A World Apart

Over the last 20 months in Australia we have faced lockdowns, international and state border closures, restricted gatherings, businesses adapting, parents juggling work from home, students tackling remote learning and teachers pivoting between remote and classroom teaching.  

The OGA reached out to a few of our alumni who are living overseas and asked them about their experiences during the pandemic.  We learnt that although each country tackled COVID-19 in very different ways, our alumni shared the common thread of facing this hardship head-on and continuing to strive toward their goals.

This is what they had to say....

Justin Cartwright (Millward, 2001)

Belfast, Northern Island

Occupation: Director at Chartered Institute of Housing

Qualification: Bachelor of Applied Science (Applied Physics) (Hons)

How did you end up living where you are?

My wife is from Belfast and we moved here over ten years ago after marrying in Melbourne. Moving to a new country takes some adjustment and it was no different here, but it has been a rewarding experience. It is a very scenic place to live.

How has the pandemic had an impact on your work? And what did you need to do to adapt?

The biggest change has been the work from home directive. We had introduced hybrid and remote working options just before the pandemic hit, so we were fortunate to have the necessary processes and infrastructure in place to make the switch to full home working quickly. For the most part, it has been positive and productivity has increased, though I am looking forward to more face to face work.

What are the challenges of living in Belfast during the pandemic?

The UK home nations were too slow to lock down at the beginning and missed an opportunity to better contain the virus. The country was in some form of lockdown for over six months, which was difficult at times. However, the vaccine programme was very successful and rolled out at speed early on.

What are the advantages of living in Belfast?

I live near some greenways which provided welcome respite from lockdown. Wildlife and wildflowers were a natural remedy to being cooped up indoors. I probably exercised more over the past 18 months than I have done for a while.

What keeps you inspired?

Big shoulder pads and synth-pop. Working from home means you can choose the playlist, and I found a rekindled love for 80s music. I wouldn't be forgiven for unleashing synthesisers on my office colleagues.

What important issue or life lesson has the pandemic highlighted for you?

To keep a better work-life balance. Working from home more can mean you spend your travelling time on more productive things. It frees up more time for home and family life.

Madeline Kilby (Aherne, 2006)

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Occupation: Talent Acquisition Coordinator at Netflix

Qualification: Bachelor of Communications (Media) RMIT University 

How did you end up living in Amsterdam?

During school I was fortunate enough to do the exchange with Girton's sister school, St Louis, in Dublin, followed by time living in Poland during my gap year, so I always knew I would end up back living in Europe eventually. I had always thought that would mean moving to London but as time went on I just knew London wasn't the place for me. Then a friend of a friend was telling me how they had lived in Amsterdam, and there were no issues with language barriers because everyone spoke perfect English, so suddenly I knew where I was going! I really love art, history, riding my bike and live music so all the pieces of the puzzle seemed to come together with this city. It also helped that one of my friends from school had decided to move here around a similar time by complete coincidence. 

How has the pandemic had an impact on your work? And what did you need to do to adapt?

Right before the pandemic hit I had just started a job that was 100% remote so in some ways it was an easier transition. A lot of companies in The Netherlands already allowed employees the option to work from home occasionally so I used to go to cafe's or friends houses to work a lot. I wasn't able to do that anymore but at least my company was already well equipped with the work from home tools. I also teach yoga and fitness and I was actually able to do that more than ever before when I was doing it from my living room! It made it a lot more accessible to me while working full time. A lot of new and great job opportunities, particularly in tech companies, have been available lately, so in the past few months, I have started a new job. The focus for the back end of 2021 is a return to the office and in-person meetings. Many people have not been to the office since March 2020 so it is definitely a major shift to re-think how we approach the home/office balance. It's such simple things such as how to dress, making small talk and even when to wake up in the morning, coupled with the complexities of rapid Covid tests, vaccination requirements, and even the priorities for meetings and how many people can attend in person. For me getting outside and learning when to switch off and not look at your computer were two important lessons. I cannot sit inside all day without some time outdoors and still keep sane! It's also hard when you are bored to keep yourself from checking emails just to fill some time.

What are the challenges of living in Amsterdam during the pandemic?

