I had a lot of free time after my high school and I was volunteering in a youth program. My aunt who was a principal of a very famous Methodist high school asked if I would join her for breakfast. She knew that I would be leaving for my studies in New Zealand soon and thought that she would give me a good talk before I left the country.
The advice was simple, but rather odd. I mean, I was expecting something that bordered on faith and God. Perhaps she would ask me to seek God daily? That or she would impart some super mythical studying technique passed down from generation to generation. Nope, none of those either. The advice was to:
Go to as many strip clubs, gay bars and clubs as you can. Also, stay away from people who are from the same country as you.
Well, to say that things got rather awkward was an understatement. I did not expect something like this from a principal of a Christian school. That being said, many many years down the line, I saw the wisdom in her words.
Comfort Zone
So let's start off with the advice on my fellow countrymen. I went off to study as part of a government scholarship program. I was not alone and had many others accompany me overseas. The advice was not to shun my fellow countrymen and classmates, but to step out of my comfort zone.
My University in New Zealand had a really diverse group of students. Getting to know different people from different cultures was great and it was a good learning experience. When I was there, the movie Borat was just released and no, the life and people from Kazakhstan was nothing like the movie. It was great learning about it first hand from a classmate who hailed from Kazakhstan.
We had a club tailored specifically for me and my fellow countrymen. However, I took my aunt's advice and joined the United Nations club. It was there that I had my first Model United Nations experience. Most importantly, I met some local Kiwis whom I followed to their bach over winter. I must admit when I was offered to go to a bach, I thought we were going to play the piano. Bach is a beach house in New Zealand and swimming in the sea during winter was definitely out of my comfort zone. I am from the tropics, after all.
New Experiences
Speaking of swimming in the sea during winter, the bit about bars and strip clubs, I assumed that my aunt meant in figuratively. I mean, how can she suggest such things? That being said, I went to a few clubs and bars. I mean, I don't want to disappoint her. 😉
New experiences was abundant and I was hell-bent on doing as many of it as possible. I was referring to the extreme activities of course. My favorite was still Bungee Jumping. The adrenaline rush that comes from leaping off the Auckland Harbor Bridge 46 meters into the ocean before being pulled back up. That, by far was one of the best.
Of course, there was also skydiving, sand tobogganing, black water rafting and snow boarding. All the snow activities were fun, I mean, I have never seen snow all my life, so that was a great experience. Before I sound more like an ambassador for New Zealand tourism, I should also point out that having study groups with people from other countries is also a rather unique experience. I did remember to study, alright?
Conclusion
I suppose they don't call it the best years of your life for no reason. It's been many many years since I left New Zealand. One thing that I have learnt chief of all was that you are never limited to your upbringing, your background and your ability. As long as you try and push yourself, you can achieve way more than you think possible.
I say this because to pay for all the bungee jumping, skydiving and traveling, I had to work and study at the same time. To those who are about to leave school for university, do all the crazy stuff, gain new experiences and enjoy the best years of your life. Of course, don't forget to finish your assignments, ok?
