As I look out the window at the snow falling, it’s hard to believe that only three months ago I was living in Lower Hutt, New Zealand. I like to think back to my first and last day at school because I felt a change from when I had my first introductions to my final […]
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My last week at New Zealand consisted of a mini trip heading farther north on the northern island. Each part of my trip represented a bit of my personality. These small “bits” were a highlight to my experience in the land of Kiwis. A Bit of Culture While traveling across the New Zealand country side, […]
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On my third day in New Zealand, I thought it would be a great idea to get back into running again. Running had gotten away from me due to school, work, clubs and everything else a busy college student is doing. Along my first run, I came across a sign announcing the Pelorus Trust Run […]
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Production. Production has been part of my student teaching abroad before I even arrived to New Zealand. My cooperating teacher informed that during term 3 Kelson Primary would be hosting a school-wide production. I had some experience with productions when I was in high school and I do love watching shows, but I did not […]
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Zealandia is a sanctuary for native animals of New Zealand. It is located within Wellington, but you would not suspect you were anywhere near civilization when you arrive. Upon arrival, Zealandia looks like a beautiful, abundant forest that stretches for miles and miles. Around the sanctuary though your eyes are drawn to the Fort Knox-style […]
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Jane. Grant. Thomas. Isobel. Ripley. What the bunch! From day one, the Murrays made me feel welcomed, and after a single week I felt like part of the family. The mornings are groggy and our evenings are laughter filled. And as “hunky-dory” as it all sounds, I must say their spunkiness and craziness keeps me […]
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It was hard to say what each weekend would bring – this was mostly because of the weather! Winters in New Zealand (NZ) can be difficult to gauge. One day it would be down pouring and the next there was not a single cloud in the sky! Some weekends were for relaxing (especially during my […]
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The week of Aug. 10 began my first week of teaching solo. The experience was astonishing. With my sole teaching, I had the opportunity to teach content areas that are common, and not so common, in the United States for the classroom teacher. I felt myself step up as I was the one who was […]
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Sunday, Aug. 23 was my birthday, and for the first time since arriving to New Zealand, I felt the horrible emotions of homesickness. Birthdays are to be happy celebrations, but I was down in the dumps. I had not expected how sad I would be on my birthday. Over the years, I had been lucky […]
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“Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away!” Only a month ago I was in Namibia teaching and playing with the learners at the School for the Visually Impaired with my fellow education students from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point School of Education. Now I found myself traveling to […]
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