The Netherlands is a country roughly the size of Victoria with a population similar to Australia. The reality is, that during winter my local supermarket probably had more Corona cases a month than Australia had in 6 months. There wasn't really much time to panic about catching the virus, and many of my friends have had it without even realising. We still, even now, live in this weird hybrid version of things. Overnight they will mandate face masks and give us a curfew, but then not actively police these restrictions. It's actually incredibly hard to live this half-life wondering how long it will actually go on for. Sometimes things open up then shut down again within 2 weeks. It has seemed like we have had a lot of freedoms, and yes relatively speaking we have, but you always have to ask at what cost. Vaccinations have definitely made a difference, but I think it will be unlikely we see the last few restrictions lifted before Spring 2022.  The other challenging thing is that everyone kind of lives on top of each other in small apartments, and often you don't have any outside space. You really have to force yourself to walk down three flights of stairs to go for a walk around the block just to ensure you get some fresh air - there are no backyards to wander out into. 

 What are the advantages of living in The Netherlands? 

Cycling! All stereotypes about the Dutch and bikes are true. You can get on a bike, cycle 40 minutes, and be in a different town, if the weather allows. None of my friends live more than a 20 minute cycle away, many are even walking distance so it is easy to meet up with people. Amsterdam has a huge expat population and a bit of a village feel to it - the running joke is that all Australians know each other. Amsterdam is also just such a beautiful city, I never tire of it.The Dutch are an interesting bunch. Give them a rule that has been carved into stone and they uphold it to the nth degree - but getting these rules across the line is easier said than done, so often they are more just suggestions. Suggestions are not taken so seriously so this has allowed for a lot of freedoms. As I said maybe it isn't always a good thing, but there is certainly some plus sides to it as well. 

What keeps you inspired?

There are a lot of things that keep me inspired and I think they change all the time depending on what I am looking for. I find a lot of my colleagues very inspiring, and my work environment is really motivating. As a yoga teacher, I often find inspiration through yoga practice and meditation. I also have many friends who have created their own businesses, or even just taken a hobby to the next level which is always amazing to see. I am a huge cheerleader for my friends doing great things!

What important issue or life lesson has the pandemic highlighted for you? Time is one thing you can never get back. It has been over 2.5 years since I've seen my family, and you should never take for granted any opportunity you get to speak to, or see your loved ones. The cards you get dealt sadly aren't always within your control, but you can always control the way you respond to the situation. Finding a silver lining will get you a lot further than stewing on the negative for too long. I have also learned a lot about asking for, and receiving help. I'm always happy to help out my friends when they need it, but usually just try to do everything without asking for any help myself. I broke my arm last year, and for a while there I couldn't even shower without help. Without family there I had to rely on my friends a lot. When you surround yourself with good people, they will always be like a family. 

Thea McKenzie (Jenkin, 2008)

Versailles and Paris, France

Studying: Masters in Landscape Architecture at ENSP Versailles, France

I have just finished my Masters in Landscape Architecture at ENSP Versailles, France. 

I have been living in France for 4 years now both in Versailles during my studies and in Paris with a French family as an au pair for one year. 

I originally came to France as an exchange student from RMIT during my Bachelor of Landscape Architecture. I enjoyed it so much I decided to stay and apply for the Master’s program at ENSP. I took a year off after I finished my Bachelor, during which I prepared for the application, taking French classes in Paris while living as an au pair with a French family, looking after two French children and teaching them English. After achieving a B2 level French and preparing a portfolio and an interview in French I was accepted at ENSP Versailles. 

It was during the second semester of my first year of Masters that the global virus crisis disrupted all our classes. In March 2020 everything closed including my school. I was lucky to have the opportunity to stay with my partner and his family in their home in the French Alps, near Grenoble. 

I left Versailles just in time with only a small suitcase, before all public transport was stopped and the whole of France was plunged into confinement, thinking it was just for two weeks. Two weeks ended up being 2 months of strict confinement with the police patrolling the roads and fining anyone who didn’t have a justification letter or were more than 1km from the house. At this point, I was very grateful for being invited to stay in the countryside rather than staying confined in my small apartment in Versailles. With the forest just behind the house, we were able to sneak out for walks without being stopped by the police.

Once the confinement was declared over, the school did not reopen, so I finished my first year of Masters at a distance. My internship, planned for June and July, in an agency in the Reunion islands was cancelled as overseas travel was impossible, so I ended up staying in the French alps until the school reopened in September for the beginning of my second year of Master’s. 

It wasn’t until the end of October that France declared another confinement although this time, less strict, with primary schools still open and people allowed to go to work.   

