Name: Sandra LubaStatus: Former Namasagali College Student
Residence: California, USA
If there was a way I could sum up the entire NOSA 07 event in a single phrase; here is how I would start... Wow, Awesome, Fantastic, Magnificent etc….I could go on and on
Coming from the organizing Committee, I didn’t know what to expect until I got to ground zero in Boston. My fears were erased when I was met at Logan Airport by Moses Talyowe (former classmate).
After resting up and catching with the rest of my Classmates, we proceeded to the Marriott Hotel. Yet Again I was blown away by the Hotel and its location. It was very pristine; and the service was fantastic.
I was pleasantly surprised when I found Justine and Stephen manning the Registration Desk. I had not seen Justine since 1987. Between the hugs and high fives, I was trying not to get too emotional.
Now Fast Forward to the Marriot Courtyard. I got a call from Andrew Odeke telling me that Moses was hosting dinner and food was running out. I rushed to partake in the blessed event only to have my cover blown by Jackie Lule who alerted Father I was in the area. I was surprised that he still remembered me after 18 years. I was even more surprised when some of the younger NOSA members came up to me and greeted me. It was a humbling experience. I tried so hard not to embarrass my self because I couldn’t remember their names.
Later that Friday evening we met up at the Vintage Lounge . The mood was festive because this is where most of us got to see in each other first time in years. I got to meet Paul Olwenyi for the first time in 20 years. The Food & DJ were great. My only disappointment was that many people chose to stay outside by the Bar Area instead of coming to mingle.
I think the High Light of the Night was when the NOSA Canadians walked in. They told us they had driven for days to get to the USA. That compounded with Our friends who had flown in from Europe couldn’t have summed up the Night any better. Sadly we got kicked out at 2PM. Every one was disappointed because they wanted more.
Saturday Morning was kicked off by Mass. Father said his deepest regret was that he never got his students to take God seriously. He prayed for the Departed. He blessed the young children and believe it or not he even prayed for the students he had seen at the Vintage Lounge the Night before but chose to skip mass.
Conference was just like any other Sunday Conference. It was Kicked off with the School Anthem and 2 Poems. “Innocence Lost” by Richard Wahkweya got a Standing Ovation. Later Father addressed us. He started off with a Joke like he always did during Sunday Morning. Something he said resonated with me. He said “I always tried my best because I thought I was doing what was best for you”. Looking back; I know he was right.
The Hillie Billie brought out memories of the Sunday Night Concerts with Belton Mubiru performing 'Ogumbendto' and Hillie Party for us. I was extremely proud of the dancers. They made Ladies like us look good.
The Grand Affair was the Reunion High Light Event. NOSAs and well wishers mingled and had great time. We got out kicked at 2PM again. By then I was too exhausted and I had to fly back to Los Angeles the next day. Then it was over for me.
Lessons learned.
Mass should be scheduled for afternoon hours to enable event attendees to wear off the exhaustion.
For future NOSA events, Father’s Address should be the Key Note Speech. Perhaps have Dinner included. I think this would be a better forum for him.
The Memorial Moment was very emotional, only draw back was that the slide show was very fast. We didn’t get the time to read all the names.
Finally I was disappointed with the Degree of Empathy shown by Older NOSA generation.
I am optimist that NOSA 07 has laid a foundation. My hope is that we can keep this team spirit going to the point where NOSA will became self sustaining. I have no doubt that everyone will come on Board once they see the results yielded.
When is the Next one?????
Long Live NOSA (Lets Strive Regardless)
