqghet fid-deżert; żelqet minn fuq iż-żiemel – imma kien ghadu ma wasalx fil-jum! Xufftejha xxottaw u nqasmu...ibbiesu. hmura naturali mcappsa b’demm iswed; ramel jittajjar mar-rih qalil jehel fil-ferita u jinfed sal-qalb ta’ din it-tbissima mitlufa...miskina! Fejn hi x-xita ghal dax-xufftejn mejta?
Romario Sciberras 8
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Jgharraxha xaghru bellusi; dahka tidwi ghall-jum li garrhom lejh.
“
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Mindfulness, Meditation and Anxiety Mel McElhatton
Anxiety disorders are some of the most common disorders around the world, and it is generally found that 4 out of 15 people have either anxiety, depression, or both. These disorders are likely to emerge in adolescence or early adulthood, and symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder include: • The presence of excessive anxiety and worry about a variety of topics, events, or activities. Worry occurs more often than not for at least 6 months and is clearly excessive. • Tiring easily; more fatigued than usual. • Impaired concentration or feeling as though the mind goes blank. • Irritability (which may or may not be observable to others). • Increased muscle aches or soreness. • Difficulty sleeping (due to trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, restlessness at night, or unsatisfying sleep). Amongst others. Should you be experiencing at least three of these symptoms, and it is affecting your daily life (such as studies, with friends, at home), then it is recommended that you consult with your GP. Usually, anxiety and depression can be tackled by your family doctor, who may feel the need to prescribe medication. However, medication is not always necessary. Studies have been finding that practicing meditation and mindfulness can also be seen as efficient means to combat anxiety.
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What is mindfullness?
And how does this relate to anxiety?
When one is mindful, that person is aware of what is going on internally and externally to them. They are aware of the sights, and sounds, they are aware of the pressure on the soles of their feet on the ground. They are aware of their emotions in that present moment.
As mentioned previously, anxiety includes the presence of excessive worry, which naturally increases stress levels. Further, this worry is usually associated for things happening (or which could happen) in the future. Through mindfulness and meditation, you are encouraged and helped to focus on the present, In short - mindfulness is being fully aware of by being truly present in the world around oneself in the present. you. By encouraging you to be more aware of your surroundings, you will begin to appreciate Through mindfulness, you can become more more yourself, and your environment. This aware of yourself, and of the world around you. would lead to more happiness, and a sense of It means that you can start appreciating more tranquility. the things you were taking for granted, like the feeling of the air on your cheeks. It is advised to practice mindfulness and meditation on a daily basis, and if you require What about meditation? further support to seek the help of a counsellor. There are various agencies which can offer free Meditation is a technique used to calm oneself, counselling (or counselling against a donation), and induce a state of peace and tranquility. It and it never hurts to speak with a professional has been researched profoundly as a technique about our worries. to combat stress and anxiety, both in the Western, and Eastern World.
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