Even though people in New Zealand speak English, I still can learn about their customs and traditions as well as their indigenous people, the Māori. From history lessons in school, my teachers didn't talk about the Pacific Islanders. However, I was always curious about the seemingly remote corner of the world that contains New Zealand. The photos online are always breathtakingly beautiful. New Zealand is also one of the safest countries in the world, with seven times more sheep than people!
My academic purpose of studying abroad is to learn about New Zealand and to gain new learning experiences. In university in San Diego, I study mathematics and cognitive science, the study of the mind and its functions. I am interested in how math is used and represented in daily life and how the mind works. I am taking three classes at the Victoria University of Wellington: the Peopling of Polynesia, Sample Surveys, and research studies. In my course about Polynesia, I am learning about the history and customs of Polynesians. My final project will involve making a fishnet out of Harakeke, or flax. For my research, I will be working on a virtual reality project trying to understand how people process fear. I am excited to learn from professors in New Zealand!
in addition to learning, my goal here is to explore as much of the country as I can. I want to visit volcanoes, see the Southern lights and spot dolphins. During my second week in New Zealand, I visited Lake Taupo, which is about a six hour bus ride north. I took a photo of myself with a sheep and witnessed some amazing geothermal events at Craters of the Moon. I also have been taking day trips to explore different parts of the capital Wellington.
