Westlake International student Jacqueline Ramos spent part of her summer holidays experiencing life at university! The Year 13 student, who has been at WGHS since 2019, was part of the “Hands-on at Otago” programme, where students choose a department and participate in a research project, experience a small taste of a variety of other research activities, and join in social events, all while staying in student accommodation. Here’s an account of her experience:
During the summer break, I was given the opportunity to experience life on campus at Otago University for a week in January. I flew down to Dunedin without knowing anyone and anything about that place. I stayed there for five days in one of the student residences and I never imagined myself enjoying the idea of living in student accommodation.
The food was amazing, the rooms were cozy, and the common room was a lot of fun. I also got the chance to feel what it’s like to be studying Economics in university, as I participated in an Economics research programme during my stay there. Needless to say, it was a really interesting course and it showed me how there’s so much more to Economics than what we learn in high school.
During our spare time, I got to go around town with some of the friends that I have made. That five-day stay was one of the best experiences I’ve had ever since coming to New Zealand. I met a lot of amazing people and that week really gave me a great glimpse of what university life has to offer.