After a post that was made by Jeremy Grech, a performing artist, numerous artists and performers have come forward to express their concerns on the matter. Artists have been put to the sidelines with no indication or direction of what is the next step for them.

This pandemic has brought to light many things and it has also uncovered the harsh reality of it all. Individuals that hold job titles that are considered “non-essential” are left confused as to when they are able to return to work.

The arts and entertainment sector have been given the cold shoulder and many students and artists around the island have expressed their concerns and opinions on the matter. Arts is a sector that is not respected enough and not highly regarded. It is seen as extra and maybe even irrelevant in both economic and social terms.

But, at the end of the day…

If it weren’t for that stand-up comedian that made you laugh on a bad day, that moving performance that changed your perspective on a topic, and that graceful dancer that left you mesmerised, our spirits would be lower than ever. It is the arts that are able to pick us when we are spiralling to a dark place and sometimes, a little laughter is all we need.

It is a well-known fact that the arts in Malta are obviously not held in the highest of regard, why? It is not seen as a profession… it’s just a hobby.

Jeremy Grech, Performing Artist

While certain aspects of the sector were allowed to operate under strict conditions, everything came to a halt last March. Even though it resulted that arts education facilities have next to zero transmission within theatre audiences, casts, or schools, there is still no indication as to what the next step forward is. I reached out to USPA (University Students of Performing Arts Association), to get their insight on the matter.

Despite that discipline and responsibility, the sector seemed to have been totally ignored while planning the exit plan, with authorities meeting to consult with associations, workers, and other stakeholders only after the fact.

Alex Weenink, USPA Public Relations Officer

It is a passion but it is also a job…

Students, current and aspiring art workers, and even theatre enthusiasts are disheartened to see that this art sector is given no importance to society. Weenink, carried on saying;

If governmental bodies act in this way, it is then no surprise to see the same line of thinking drip down into the general population, leading to a notion of ‘freebie culture’ where people expect artistic content to be entirely free for their enjoyment and use, and that art workers are only hobbyists or second class citizens.

Art workers are losing their jobs and as a result, are forced to work in completely different sectors to make ends meet. It is important to note that artists and performers are not paid for rehearsals, they go through blood, sweat, and tears because they love what they do. And they want to show that they love what they do to the rest of us.

However, when you see your work being unappreciated and the authorities not taking into consideration the work that goes behind the scenes, it is only natural for one to be discouraged.

Another issue is that we are not paid for rehearsals. So why should we start working on something that might be cancelled the week before? After all that hard work we won’t earn anything as our payday is show day.

Jeremy Grech, Performing Artist

The public spoke out

We asked what the audience thinks about the authorities not addressing the situation and students from different backgrounds have put forward their opinion on the issue;

They’ll never address it because God forbid the artists get paid.

There’s been little acknowledgement and supports of the arts and limited opportunities for revival.

The arts are not being addressed. This acts as a big disservice to such creative and hard-working people.

Fighting through the pandemic

Weenink praised the art students that have shown real resilience, perseverance and creativity, despite the lack of motivation one may feel in this dire situation. However, he stated what a total disservice it is that the Arts sector is still considered as an “extracurricular” when performing arts education provides you with essential twenty-first-century life skills that we may take for granted.

While artists and performers deserve a big round of applause for still pushing through the pandemic, despite the challenges they have faced, it is high time that the arts sector is taken more seriously here in Malta.

And as Grech stated in his post, this is not a call for help, this is a call for arts!

The post Standing up for the arts | Artists speak out appeared first on The Third Eye.

The event took place at the Mdina Cathedral Museum and hosted 5 esteemed speakers including, Prof Alex Torpiano, Dr Konrad Xuereb, Mr Joseph Gauci, Steve Zammit Lupi and Dr Samuel Azzopardi. This was SACES’ 5^th edition of STRIP and throughout this panel we got to listen to the discourse between the 5 panelists as they tackle the issue at hand, applying their different backgrounds in the field and sharing their knowledge with the audience.

Does enriching one means sacrificing the other?

Prof Alex Torpiano kicked off the debate by elaborating on the concept of the “Doughnut Economy”. He explained that the doughnut model is made up of an upper circle and a lower circle. The upper circle is the limit which is the use of resources whereas the lower circle is where the social injustice lies, where people are deprived. Ideally, as a society, we operate between these two limits and if we do, the conflict between economy and environment does not arise.

Mr Joseph Gauci continued by agreeing with Prof Torpiano and stated that as a country, we are heavily dependent on the construction industry because over the years we created this sort of perception that buildings will sustain themselves, that they will create growth in themselves. Our society moved from building to provide a shelter and building what is necessary, into an investment tool. It has become an endless vicious cycle that we are falling victims to.

“Before we used to build to provide accommodation, now we build to provide a business”

Prof Alex Torpiano

Steve Zammit Lupi added by saying that there should be cooperation and not conflict because at the end of the day; the environment can thrive without the economy but the economy cannot thrive without the environment. The economy depends on the world’s natural resources to thrive.

