During my study abroad experience, I want to do more than just travel to a cool new place. I want to become a part of one. I chose the University of Otago mainly due to the location, home to a variety of mountain ranges, glaciers, and tons of national parks. I am excited for the amazing nearby hiking and the wildlife in New Zealand. My personal travels have brought me trekking in Peru, hiking in Yosemite National Park, and sand surfing through the Negev Desert in Israel. But those experiences only warmed me up for what is to come.
Growing up in Miami, I am used to going to the beach. But I have always wished to get more time in the mountains. I go to Northwestern University in Chicago. On my beautiful campus, I spend much time on Lake Michigan going on long walks and bike rides. But in the wintertime, it is harder to get outside with temperatures dipping below 0 Fahrenheit.
As an environmental engineering major, University of Otago offers me a unique opportunity to take classes intertwined with field work and case studies in the natural setting. This will inspire me further as an environmental engineer by showing my how people prioritize and conserve natural resources.
I am already a Kiwi Ambassador – there are at least 10 people I know who will be visiting me in New Zealand. I love to write and will be taking my GoPro to document all of my amazing travels. At Northwestern, I participate in many outdoor and environmental clubs. My Miami friends are also avid outdoors people. We are constantly going swimming, diving, biking or kayaking. Through my blog I will inspire others to experience New Zealand.
During my time in New Zealand I plan to fully take advantage of the outdoor and adventurer lifestyle. At school, I enjoy kayaking and rock-climbing with friends. Over breaks, I go scuba diving and snow skiing. For my 18th birthday, I went skydiving to take my adventuring out into the high skies. Bunge jumping in New Zealand will be my next extreme adventure!
But what will make New Zealand the most special is the people. One my closest friends is a Kiwi and she always tell me about its friendly vibe. I enjoy exploring local markets and restaurants. I look forward to living not only with other international students but with Kiwis. Having a local, friendly energy is important to me. I frequently attend music festivals and what I love most is the easy friendship and banter among strangers. In New Zealand I know I will make many lifelong friends.
The New Zealand travel scholarship will be appreciated. Flying from the U.S. to Dunedin is extremely expensive. It will result in me having fewer resources to spend on adventures. The scholarship will allow me experience New Zealand at its max and explore the entire country.
Hannah takes on New Zealand 