Weekly Blog #8

Living in Auckland has not only changed my way of thinking, but my normal actions or reactions to circumstances as well. It has taught me how to live completely on my own for the first time. I know I will always remember my time in Auckland fondly, not only because of the great memories and times I spent there, but because of the growth I have underwent as a person while being here. 

As I said, this is the first time I have lived on my own. I do have two roommates that are incredible, but I did not know them coming in and because they are from New Zealand, they obvious know much more about the country than I do.They have opened my eyes to a lot of the great things about New Zealand, as well as some social and political issues I would not have been aware of without them. Not living with my roommates from Loyola allowed me to have the opportunity to meet them and learn a greater amount about the country.

Because there is no dining program or on-site large cafeterias at University of Auckland, living here has also taught me how to cook. I now think about my own health and diet much more, as I choosing every ingredient that goes into my body. This has caused me to think much harder about what I want to eat and why. It has also allowed me to experiment with different foods and cooking in different ways. 

It has also changed my attitude towards our surrounding environment. I have always cared for the nature around me, but my outlook has gone beyond that since being here. Many people, often indigenous people fight politically for the rights of natural landmarks such as mountains and rivers. They view these things as living beings, deserving of as many rights as each citizen of the country. Their respect for their natural lands is inspiring, and has changed my perspective on it as well. 

Living here has also changed my perspective on travel. I have never had to plan my own trips before coming here. It was harder than I had previously thought, especially to organize a group of around ten people for an entire week. Each person has different schedules, and trying to pick flights and activities that worked for everyone was a challenge . However, it was also great to experience a level of independence I previously haven't . Budgeting and planning trips all on our own has not only changed my perspective on money, but allowed me to be more in touch with my own goals for my abroad experience.

This is also the first time I have been away from my family for this long of a time. Many things happened in my family since I left in July. My older sister was relocated to a new military base, and my younger sister began her first semester of college. My dad bought a new home in Baltimore. It was harder than I thought to see and hear all this information on the sidelines. Being in Auckland has taught me to deal with emotions I previously haven't. 

Learning about New Zealand's politics and policies has also changed my opinions on certain issues. Although there has been multiple flaws in their history, current New Zealand government is attempting to work closely with the indigenous population, known as the Maori people, on certain issues, especially those that affect them directly. The American government has failed to do this successfully, but makes no attempt to change or reverse those failures. Even in recent years, decisions have been reached that have damaged native populations even further, such as the decision to have a pipeline run through oil fields in North Dakota to Illinois, in areas considered sacred to native Sioux populations. 

Living in Auckland has changed my idea of friendship. Previously, many of the friendships I made at Loyola haven't really been "tested." We live a pretty carefree lifestyle at Loyola, with many people in close proximity that are more than willing to help if a situation were to arise. Here, we really only had each other. When problems did arise, as they inevitably do, the bonds we created were put to the test and it enabled me to learn who truly card for me. 

I have loved living in Auckland. Not only have I been able to learn about the country of New Zealand, but I have been able to be apart of its rich culture. It has taught me a lot about its own history and and customs. But it has also taught me a lot about myself, a lot I would never have known if I did not spend time here. Many of my thoughts on certain subjects have changed, which goes to show we are always evolving as humans and there is always room for growth and change.