Infrastructure and the cars’ potential in Malta

The debate moved on to the topic of infrastructure and the usage of vehicles in Malta. Dr Samuel Azzopardi talked about how in Malta, one cannot simply walk on pavements without being interrupted. Our island has become so fixated on creating roads catered towards cars, that we have forgotten that pedestrians still need pavements to walk from one place to another.

He also believes that as a country, we have cars that we cannot use to their full potential and Dr Konrad Xuerab added by saying that we should shift away from a car-based society. The more you widen the road, the higher the demand will be and it is because of this that more cars are being registered in Malta. Dr Xuereb stated that no alternative is being offered for citizens and that is why we turn to cars for travelling. He believes that once an alternative is proposed and available, a shift will take place.

Roads are being made in order to accommodate us drivers. We remove the trees because we ruin the roads for the cars. Walks are no longer pleasant because there is no shade and the scorching sun or the heavy rain is directly on us. COVID-19 has made us realise how needed a walk in your village is but it is difficult to enjoy this when you have car noises ringing in your ears and emissions up your nose.

Steve Zammit Lupi suggested that politicians should be offered a crash course on urban planning. Zammit Lupi did not beat around the bush and said that the current education system on urban planning and infrastructure is lacking immensely.

 “The amount of non-sense, no disrespect to them, that politicians state on urban planning, on parking, on mobility in general, we almost do not realise the consequences of what we say. If I am not competent in health, I wouldn’t dare share my opinion on COVID restrictions because it is not my field of understanding”

Steve Zammit Lupi

“I think this partial lockdown has changed the way we behave. It has made people appreciate more their surroundings and open spaces, more than before. We now have different priorities.”

Mr Joseph Gauci

To end the debate, Zammit Lupi stated how politicians are talking about going back to normality, however, he wishes we go to a new normal. Let us all look forward to a better and improved society!

Check out last year’s debate here!

The post Paving a path for the environment and economy | SACES debate appeared first on The Third Eye.

The Sweet Heart Collection by Tikka Tafal

From rings and trinket dishes to tote bags and masks, to earrings and scrunchies, The Sweet Heart Collection has it all! Tikka Tafal‘s newest collection might be her cutest collection yet. Tikka Tafal are also collaborating with another local brand; Buzzieqa Hamra, and you can find three collaborative products; a tote bag, a mask, and a set of earrings (strawberries dipped in chocolate – scrumptious!) 

Alongside her collection, Tikka Tafal launched her new website and you can access all the products by clicking here!

Valentine Candles by Mażina Candles

Lavender-scented candles that will surely set the right mood for Valentine’s! Aside from the fact of how gorgeous and unique these candles are, there is also a little twist to them. Once these melt, you will find a little note at the bottom, perfect to remind your loved ones how much you love them!

But, that is not all! Mażina Candles are collaborating with Moonstone Creations, bringing you a gift pack combining products from both of their stores! A Soy Wax Candle, an initial necklace, and spiral earrings all in one pack. You can either contact them directly through Instagram or order them through Kikkra Malta!

Valentine Scrunchies by Stitch Sisters

The Stitch Sisters are focusing on self-love this year! Launching three new scrunchies called Agape (unconditional love), Philia (playful innocence), and Eros (passionate love). Beautiful satin scrunchies handmade with so much love! These are perfect to spice up your Valentine outfit.

The Cupid’s Quiver Collection by Libertalia 

Our local pirate from Libertalia presents these magnificent pendants for Valentine’s! The Celtic Love Knot represents infinity and eternity, the knot has no beginning nor end. Sometimes, pendants speak louder than words and this pendant is the perfect gift to show your love to your significant other!

Contact them on their socials know and grab yourself a pendent!

Valentine Card by Steffi Venturi

Steffi Venturi is known for her cute quirky designs! This year, she decided to skip commissions but she presented her very own illustration that is up for grabs! With a cute little cupid in the middle, surrounded by love hearts – it is the perfect card with a Maltese twist(ies) to it.

They are only €3 and they are selling out fast so make sure to grab one! You can contact Steffi through her Instagram here!

Valentine Commission by peachtipple

If you are looking for a more personalised card for your loved one, peachtipple has the card for you! With €10 you will receive a digital and a physical card alongside an envelope to go with it. His cute chibi drawings is enough to make everyone awe. The artist will also be opening up more commissions for various events and occasions so follow his socials to keep an eye out!

Valentine Box by Lil’ Treats

And if your partner has a sweet tooth, take a look at this lovely box by Lil’ Treats filled with goodies for you to devour. You can also personalise it with two sets of initials! Contact them on Instagram to get them just in time for Valentine’s.

