Submitted by Olivia Chamberlin on the 2025 Winter program in New Zealand…
After coming home from this study abroad program and reflecting back on the incredible month I just had has left me speechless. All of the excursions and experiences I have been able to make throughout this past month will be lifelong memories that I hope to share many times in the future. Many people have asked me what my favorite part about the trip was and I never had just one answer to that question, but now that I have had time to look back on everything, I came up with an answer. My favorite part about the trip was that everything has a meaning in NZ, whether it’s the way something’s built, or a symbol on a wall, or someone’s jewelry. Everyone cared so much for one another and for their beautiful country it was very moving to see. This trip has taught me a lot about myself and how much I can push myself to do something, especially when it came to the hikes. I learned things about myself that I don’t think I would have learned without this trip. Overall, I feel incredibly lucky and fortunate to be able to have gone on this trip and I can’t wait to share my stories to others in the future. (Submitted February 1, 2025)