I, unfortunately, contracted COVID-19 at this time and was confined for two weeks before being allowed to return to school, which had remained open under restricted conditions for studio work only. Two weeks later I was re-confined to my apartment for another week due to severe chilblains all over my feet, a secondary effect of the COVID, making it impossible to walk. Over the next 6 months France announced many restrictions and curfews, however this time the school remained open and despite all the restrictions nothing much changed for me during my studies and I was able to complete my memoir in French and prepare my final presentation without too much hindrance. 

My experience as a Masters student during this difficult period, only enhanced my capacity for self-sufficiency, especially in terms of organizing my own time and research process, allowing a certain independence that I had not necessarily known before. During the many periods of restriction and confinements, I was, in fact,  glad to have my research project to occupy the many long days, especially when I was alone in my apartment in Versailles, giving me a sense of purpose, that I would not have had if I had been unemployed as a result of the epidemic. 

Now that I have finished my Master’s, my plan was to return to Australia with my partner, however, the epidemic has, in fact, completely changed or delayed my future plans. Australian borders remain closed to any foreigner, meaning my partner cannot return with me, despite his efforts to obtain a sponsored working visa. Knowing the difficulties for an Australian to return, including quarantine and limited/expensive planes, and no guarantee that I can return to France, I have decided to stay in France to work and apply for the Nationality, while my partner and I apply for the partner visa in Australia, so that one day we can return to Australia together to see my family. 

Lachlan Beever (Frew, 2016)

Buffalo, New York USA

Studying: Have completed a BA in Psychology at Canisius College and currently studying MBA in Global Supply Chain Management.

How did you end up living in the USA? 

I was studying at a nearby college (Medaille College) in 2018, my freshman year of college. My reason for being at that school was that I was on the soccer team. I had a successful season at Medaille and then was offered a better scholarship to go to Canisius College and play on their soccer team, which is a more prestigious school in Buffalo, New York. 

How has the pandemic had an impact on your study? And what did you need to do to adapt? 

The pandemic I felt actually gave me more flexibility with my study. Due to everything going online I was able to return home to Australia for 10 months during the brunt of Covid here in the US. I was able to stay completely on track with my studies which was great. 

What are the challenges of living in Buffalo, New York during the pandemic? 

I would say being away from friends and family at home are the biggest challenges during anytime away much less the pandemic. Furthermore, the inability to return home is a big challenge. I would normally go home for a few weeks or a month during breaks however, that has been put on hold. I am hoping to return home for Christmas but even that is still uncertain. 

What are the advantages of living where you are? 

The advantages were definitely the speed with which the new "Covid normal" came about. I was able to be fully vaccinated earlier than I would have been at home. I was also able to participate and play sports over here. Furthermore, we were not in as severe of a lockdown as at home which meant that I was able to return to the classroom and other things of that nature.  

What keeps you inspired? 

I have an ambition to live and work over here for a little while once I have completed my studies. Therefore, getting tickets like an MBA are all things that will be beneficial to this. I also have a good community that I am a part of over here and I think that helps as well. 

What important issue or life lesson has the pandemic highlighted for you? 

The biggest thing the pandemic has taught me is still to follow your heart and strive to achieve the goals you have set yourself. For a while, it was looking unlikely that I would ever return to the US. However, when you want something enough anything is possible and even though the US has been far worse off than Australia pandemic wise. I am in the right place to be doing what I want to do. 

Alexia Higgs (2000)

Foligno, Umbria, Italy

Occupation: Orchestra Manager of the European Union Youth Orchestra

Qualification: Bachelor of Music at the Conservatory of Music, University of Melbourne

How did you end up living in Italy?

In 2010 I left Australia to pursue professional aspirations in Europe, as well as wanting to travel and experience the European lifestyle. I arrived in Perugia, Italy to live there and work with the Canadian pianist Angela Hewitt who runs a festival there. On my second day I met an Italian man, Michele, who is now my husband. I did spend just under 6 years in London working at the Southbank Centre as Events Manager for Classical Music and then a Producer after the original 6 months in Italy, and in 2016 I returned to Italy to get married and start a life in Umbria.

How has the pandemic had an impact on your occupation? And what did you need to do to adapt? 

It has had an enormous impact on my work. As Orchestra Manager of the European Union Youth Orchestra, I oversee the selection process for the orchestra which usually involves auditions in 27 EU counties, as well as being heavily involved in a spring and summer tour and smaller projects each year. In 2020 we had to cancel both tours, create a digital residency for 150 young musicians, work with the conductors and soloists to keep them involved, and create a festival called the European Music Gallery Festival which was a festival of physically-distanced chamber and ensemble music, performed, streamed live or recorded, involving 282 EUYO members, alumni and guests from all 27 EU Member States & the UK. This meant that all members of the orchestra could be part of a performance in their own country, avoiding travel, and we had 20 concerts in 18 different countries.  We organised this in 2 months, as soon as the pandemic hit, so all our musicians would have something to be part of. We also had to run all auditions online. It ended up being a very busy year, and it required being positive, flexible, and determined to find ways to still create music and opportunities. I also was incredibly grateful that we were able to keep up activity, as most of the arts sector in the entire world stopped for 18 months, and I know many people who lost their jobs. 