And if none of these were your cup of tea, just remember that Valentine’s Day is just like any other day (just you will be seeing much more pinks and reds with hearts on your timeline). A warm hug and watching your favourite TV show together is what we may need at the end of the day. Love and affection go a long way!

The post Support local this Valentine’s Day appeared first on The Third Eye.

It takes us a while for us to find our true calling. Roberta is a 20-year-old student, who went from Bachelor of Laws to Bachelor of Music, after realising it is no longer her path.

Roberta has never been 100% certain of what she wanted to do when she grows up. In fact, she never truly had the urge to take up Law but going through the syllabus and units, it sparked her interest. “I had my doubts till I finished my A Levels but I thought to myself that if I got to this point, might as well take up the Law course,” Roberta said. As uncertain as she was, she never gave up and pushed through. Perseverance and determination lead her to where she is now.

Like every other student, Roberta was extremely stressed during her exams; “I started questioning whether this is what I truly wanted,” she said. We all get this – that sudden urge to just drop out and kiss University goodbye. We feel like we have too much on our plate but then, the storm passes and suddenly we calm down as if nothing happened. However, Roberta made a great reflection on her career choice during the second-semester exams and it was her wake-up call that it is time for her to look for something that she truly is passionate about.

Even though Law was not for Roberta, there were still certain aspects that she enjoyed which played a role when deciding whether to drop out or not. During her first year, she got the opportunity to shadow the work of a notary. It first started as an internship and eventually it led her to work as a secretary there. “I wanted to become a notary and the work involved really interested me however that was pretty much it,” Roberta said. The rest of the subjects were just not her cup of tea.

When Roberta dropped out, she never planned on coming back. After experiencing the subjects and the job, she felt like she already saw what the course has to offer and she wanted to start looking for her true career. And that is where the music came in.

During her gap year, Roberta continued working as a secretary and made it a point to strengthen her skills as a musician. Music was always a big part of Roberta’s life, especially piano. “I focused on my skills as a pianist and worked on music theory and piano practice. I started learning with a different teacher and worked on getting my Music A Level,” she said.

Roberta started playing at the age of 10, with a year or two breaks along the way, but eventually, she has been playing the piano for nine whole years. At the age of sixteen, Roberta decided to explore the world of music a bit more and started playing the clarinet at the local band. “I still do it till this day and it is a wonderful experience – absolutely love it!” she said.

But from where the love for music stemmed from?

Her father. Roberta’s father is her role model, the person that has been very influential when it comes to music. Being in a local band himself, Roberta found it almost natural for her to start playing an instrument and taking music as seriously as her dad does. While her dad showed her the beauty of music, concerts deepened that love even more. “I noticed that in times of stress, I always turned to music, either listening or practicing. In fact, in a concert, I like to lose myself to the music,” Roberta said.

It is always a shock to the parents when they hear their child saying; “I want to drop out.” It is a hard pill to swallow when you believe your child has potential and suddenly, they just want to throw that all away. “When I told them I wanted to drop out from the Law course, they were surprised as they knew I was good at school,” Roberta said. However, her parents never held her back and this encouraged her from doing what she wants. While they continue supporting her decision wholeheartedly, Roberta still fears that her parents worry about her career because a career in music might be difficult in Malta.

When was that point in life where you told yourself; “This is it. This is what I want to do in life”?

During exam periods, Roberta turned to music as a stress-relief. “Not only did it serve as a stress-relief but it served as good procrastination as well” she joked.  Eventually, Roberta realised that she really wants to continue playing the piano and the clarinet, eventually becoming professional at it. She started seeing that a job in music was possible AND available.

As I mentioned at the very beginning of this article, deciding what you want to do in life at the age of eighteen might seem farfetched to some. In fact, when I asked Roberta what are her plans for the future, she bluntly said “I am still unsure of everything.” Arts are definitely pushed to the side here in Malta and the music industry is so limiting here, it can easily discourage aspiring musicians. However, Roberta wishes to continue teaching privately as she loves performing and composition. When the time comes, she will simply need to explore and see what is out there.

A piece of advice…

If you are going through the same dilemma, Roberta suggests you write down the pros and cons of the situation, reflect wisely, and plan ahead. “Be realistic. I did not leave Uni and expected everything to be presented to me on a silver platter, you must work on your dreams.” Surround yourself with people that inspire you and support you, get ready to chase your goal!

The post Switching school notes to music notes: Roberta’s love for music | ATG appeared first on The Third Eye.

Who are the Stitch Sisters?

Maria and Martina are the two sisters behind the brand. Growing up in a family where everyone sews their own clothes and knits their owns scarves and jumper. It was almost second-nature to them to follow in their footsteps.

The more we grow up, the more distant we sometimes tend to get from our family. Starting this brand helped both sisters to reconnect. “Stitch sisters not only gave us the opportunity to spend more time together but also gave us the opportunity to keep our family heritage alive,” Martina and Maria said.

