Overall, the experience was amazing. The experience helped us to see other cultures and the way they live we can only learn from what we are exposed to and so this experience has showed us how other youth live and work in their world and it is very different. Some of the new perspectives I have gained include: whatever I put my mind to, I can achieve. I went into this experience with half an idea and the solution to my problem literally changed daily where I tried to adapt it to something that was feasible. It went down to the wire where on the last day one of the final speakers gave me inspiration. My intention was to bring awareness to Pacific health on a global stage. Being the David in the world of Goliath at times, where Pasifika people are only a small proportion on a global scale, it was important for me to show that Pasifika, although small, does not mean we are insignificant, we can punch above our weight when it comes to moving the needle to improve health equity for our indigenous communities.
What skills do you think this experience helped you gain, and how so? How might this differ from the experience you could otherwise gain in New Zealand?
It helped me develop my presentation skills for pitching – very different from presentation style during conferences. I also grew in cultural appreciation for South East Asia; it is very different from China, where I pitched in 2018. It feels more like home, very close to Pacific culture and climate. It is a place I could see myself visiting again.
You rated this experience as one you were “highly likely to recommend” to a friend. What gives you the confidence to do so?
It is a good experience to learn about real world issues from other students, but also to learn more about yourself and your own abilities and strengthen your problem solving skills. This is an opportunity of a lifetime. Always do what is going to be best for you in the long run, but do not take away from the experience of others who are on the trip too. Support your cohort. Believe in your idea, if you don’t, no one else will. GOOD LUCK.