What are the challenges of living in Italy during the pandemic?

Italy was the most badly hit country in the world by Covid-19 at the start of the pandemic, and the restrictions were incredibly strict. I have a 3-year-old son, he was 2 last year, and it was very challenging trying to manage a full-time job, with a baby boy at home, and it was not possible to leave the house without a valid reason for close to 4 months. If I went outside with Oliver in the pram to try and get him to have a nap in the afternoon, as this was the only way I could work, the police would follow us and we would have to return to the house. It was also difficult being very far from home, and Australia seemed even further away than normal.

What are the advantages of living in Foligno?

I live in a town that tried to stay positive, with a strong commitment to support local businesses, so as the restrictions started to lift, people tried to help each other and it also felt like a safe environment. For my work, we managed to have both a summer tour this year and a residency in September, which involved 3 orchestras of 70 musicians, and concerts in Austria, Italy and Germany. Italy has stayed on top of the vaccination process and has had reasonable travel restrictions for the last 6 months, so I was able to get vaccinated in June and July, and travel for my work relatively easily.

What keeps you inspired?

I love working with and creating opportunities for musicians, and being able to be part of special projects really motivates me. I love working with people, finding solutions, creating special moments and being able to hear incredible music in the worlds' leading concert halls, with the best conductors, keeps me inspired. I meet musicians from every single country in the EU, and it is a big musical family that is very special. 

What important issue or life lesson has the pandemic highlighted for you? 

You must prioritise what is important to you, and to your family. You must try and stay positive, even when things seem incredibly difficult and even if the future seems bleak. The human spirit is strong, and we will all get through this, but we must be kind to each other, and support each other. It has made me appreciate many things that I took for granted in the past, particularly in relation to travel, and being able to be close to family and friends. You never know what the future may bring, so make sure you make time for your loved ones.

Brigid Evans (Millward, 2008)

The Midlands, United Kingdom and Austria

Occupation/study/qualifications: PhD student at the University of Warwick’s Philosophy and PAIS (Politics and International Studies) Departments.

Where did you live during the Pandemic? 

The short answer is that I lived in the Midlands. The longer answer is that I was living in Coventry during the UK’s first lockdown, in a dark mould infested student share house. I fled into Austria with my Austrian partner Simon as soon as lockdown 1 lifted, and we lived in Linz then Vienna. Due to visa restrictions, I was forced to return to the UK, returning via 2 weeks in Germany to avoid quarantining in the UK. As we returned earlier than expected we didn’t have accommodation organised, so were stuck in a tiny studio apartment with a bathroom door that didn’t fully close, before then staying with a friend. With another lockdown pending, we managed to find a home in Kenilworth – a small village that could be mistaken for the set of Midsomer Murders and gifts residents free lifetime access to the castle. 

How did you end up living in England? 

I moved to the UK in 2018 to undertake a PhD at the University of Warwick. I had been sent by the University of Melbourne on a research visit to Warwick during my Master’s degree, so already knew the department and the supervisors I was set to work with well. 

How has the pandemic had an impact on your study? And what did you need to do to adapt? 

The first lockdown was especially difficult when it came to working. The university closed suddenly, so I couldn’t access anything that was left on my desk – including a half-drunk coffee that I had forgotten to rinse out (not a pleasant find when I was finally able to throw it out a year later). One of my supervisor’s had been set to relocate to Canada but fled much earlier than anticipated to avoid getting stuck in the UK – she didn’t even get a chance to pack up her house - her and her family simply grabbed a bag each and ran. I had several international conferences and workshops that were cancelled too, and it took months of campaigning for the university to finally agree to offer support and extensions.

Adapting meant first re-evaluating the purpose of my research. I had gone into the PhD with the goal of becoming an academic, but the pandemic showed me that this wasn’t the future that I wanted for myself. Without this drive, my work had come grinding to a halt. But I came out the other side of 2020 with a renewed passion and purpose to do research that mattered to me and that offered something useful to the world. I’m now writing on the rights to sex education for and about people with intellectual disabilities, my work is entirely remote now so no relying on physical university resources (or accidentally growing cities of mould in coffee cups left on my office desk).