Where it all started…

Stitch Sisters was launched at the beginning of September. Their first products being velvet scrunchies that go by the name Scarlett, Celia, and Esme. Naming their scrunchies is an iconic feature in Stitch Sisters’ products, and weirdly enough, the names fit the scrunchies perfectly.

What are they up to currently?

Stitch Sisters are continuously producing different designs for their scrunchies. Their recent collection is “THE VELVET SISTERS” featuring four different kinds of scrunchies; Ursula, Bianca, Isla, and Amber – all beautiful autumn colours.

During the month of October, they launched a campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness where 50% of all products will be donated to the Malta Community Chest Fund. Not only will you be buying a cute accessory and helping a local business, but you will also be doing a good deed to those in need (that rhymed).

What are they planning for the future?

The brand revolves around the empowerment of women and serves to brace sisterhood.

Martina and Maria look forward to working with different people and companies, getting to know people’s stories, and eventually, seeing their small local business grow into something bigger.

Thus far, the two sisters are focusing on making scrunches – a cute hair tie but an even cuter accessory! That being said, they are already looking into expanding their product line to bigger and better things, catering to all kinds of aesthetics while still remaining authentic.

They both strive for perfection in their work and their love for their work shines with every scrunchie they make, from the fabric to choosing a name for them.

What are you waiting for?  Head over to their Instagram page and witness the delicate and beautiful handcrafted scrunchies these sisters are producing!

The post Behind the Scrunchie | All About Stitch Sisters appeared first on The Third Eye.

On the other hand, others may take this as an opportunity to push themselves to do bigger things. Mattia is a 20-year-old art student pursuing his dream at the University of Arts London (UAL), after not having enough points to apply to the University of Malta.

Studying abroad was always on Mattia’s bucket list, however, he never expected it to be so soon and sudden. His journey all started after failing his maths A-Level exam during his first year at Junior College. He then dropped it and switched gears completely by choosing Art instead. “I focused mainly on my Art A-Level, completely abandoning my other subjects just to get an A,” Mattia said. Most Universities abroad required a B or better grade in Art, and so he made it a point to get it. However, that did not go as planned.

Mattia got very low grades, and due to the resit system here in Malta, he was only able to retake one A-Level, which further slowed down his process of getting into University. Failing again, Mattia saw this as a wake-up call to do something about it. “In a way failing my A-Levels made me strive for excellent marks abroad so I can prove myself regardless of previous results,” Mattia said.

After going through countless different universities and getting advice from professionals in the field, Mattia randomly stumbled upon a foundation course through an Instagram Ad. He was instantly intrigued. “I checked their website out – they seemed cool. So, I applied for the position, got an interview, flew to London for the interview, fell in love with the school instantly, and got accepted,” Mattia said. And that is how his journey in the United Kingdom all came about.

The year was one for the books. There was a lot of personal growth. Not only did Mattia grow as an artist, but the experience also made him “mature emotionally” as he proudly put it. The foundation course is normally seen as unimportant; just another step to take before starting University. However, Mattia completely disagrees. “The foundation course was amazing,” he said, “the best thing I have ever done in my life – the teachers were amazing, the classmates were amazing and I have met some of my best friends there as well.” Mattia managed to get a distinction and was also accepted into the University of Arts London, and Goldsmiths which boasts a low acceptance rate of below 10%!

The art field here in Malta is often looked down upon. Even the way examinations and assignments are handled is quite archaic as Mattia describes it. Students are required to submit between 10 to 20 artworks, a sketchbook which requires a lot of work, a personal project that you do throughout the two years at Junior College and, to top it all off, MATSEC sends you a project title that you need to finalise in 5 weeks. Aside from that, you will also be sitting for 3 exams. There is a lot of pressure on quantity rather than quality when it comes to these assessments. This takes away from the expressive and personal experience that art should be.

Whereas the art scene in Malta may come across as rigid and proper, Mattia simply describes his own style as dumb. “The dumber, the funnier, the better,” he said. Humour plays a huge part in his art and in fact, his favourite art piece is the perfect example of this. “The Shitty Lamp” is a piece that Mattia worked on this year. It is a huge headpiece made out of toilet paper and the aim of this project was to shift elements of an object; if it is smooth, make it rough, if it is hard, make it soft, and if it is big, make it small. The initial idea was to have an installation where the audience would flip the switch and the lamp wouldn’t turn on. On top of it, burnt toilet paper would have been stuck to it and hence the name “Shitty Lamp” came about (for the sake of the double meaning).

The installation was never finished and the lamp was never used. So, Mattia decided to go for a more current and potentially relatable piece. He made a spherical headpiece out of toilet paper and stuck it on his friend’s head. It has since become one of his strongest pieces ever. The piece was especially relevant because it was created at the peak of quarantine when the craze about hoarding toilet paper had gone viral. This is the beauty of art according to Mattia; that you can create a work of art from anything (even toilet paper) and have it resonate with many different people for different reasons.

