Submitted by Kylie Boggs on the 2019 World Scholars fall semester program in New Zealand…
Even though I’ve been an international exchange student here for just one semester, I was lucky enough to be asked to perform in the annual Inter-Residential Talent Competition at the University of Auckland on behalf of my residential hall. My hall was fairly new to this, which I did not know, and apparently it was strange to only have one person representing the residence the way that I was! When I arrived at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, the venue for the event, I was greeted by large comedy groups, dance squads, and dozens of musical duets and trios that were practicing for their representation of their community. My inexperience gave me the opportunity to observe this yearly ritual as a soloist, and it was heart-warming. These people were not here to win, even with the prestigious venue or the end-of-year pressure, they were there to demonstrate how well they’ve come to know one another.
Throughout the showcase, there was raw talent and a million inside jokes all being poured onto the stage, and I felt lucky to be a part of it, albeit a tad disappointed that I was not offered the chance to partake. I hadn’t seen true university spirit on the University of Auckland Campus up to this point, especially since I missed the beginning-of-year orientation period, so I was relieved to see that the tradition of tightly knit living communities also thrives here in Auckland. Each hall presented the strengths of individuals and the cohesion of their cohorts and it was so exciting to see them win their trophies! Hopefully, the residence hall I lived in has more of a presence at next year’s competition, and my greatest wish is that it remains a humble gathering of community rather than any kind of cut-throat match. This lack of toxic competitiveness was refreshing, especially since American Universities often advertise their own competitive edge at all costs. Despite that, though, a large portion of my first-year students came to support me, and although they may not have been on the stage, I consider that their own contribution to the demonstration of genuine community that night.