What area in New Zealand are you from and what's your hometown like?
I am from Auckland City, the most populated city in the country, located near the top of the North Island. We are made up of beautiful beaches, vast forests, hilly landscapes and built up city. It is a beautiful place to live. My house is about a 10 minute drive from the beach and a 15 minute drive from the city center, I love the versatility. 
 
Being from New Zealand, when did you first learn about Harvard and what made you decide to come to college in the U.S. (much less the leading academic institution in the U.S.)?
From 10 years old I knew I wanted to move to the U.S. for university, for either swimming or water polo. In New Zealand, sport is not integrated into University like it is in the U.S., and if you want to pursue sport and keep studying full time after high school it is difficult. I had seen many Kiwi (New Zealanders) swimmers move to the states for University and I followed in their footsteps. I decided to focus on swimming in my junior year and began the recruiting process. I met Stephanie Morawski and Amanda Kulik (via email and Skype), the Harvard swim team coaches, and I fell in love with the school and the team! From there I was adamant Harvard was where I wanted to continue my athletic career and my education.
 
Had you been to the U.S. before? If so, where?
I had traveled to Hawaii for Junior Pan Pacs, an international swimming competition, but my first time traveling to main land U.S was on my recruit trip with the swim and dive team. I was only allowed to be on campus for 48 hours so technically I spent the same time flying as I did in America. Everyone thought I was a bit crazy but it was the most incredible experience. I did not know if I would get accepted into Harvard at the time, so I jumped at the opportunity to experience campus and travel to America, which was something I had dreamt of but never really considered possible. My parents had also never been to America before, so we decided to do a trip before I began my first year. We went to Los Angeles and New York, then Boston for move in.
 
What were your first impressions upon arrival your first year? Were there any culture shocks?
I can't remember exactly what my first impressions were upon arrival my first year but I think the biggest culture shock was the absence of marmite, whittakers chocolate, and pineapple lumps, as well as the language barrier imposed by the kiwi accent. I found myself in some tricky misunderstanding with words like togs (swim suit), jandal (flip flop), training (practice) and keen (having or showing eagerness or enthusiasm), that I was unaware were not commonly used in the American vocab. I was encountered by many confused looks when I spoke as sometimes people just could not understand my accent. I quickly learned that I pronounce "Steph" very differently to Americans which created issues when trying to get the attention of my coach. My accent then created problems when trying to communicate with team members in water polo. Other than that I easily adapted to the American culture. I think I came prepared as I had heard stories of what to expect. I also had the most amazing freshman year roommates and there is a couple of other Kiwis in my class, who I became close friends with, who helped me navigate the transition smoothly.
 
What's your concentration and what classes are you taking this semester?
I am concentrating in the History of Art and Architecture - Architecture Design Studies, with a secondary in Computer Science. This semester I am taking a few very interesting classes. In one of my CS classes we are looking at civic engagement during and after the pandemic, specifically education and policy, and trying to develop something to help teachers have more of a say in decisions being made. I am also extending this into an HAA design thinking class and looking at the built environment and environmental engagement in my own research. In another CS class we are learning to create data visualizations and what makes them effective. We are learning to code in D3 which I am finding challenging but enjoyable. And then I am taking two electives out of interest, an engineering class on innovation and an ethical reasoning class, Justice: Ethics in an Age of Pandemic and Racial Reckoning with Michael Sandal. Both very relevant and applicable classes in today's society.
 
How have you adjusted to Zoom classes and what's it like with the time difference in New Zealand?
It was difficult to begin with. Trying to arrange a schedule that didn't involve me waking up at 1 a.m. was challenging. Most professors were very flexible and accommodating and I have been able to create a manageable schedule that I only have to wake up at 5 a.m. for. All the early morning water polo and swim practices have prepared me well and I am lucky I am a morning person. I am looking forward to daylight saving where we will lose an hour and I can get an extra hours sleep every day. It has been interesting taking classes in New Zealand and being able to involve my family and aspects of home into my studies, which I wouldn't have done in America.
 
What are you most looking forward to when you come back to the U.S.?
I miss my friends a lot! When I return it will be nearly a year since I have seen my Harvard family so I cannot wait. I also miss campus, Winthrop, and Cambridge a lot. It will be nice being on the same time zone as my friends and professors again.
 
What's your best piece of advice for international students looking at or coming to Harvard?
It would have to be, to not judge Americans on what is shown in the media and press, especially at this point time. All of my American friends and the Harvard community are absolutely amazing. Being from New Zealand, we are seeing America being badly represented in the media and it is not a true representation of what it is like, especially on Harvard campus. I have been questioned many times on why I want to return, and my answer is always because Harvard and its people are some of my favorite things in the world. I can't wait to return.