Toilet paper is one of Mattia’s favourite media since it is easy to work with, but also very dumb. Aside from the toilet paper headpiece, Mattia also made a Toilet Paper dress which is his “pride and joy”. There is no explanation to why he likes it so much, he just does.

Back in November 2017, Mattia bought his first camera and he has been using it ever since. “Once I bought my camera, I knew exactly that I wanted to shoot portraits. Granted, the first images were bad,” Mattia admitted. As with anything, it was only a matter of time, practice and experimentation until he slowly started realising his true photography style, which is that of surrealism and fantasy. His latest shoot was called “Reincarnation of Death”, arguably a complete 180 from the first shoot he had done, from the preparation to the actual result. Mattia now also confidently uses props and makeup in his shoots, something he had not previously been familiar with.

The difference he saw in himself as a photographer and as an artist is that he is now more confident behind the camera. It is not just the model that needs to radiate confidence. The photographer needs to be able to take charge of the set by directing the actors properly so that their image can come to fruition in the shoot.

Being able to create an art piece is one thing, but being able to showcase it to an audience is another. Mattia posts all his work through his Instagram page – varying from illustrations, photoshoots, to other current projects. “Photography was mainly my art medium but now it is for communication rather than the element of art,” Mattia said.

After a short break here in Malta for the summer, Mattia is now back in London working on his Bachelor’s Degree. He plans on finishing his B.A, eventually getting his Masters and then continuing to work in the field. He hopes that one day he can return to Malta and help aspiring artists who may be disheartened or confused as he had been. “I want to help young artists as much as possible – opening up spaces for exhibitions, studios, and teaching new techniques that do not exist here.”

The post Crafting passions into work: Mattia’s artistic success | ATG appeared first on The Third Eye.

There is so much more to University than assignments and presentations; it is an experience like no other; a chance to make life-long friends, find your clique, and discover yourself.

Finding people with common interests is already challenging but do not let virtual lectures discourage you from getting to know others! Considering you have already started reading this, it means you are curious, maybe even a little nervous, about how to connect with others through a virtual setting.

This is why we are here writing this article, providing you with tips and tricks to make the most out of your University experience!

Now, enough with the chit-chat, let’s get on with it!

Join a student organisation

I mean, of course, I am going to recommend to join a student organisation. It is only natural for me to put this as a top priority when it comes to making friends.

There are various active student organisations that you can join and be part of, either on their executive team or sub-committee team. In case you are not familiar with the organisations, I suggest you click here for the full list!

Not only will you be gaining experience for your future career and getting a taste of how an organisation works, but you will also be getting to know different individuals from different backgrounds.

Speaking from experience, a student organisation did not only help me with my current course and future career, but I also got to meet a very lovely bunch!

Don’t be afraid of group projects!

Everyone’s worst nightmare; group projects. But I swear, they are not as bad as you may think. Sure it is scary, getting grouped up with someone you may not know but that is how friendships blossom. Every friend you made up to this point, were all complete strangers until one of you initiated a conversation.

A group project does not only teach you how to work within a team but you get to know other individuals within the same course as you. Since they are already in your course, you already have one interest in common – see, that was easy!

Some group projects will be virtual and that is totally fine! They can still be fun and they can still work. ‘Group projects’ doesn’t mean constantly talking and working on your assignment. Set up virtual meetings and make sure to break the ice between you all, a simple “How was your day?” or “Everyone good with their assignments?” works wonders.

Attend virtual events

Since physical events aren’t technically an option at this point, virtual will have to do. This does not make them any less interesting!

Student organisations are constantly working their butts off to host events for everyone to enjoy in this difficult time. Various virtual events are posted on Facebook so make sure to keep an eye out (we also post monthly articles filled with events happening that month!)

Considering they are open to everyone, those attending will probably have the same interests as you so make sure to participate.

Make the most of practicals (or physical lectures)

Even though the majority of the lectures are being held online, some courses are still offering a few physical lectures here and there. Take this as an opportunity to make friends! Due to COVID-19 regulations, groups tend to be smaller than usual as well so this makes it even easier for you to make new friends and integrate with everyone.

Host virtual course meetups

Usually, at the beginning of the first semester, a group chat or a Facebook group is created in order to do what we know best – complain! Complaining about your assignments, lectures, and lecturers, exams and the list goes on. You would be surprised how easily people bond by complaining.

Aside from complaining, you should also try creating a friendly environment within your course group by hosting events between you. Get to know who your student rep is and work together to come up with virtual meetups. Play apps together such as Houseparty or Cards Against Humanity or maybe host a Netflix party.

Obviously, everyone makes friends in their own way, and in their own time, these are simply just a stepping stone for anyone of you who may feel lost at such a strange period. That being said, welcome to Uni, and make sure to make the most out of it!

cover: source

The post Guide to Making Friends at Virtual Uni appeared first on The Third Eye.

