The Banyan tree can reach heights of over 30 metres. But a single tree can also cover over 1 km² of land. It starts with a single trunk and grows laterally deploying aerial roots that essentially become trunks, supporting the tree as it spreads wider and wider. The Banyan tree is a symbol of longevity….Continue Reading Embracing the Paradox of Life
“Accept all that is happening around you… Accept the sounds and the movement of India” Gilles Chuyen (our Bollywood dance instructor) There were so many things that had me excited about coming to India – the people, the culture, the food, the architecture, the music, the traffic, the spirituality, the diversity. But perhaps highest among…Continue Reading Learning the Secrets of Life in Bollywood Dance Class
The Indian entrepreneurial mindset exemplifies many ideal traits in successful innovators. It has also been interesting to reflect upon the similarities and differences between New Zealand and Indian entrepreneurs….Continue Reading South Indian Start-Ups: A Masterclass in the Entrepreneurial Mindset
Embarking on my journey to India through the Prime Minister’s Scholarship has proven to be a rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs. From language barriers to divergent viewpoints, every obstacle has become a stepping stone towards personal growth and a deeper understanding of India and me. In this post, I want to share my struggles with…Continue Reading From Struggles to Strength: Exploring Community Spirit
What makes a great school? It is a question we devote books, league tables, open nights, and many hours reading the advice of so-called “educational gurus” to in the quest to definitively answer. Some argue that a great school is defined by how much it invests into quality infrastructure and amenities. Others argue for the…Continue Reading What Makes a Great School?
24th June 2023. I find myself seated at the gate, moments away from boarding my flight to Chile. It’s the final leg of a gruelling fifteen-hour journey back to Auckland. Earlier in February, my partner and I embarked on a 360 international exchange, venturing to São Paulo to study Brazilian Portuguese at the esteemed Fundação…Continue Reading Between Worlds: Reflections of an Exchange Student in Brazil
It was really a privilege to interact with the indigenous communities. We have been generously welcomed by the native Guarani people of Boa Vista, Tekoa Kalipety, and Tekoa Yvy Para-Jaragua. The children and teenagers from their neighbourhoods sang traditional songs to welcome us at each of their doorsteps. What an honour it was to be…Continue Reading “It is a double-edged sword between government desires and what your community needs”
Welcome to my first blog during my exchange at Brazil! I’m studying a Commerce and Global Studies conjoint back at UoA. Currently, I’m doing an exchange in São Paulo, at my host university of FAAP (pronounced faapi). This video details my thoughts and experiences so far. Make sure to relax and enjoy 🙂…Continue Reading What I’ve learned 2 weeks-in Brazil