What were the challenges of living in the UK during the pandemic? 

The isolation from family and friends was the toughest part. Most of my friends in the UK fled back to their home countries when the first whispers of lockdowns started. I still remember friends banging on our door to say a final goodbye before they drove to the ports at Hull to catch the last ferry back to Europe (flights were grounded at this point). A lot of tears were shed that day without anyone being able to offer each other a hug in comfort. 

I’m finally back in Australia now, but not knowing when I was going to be able to see my friends or family again had a significant impact on my mental health. My partner is still not able to enter Australia, so he’s never actually met my family. I’ve missed funerals, weddings, and births and the comfort of knowing that if anything happens, my friends and family back home are never too far away.  

The actual threat of Covid was of course very real. My partner and I were sick at the very start of the pandemic, I had friends who took months to recover from the aftereffects – one (8+ months post-covid) is still in a wheelchair and unable to work due to long covid. My partner and housemates are currently sick with covid and self-isolating. 

What were the advantages of living in the UK?  

There are so many beautiful hiking trails through the UK – I think I’ve hiked more in the last 2 years than I have in the rest of my life. The UK had a very fast vaccine rollout too, so that was great. Also being able to travel between lockdowns was great. During the summer of 2020 I travelled around Austria, Italy (and saw Venice without tourists!), Slovenia, Slovakia, and Germany. The second European summer my partner and I hired a van with friends and travelled around Scotland then went back to Austria. 

What keeps you inspired? 

My sister has an intellectual disability, so the research I’m doing now on sex education and intellectual disability is really close to my heart. I hope that my research can have a positive impact on her life and the lives of other people with intellectual disabilities. They have some of the poorest access to accurate sexual health information, and some of the highest rates of abuse, STI’s and unwanted pregnancies. Adequate sex education can help empower people, increasing their connections with others and helping them understand themselves better. I think everyone deserves better sex education, but currently we’re really failing this group. 

What important issue or life lesson has the pandemic highlighted for you?  

To surround myself with people who I care about an who care about me – it’s been hard being so far from home for so long, but I managed to build a home and a family in the UK. 

Ella Fisher (Riley, 2019)

Auckland, New Zealand

Studying: Currently studying Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy) at Auckland University of Technology.

Occupation: In between University I work as an outdoors camp instructor and a respite caregiver for a child with autism. 

How did you end up living where you are?

On my 16th birthday, I received a return trip to New Zealand where I volunteered to work at a holiday camp. I instantly fell in love with New Zealand and after being at Girton since prep, felt for the first time, in a long time, that I was the 'new kid' and that I could be whoever I wanted to be. Since that visit, I returned once more, and then when trying to decide on Universities, the only place that felt right was New Zealand. 

How has the pandemic had an impact on your study? And what did you need to do to adapt?

A month into my first taste of Uni life, New Zealand went into lockdown. Initially, my parents wanted me to come home; however, we all realised that if I had returned home, that could have been the end of my Overseas University experience. So, in a room with one desk, my boyfriend Tom and I managed to study together for the first year, trying to keep each other accountable. Since then, online study and pyjamas as uniforms became the new normal. Two years into my degree, I should have at least 140 hours of experience; however, so far, I have only done ten days of placement, with only 5 hours for this entire year. This highlights a potentially massive gap in my knowledge, so to overcome this, I have taken every little opportunity that has come my way, hoping that lots of little life experiences add up to support me in my future as an Occupational Therapist. 

What are the challenges of living in New Zealand during the pandemic?

My family is so important to me, and not being there to celebrate their milestones and support them during low points has undoubtedly been the biggest challenge during this pandemic. Growing up, Christmas has been an important time for my family. All my Aunties, Uncles, Grandparents and cousins make an effort to come together and spend the day on the waterslide, playing cricket and eating yummy food. When I told my family that I was leaving and going to New Zealand, I promised everyone that no matter what, wherever I am in the world, I would always fly back and be home in time for Christmas. This was the most challenging promise to break; although we had a FaceTime Christmas, it was not the same, and even though I smiled my way through the day, it was one of the hardest days of being away.

What are the advantages of living in Auckland?

New Zealand and Australia are seen as similar countries; however, the longer I have lived here, the more differences I have discovered. I have learnt so many Te Reo (Maori language) words, phrases, and cultural practises that I now integrate into my everyday life and University assignments. This has been such an advantage to my University experience as I can have culturally appropriate conversations with Maori communities and recognise how I can make a difference in not only Maori health outcomes but many underrepresented communities. 