The path to finding his dream career wasn’t an easy one, countless obstacles came in his way and it meant a variety of career changes. Francesco is a 20-year-old student pilot, with a side job in accounts, working his way up to become a commercial pilot.

During our teenage years, it is quite natural for one to yearn to experience something different than the usual routine and scenery. This is exactly what Francesco felt and so, after finishing secondary school, he was off to the “charismatically beautiful“, as he describes it, Bosnia Herzegovina for a two-year scholarship at the United World College (UWC)!

Francesco received numerous questions on why he decided to leave Malta at such a young age; “Is Malta not good enough?” “What would you do without your family?” but he never let such questions discourage him from doing what he wanted to do. All that said, Francesco still admitted that deep down, he knew how much he would miss his family. “Leaving the family, especially my twin sister, was not the easiest thing to do.” His sister was always his pillar of support, given that she is also a pilot herself, she served as an important role model in Francesco’s life when it came to changing careers.

When it came to moving abroad, Francesco chose to look at the bigger picture. He knew that this experience would not only give him a better education but also make him more of an independent person.

While the application process was quite plain-sailing (or should I say, plane-sailing), getting accepted was not. “It was a whole rollercoaster from the beginning,” Francesco said. He first had applied back in October 2015, and found out he got rejected almost four months later around February 2016. The school decided to give him a chance and urged him to fill in a more intensive process for a bigger pool of scholarships. He persevered and eventually got the call. He had gotten accepted.

Before he knew it, Francesco was enrolled in a two-year course about politics and economics in Bosnia-Herzegovina at 15 years old. The experience was a whirlwind of new experiences, from meeting new people, to new cultures and new areas of interest. His view of the world started expanding as he continued to explore opportunities and areas he might want to pursue. Graduated, and two years older, Francesco was on a flight back to Malta, deep in thought about what the future held for him.

It took Francesco, two years in another country studying politics and economics to realise that that was not the career path for him. So, as soon as he was back in Malta he jumped head-first into the accounting industry. Accounting was a subject he had wanted to pursue back in secondary school. However, since UWC did not offer the subject, politics and economics seemed like the second best thing for a while. After 18 months of working and studying in the accounting industry, Francesco realised that even this path has started to lose its spark since secondary school. “I love school and I love studying, so how is this making me not want to study?” This was the turning point for him.

At this point, one may feel lost and disheartened. When teens his age were on the right path to their dream job, it felt as if he was falling behind. However, what mattered to Francesco was that he comes to terms with what he really wants to do with his life. So, he started looking back.

“I remembered that even when I was young, I used to look at this big machine magically flying and I thought that this is what I want to do in life,” Francesco said. His sister, sharing the same love for pilotry as him, encouraged him, even more, to pursue in his dream and he had her full support and guidance throughout this journey.

The job of a pilot is not just about flying beautiful planes and witnessing magical landscapes, a lot of responsibility comes with it. “I knew it was one of the riskiest jobs there is out there but the more challenging it was, the more I looked forward to pursuing in it,” Francesco said. Currently, Francesco is still a student pilot, accumulating his hours to hopefully do his private pilot exam which will then lead him to be a private pilot for light aircrafts. Afterward, he will go into studying commercial theory to upgrade his license.

Being a commercial pilot is a goal that Francesco looks forward to but his dreams go over and beyond that. What he looks forward to most is to having a life, doing what he always wanted to do. “Being happy with my career, being happy with my life, living the life the way I always wanted it, regardless of my career changes, regardless of the setbacks“.

Seeing your child going back and forth with his careers might be worrisome to some parents but Francesco is forever grateful for his mum that gave him full support on his dreams. “She was willing to change the way we do things just to see me happy,” Francesco said.

It became almost a taboo for one to change their course or their career, as if their life is on the line and we are wasting our time by switching things up. Francesco is a prime example that is never too late to change your career and how important it is to have big goals and take risks. Life has no specific timeline, no one is taking the same path and everyone has their own pace. When asked for advice, Francesco likes to live by this motto; “In four years time, you will still be four years older. So why not spend those years doing something that you love?”

The post Soaring through dreams: from accounting to aviation in 3 years | ATG appeared first on The Third Eye.

Samuel Sant is a recent graduate in Software Development and is currently working full-time as a Junior Stack Developer. Even though he works in the computing industry, his passions deviate completely from your cliché ‘computer geek’.  Sam is a 22-year-old pole dancer AND figure skater, seeking to defy the stigma that festers in our society.

