A Strong Desire to Study at New Zealand

Ever since I was a little girl, I have had this immense curiosity to understand and explore the unknown. As a Parks, Recreation, and Tourism major, I have studied key aspects of care for the environment, and now, I am ready to put theory into practice. I have chosen to go to Lincoln University in New Zealand for the spring semester of 2017 to continue my studies. This program is perfect for me because they have a great recreation and sport program, which is exactly what I need to broaden my horizon in my field. The classes that I am planning on taking while I am there, Mizzou does not offer, and I will be learning in a very hands-on environment. After graduation, the goal is to be a camp director. I want to instill the values of the outdoors and being unplugged and fully yourself in the next generation, and I believe that going to New Zealand would help me to expand my knowledge and love for the outdoors. I will be studying in the most beautiful country in the world, and I will come back with a better understanding of how to preserve and protect natural resources, as well with a better understanding of myself.

The preparation to study abroad is very important, because I will be going to an unknown place for several months. However, I have taken several steps to grasp a better understanding of the country and what exactly is needed for my New Zealand experience. I started looking into study abroad trends by talking to someone who went on the same trip last year. He has shared several tips on what to expect when I am there, and some of the tricks of the trade for studying abroad for a semester such as what the best type of dorm to live in is, and the best weekend trips to take while I am there. Furthermore, I have a really good family friend who lives in New Zealand, and we have spoken a lot about how to integrate myself into the society and culture, and I know that I will have someone that I know in the country if need be. She has given me tips on how to act, how to dress, and how to not look like the typical tourist. Lastly, I have started looking into which classes I am going to take while I am there, and have had several conversations with my academic advisor about how they will fit into my academic career. The classes I have chosen will not only continue my course path, but also give me a upper hand in my field.

I have always had a dream to study abroad, but financially I can’t afford to travel the world. My family has struggled financially my whole life, and I am at Mizzou due to scholarships and loans. My parents are helping, but they can not give more than they already are, which means this scholarship is a crucial factor in making my final decision if I can go to New Zealand.

A huge part of life has, and always will be, summer camp. I spend my summers living in a cabin with 10 campers, singing camp songs, building campfires, and being a role model for over 1500 campers during the summer. I spend 10 weeks living with campers, and working 24 hours a day, 6 days a week. It is physically and mentally exhausting, but it is worth every second when I can put a smile on a campers face, or see the direct impact I am making in their lives. By going to New Zealand, I will be able to have a better worldview, which will drastically improve my relationships with my international campers. Summer camp is a way of life for me, and I know that it has shaped me to be the person I am today. Likewise, studying abroad will be a life altering adventure that will allow me to grow and fortify who I am and what I want to do with my life.