New Zealand has such incredible places to explore and now that they have relaxed the rules, you can now do outside recreation activities.  Kayaking and swimming has taken up a lot of my time.

What keeps you inspired?

At the beginning of my New Zealand experience, I was lucky to travel the North Island with Tom. We experienced some amazing parts of New Zealand, and I loved every second of our trip. Since then, the idea of being able to travel has been at the forefront of my mind. Specifically, the idea of travelling to so many different parts of the world with my degree and potentially reaching communities that cannot access healthcare inspires me to keep going. Knowing that in 12 months, I will have some skills and knowledge to support disadvantaged communities and educate them to keep the change going inspires me to keep going. However, I wouldn't be here today without my incredible parents, trusting and supporting me to make the most significant change in my life and inspiring me to take risks and follow my dreams.

What important issue or life lesson has the pandemic highlighted for you? 

When I flew out to New Zealand, I had already made plans to come back home in three months, so the idea of leaving didn't make me too worried. However, the pandemic has highlighted how important living in the moment and spending time with those you love is. Life is way too short not to spend that extra 20 minutes with your grandparents or give your parents those extra hugs goodbye. Overall, don't take the time you have with your loved ones for granted because that time is so valuable for so many reasons.

Thomas Broughton (Riley, 2019)

Auckland, New Zealand

Studying: I am undergoing a bachelor of science majoring in marine biology at AUT (Auckland university of technology)

Occupation: Working as an outdoor instructor with the YMCA

How did you end up living in New Zealand?

Throughout high school, I, among many of my friends, had very little knowledge of what my future was to hold. Only a couple of months before I left for New Zealand, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and take a leap of faith across the ‘ditch’ to pursue my interests in the outdoors, specifically marine environments. A few weeks after arriving in New Zealand, I moved into university accommodation. To begin with, this was nerve-racking as I didn't have any idea of my surroundings and every face was a stranger to me. It may have been a challenge, to begin with. However, I am so grateful for the opportunity to try new things and end up meeting some lifelong friends.

How has the pandemic had an impact on your study? And what did you need to do to adapt?

It was barely a month into university when the pandemic hit New Zealand. This came as quite a shock as I had only just begun to settle into what Uni had to offer. Of course, due to lockdowns, Uni shifted into an online learning structure. The shift to online learning had its ups and downs, with it being increasingly flexible. This flexibility gave way to many struggles, such as keeping on top of work when it was easier to say “I’ll just do it later”. It quickly became apparent that I function best in a face-to-face environment. This meant that I needed to embrace my learning and stick with it until we could return to campus. During this process, I came across strategies that worked for me, ranging from routines that allowed me time to take my mind off of Uni to leaning on peers for support or even someone to hold you accountable. It is because of these strategies that I am still able to manage my studies in these unprecedented times.

What are the challenges of living in New Zealand during the pandemic?

At the beginning of 2021, I, along with four close friends, moved into a flat. This move came with a whole new level of independence for me as it brought on many more responsibilities. Not long after, we had a snap 3-week lockdown and, more recently, a much longer (still going) lockdown. It was during these lockdowns that I came to realise the challenges of being an international student with no family to go home to if things get tough. This lockdown has brought many challenges for Ella and me, as we are the only two that have stayed in the house for the past ten weeks. It has been challenging seeing friends head home with their families and socialise while they are out of Auckland and we are still in lockdown. 

What are the advantages of living in Auckland?

An advantage of moving to Auckland is our surroundings; we are lucky enough to live in an area surrounded by places to explore, such as native forests, beaches and cities. Outside of lockdown restrictions, Ella and I have taken a few road trips to adventure and explore this beautiful country that we now call our second home. We have also been able to embrace the incredible culture and feel welcomed by everyone we meet.

What keeps you inspired?

I have always wanted the outdoors to be my office; however, the world is rapidly changing, and the environments that I have dreamed of seeing since I was a kid are slowly degrading because of human actions. It is the thought that someday I will play a part in marine conservation practices or the idea that I need to make a difference that is what is driving me to continue with my studies despite the challenges that the pandemic has put in front of me.

What important issue or life lesson has the pandemic highlighted for you? 

The most recent lockdown has highlighted the importance of friendship and how much I value people’s company. This has taught me to embrace the moment and make the most of the time that I spend with the people that I love.