Sam started pole dancing and ice skating around the same time. He was always up for the challenge and sought to pursue these paths despite the challenges that came his way. He was always up for experimentation and “the curiosity to try something new” pushed him to try all kinds of genres, ranging from hip-hop to salsa. Sam was introduced to pole dancing back in 2018 after his friend suggested trying out a lesson. And with that, he walked into the world of pole dancing and quickly turned it into one of his passions. Even though his friend stopped at the very beginning, he kept going. “I started doing advanced moves at an earlier stage,” Sam said, “my instructor was always so encouraging so I was motivated to continue.” With each lesson and with each bruise, his strength and technique started building up and he did not just improve physically but also mentally. Like every other sport, pole dancing served as an escape from the daily hassle for Sam.

It comes as no surprise that the most common question pole dancers receive is the typical; “Are you a stripper?” Pole fitness goes beyond what we typically think of when we say pole dancing. Pole fitness is a combination of acrobatics and gymnastics whereas the term ‘pole-dancing’ is usually associated with nightclubs and has sexual undertones. Due to the stigma that revolves around pole dancing, not everyone tends to be supportive of his passion as they get the wrong idea. “My friends were always so supportive; however, my parents were a bit skeptical about it,” Sam said. However, after showing them countless videos and photos of him practicing such beautiful art, they were fascinated by what he is capable of doing. In fact, Sam now owns his own pole in his room that his parents helped him to set up.

Last year Sam had the opportunity to perform for the very first time in front of an audience. He stated that this is by far the best experience he had as a pole dancer. It was a Halloween themed show that takes place annually. The performers had to pick a good song choice and come up with their own choreography, making it as sinister as possible. Sam put his own little twist to it and decided to go with “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston but in a minor key, making it darker and suitable for Halloween.  This song choice was very sentimental to Sam as it helped him reflect on certain events that were happening currently in his life and wanted to tell his story through dance; “at the time, this song resonated with my emotions very much.” Using a song that the audience was already familiar with made it easier for them to understand the message he was putting across. Being his first time performing, nervousness started kicking in but as soon as he got on stage, “(he) just went with it and started having fun”. Sam describes the production process as a “stressful but fun period” because aside from facing his fear of performing, he also made new friends and learnt a lot on how to perform on the pole.

Societal norms stilted Sam’s pole passions, however with regards to ice skating it was the blatant reality of island life that came in his way. Ice skating was always a sport that Sam adored, but due to the limitations in Malta, he never really considered it to become one of his passions. It started off by just going to the tiny ice rink that was situated at BayStreet to an actual ice rink in the Lee Valley Ice Centre in Essex. His cousin was his main source of inspiration. After leaving Malta to pursue her dream of becoming a successful singer in London, she encouraged Sam to take the leap and chase his own dreams.

The journey to London was quite a bumpy ride, metaphorically speaking that is.  Ice-skating is a sport that is taken very seriously abroad, arguably to the same degree that local football is treated. Sam started messaging all kinds of coaches for prices and lessons until he found the perfect one, Vicky, whom he describes her as a “literal angel”. After weeks of planning and working three jobs to pay for expenses the ice rink closed up for refurbishment. Sam had to reschedule everything in a matter of weeks. His coach was of big help to him. They never even met, but she was helpful from the very start. She helped him find another apartment close to another ice-rink and made sure that his stay was a pleasant one. After a lot of research and planning, Sam was off to London for a 3-month ice-skating experience in Essex.

Even though Sam received a very warm welcome from his coach, London was not very welcoming to him. Countless casualties started to arise on the first day of arrival and the worst one of them all; a shredded credit card; “I started regretting everything on the first day.” Luckily, Vicky was always so helpful and offered great hospitality throughout the entire journey. Bit by bit, he started finding his feet and his crowd. He met Vicky’s sisters and other skaters who he discovered were as passionate as he was.

Sam also had the opportunity to coach other students. “I was still a level 1 ice-skater but my coach gave me the opportunity to help her teach her students”. Every Tuesday was ‘Tuesdays with Vicky’s’ where they used to have an early morning patch. A patch is where professionals can practice with coaches without having the public present on the rink. With every ‘patch’ their relationship deepened from one between coach and student to a genuine friendship. In fact, Sam was also the witness for Vicky’s wedding a year later.

The public is definitely not educated enough on the idea of both of these sports, especially when it comes to pole-dancing; “We are sexualised a lot when we say we pole dance and it differs whether you are a male or a female doing it.” Females are generally associated with strippers and males receive homophobic statements. Aside from the stigma that comes with Sam’s passions, there are a lot of limitations when it comes to pursuing any of these two passions here in Malta.

Opening and running a pole fitness studio is a possibility in Malta, however, it is not something that interests Sam. He yearns to pursue a career in ice-skating but he knows it is near impossible to do so. It requires a lot of money, a lot of training, and most of all, not living in Malta. For now, Sam has to fall back on his programming skills and keep his desk job. He’ll have to shelf his ice-skating career for the time being but he would love to go back to London to practice it again. “If there was a possibility of a career, I would definitely take an ice rink over an office.”

The post Spinning around the stigma: male pole dancing & figure skating | ATG appeared first on The Third Eye.

