Submitted by Sarah Bussard on the 2018 winter session program in New Zealand sponsored by the Department of Animal and Food Sciences…
As I take in the breathtaking views of the picturesque New Zealand landscape, it seems surreal to think that just a few days ago I was halfway across the world in Maryland celebrating the holiday season with my family. This New Year’s Eve, I embarked on a journey to New Zealand with the Animal and Food Science Program at the University of Delaware to study animal agriculture and management practices in different areas of the world. Since I have never been out of the country, I knew this program would be full of new experiences, and even after only a few days here I can certainly attest to this. All that I have done in just the past three days in New Zealand has changed my perspective on both an academic and personal level, and I know that my time in this country will have a lasting impact on me long after I return to the States.
My journey began with three separate flights and a bus ride, adding up to a total of 28 hours of traveling. This journey in itself was daunting and stressful, but knowing that in the end I would be able to step foot on New Zealand soil made it all worth it. Given our departure date and the length of our traveling, we rang in the new year halfway across the world and thousands of feet above the Pacific Ocean. Once we crossed over the International Dateline, we completely skipped over New Year’s Day, but I couldn’t think of any other way that I would want to kick off 2018.
I feel that starting my new year with this brand new adventure must be some indication or sign as to how the rest of 2018 will unfold. I know that this program will entail a plethora of exciting firsts and challenging cultural differences that must be faced head on, and I hope that I am able carry out what I learn/do here into the new year. I hope that my time spent in New Zealand will help me to be more open and adventurous this year and to meet any challenges I face without fear. I feel that as a college student, it is so easy to get wrapped up in planning in our future that we forget to live in the present, and I hope that my time as a temporary kiwi will help guide me away from this mindset.
Once we landed, we kept ourselves busy and fought the jet-lag by touring the New Zealand countryside and the city of Christchurch via bus. The friendly locals and incredible views we experienced within just hours of landing reassured me that this program was going to be a once in a lifetime experience that would undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on me. I am beyond excited to see what the rest of my journey has in store!