I am especially grateful to the Fulbright program for making this particular experience of moving to New Zealand possible.
One of my favorite parts of living here has been just how easy it is to get outside and do a number of activities. Whether it’s going for runs along the harbor, hiking along the coast, swimming at the beach or just getting out for a walk, being active outside is a normal part of everyday life. There are so many interesting natural features and places here that I feel very encouraged to go outside and explore. This has been a really exciting change, as in my life in the US I tend to be far from mountains or the beach and my runs are usually through more urban areas. Being surrounded by mountains, water and open space makes it much easier to choose to be outside, and that’s something I’ve really appreciated.
I still have a bit more time left in New Zealand, and I am excited to share one more session with you where I will talk about my research, including what it's like to go out on a research ship to study faults and earthquakes. While I was in school, I spent many years learning science in a classroom, but it has been so cool to put some of these lessons to use in the pursuit of answering my own research questions. I feel like I am starting to finally put some of my skills into practice!
Overall, the experience of moving to New Zealand has been wonderful, mainly because it has allowed me to keep pursuing science while also stepping outside the world I knew well back in the US. Moving to a new place meant finding new routines, making friends and figuring out how to stay in touch with family and friends despite a 17-hour time difference.