Quarantine Traveller’s Hunt

Treasure hunt but make it virtual. After their successful quarantine scavenger hunt organised in May, IAESTE are back better than ever – and they are also going international with this one! New tasks and bigger prizes. For any returning participants, the fee is that of €2.00 whereas for the new participants the fee is of €2.50. Head over to their event page to sign up!

• Date: 10th September
• Time: 18:30 – 21:30
• Place: Online

Level up with MHSA

This Tuesday is World Physiotherapy Day and MHSA are celebrating with a free workout session at Ta’ Qali Adventure Park on Saturday. Get your trainers (and stamina!) ready for some intensive climbing. Apply now on their event page!

• Date: 12th September
• Time: 18:00 – 19:00
• Place: BOV Adventure Park, Ta’ Qali

GEAR UP | The Betapsi Car Treasure Hunt

Betapsi are organising their first-ever Car Treasure Hunt! Prizes for the winner are still being announced on their event page. Rev your engines and get ready to go round the island for tasks and challenges. Make sure to sign up through their application form by the 12TH OF SEPTEMBER.

• Date: 20th September
• Time: 18:00 – 22:00
• Place: All around the island

Covid vs The Courts of Malta

ELSA Malta are introducing their first episode from their Webinar Series called COVID-19 vs Law where we get an insight into the procedural hurdles faced by litigation lawyers. Different speakers will be present in order to provide a different point of view.

• Date: 9th September
• Time: 11:00 – 12:00
• Place: Zoom (Live-streamed on Facebook)

The Next Level: Law

Transitioning from post-secondary to University is both exciting and scary. Considering the Law course is a 5 year long course, it is important to make the most out of your experience. ELSA Malta are organising a Zoom call where they will be providing you all the tips and tricks to get the most out of your University experience.

• Date: 24th September
• Time: 18:00 – 20:00
• Place: Zoom

Choosing Law: A JCA Freshers’ Induction

If you cannot attend Freshers’, bring Freshers’ to you. JCA are here to provide you with an induction; walking you through the main aspects of the course, giving you the necessary tips on how to adapt to online lectures and the best ways to settle into University life. All of this at the comfort of your own home! 

• Date: 30th September
• Time: 17:00 – 19:00
• Place: Zoom

Culture On Campus: Mural Competition

‘Culture on Campus’ is the new project that KSU is working on; with the aim to promote the Arts at the University. Their first event will be a ‘Mural Competition’ where students are encouraged to come up and showcase a concept for a mural themed ‘120 years of Student Activism’.

• Date: 21st September
• Time: 12:00 – 15:00
• Place: Quadrangle

Organisations Workshop 2: Fundraising & Presenting Accounts

This one is for student organisations. KSU is committed to aiding student organisations in any way they can. This workshop will focus on fundraising and presenting financial accounts. Guest speakers will be present as well and this will be held online.

• Date: 23rd September
• Time: 18:00 – 20:00
• Place: Zoom

The KSU Drive-In Cinema

One of the most awaited events by KSU is the annual Drive-In Cinema and this will be their BIGGEST yet! Refreshments will be available prevent you from getting hangry. Tickets are selling at €7.50 each and 80% of them are already sold out – so make sure to get your ticket ASAP! Do not forget to head over to their event page to vote for the movie of your choice.

• Date: 25th September
• Time: 20:00 – 00:30
• Place: University of Malta Sports Ground

Free Virtual Tour: Glimpse of China

Although some of us are still hesitant on travelling, no one is stopping us from travelling virtually. Li Jun is giving a unique tour through Beijing and the Great Wall, all from the comfort of your own home, giving you a taste of Chinese culture. Register now on their event page!

• Date: 23rd September
• Time: 19:00
• Place: Online

Malta International Airshow 2020

An event which is awaited by all. Head over to their event page for the full schedule.

• Date: 26th and 27th September
• Time: 9:00 – 20:00
• Place: Malta International Airport

The Cinema Bar by Citylights – Movie Schedule

And if you are craving for a movie night with some craft beers and cocktails – Citylights is the perfect place for you. Here is the schedule of all the movies being shown this month.

• 8th September – Zodiac (2007) at 20:30
• 9th September – The Favourite (2018) at 20:30
• 10th September – Hustlers (2019) at 18:00
• 10th September – Under the Silver Lake (2018) at 20:30
• 11th September – The Great Beauty (2013) at 21:00
• 12th September – Bicycle Thieves (1948) at 21:00
• 12th September – The Greatest Showman (2017) at 21:00
• 19th September – Knives Out (2019) at 18:00
• 19th September – Scarface (1983) at 21:00
• 22nd September – The Wrestler (2008) at 20:30
• 23rd September – Bronson (2008) at 20:30
• 24th September – Downton Abbey (2019) at 18:00
• 26th September – Legend (2015) at 21:00
• 29th September – Endless Poetry (2016) at 20:30

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