Love, Jaiden
Kia ora Social Impact Studio,
It’s only been a short time since leaving your loving embrace at the end of 2021, but man do I miss ya. I’m writing to you from the humble abode in Wellington where I work as a Graduate Business Consultant, having recently graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Economics and International Business.
I remember coming to the end of my first year and the cusp of my second feeling a little lost, like something was missing. From an early age, community involvement and social impact were a big area of my life, but I found that largely absent at times during my initial year in Otago. It was one of those ‘right place at the right time’ situations that opened the door to an inspirational space, a space where I found that missing part. That space was you, the Social Impact Studio. I would never have imagined that initial interaction with Sze-En, where I was first introduced to you, would ultimately be the beginning of an incredible journey with you. A journey that made me look back at my university experience so fondly.
From being involved in the Aspire Programme, Silverline, and a variety of volunteering and leadership opportunities within the Otago Student Leadership Award, you put me within a nurtured eco-system where a shared purpose in making a positive palpable difference was at the centre. Not only did this contribute massively towards understanding what my ‘why’ was but it made me realise how unique the space you created is. In every community and environment you house, no matter how big or how small, there is always a combination of meaningful conversations, relatable experiences, unified efforts, shared learnings, and collective passions that make you special and like nothing else.
Another gift you gave me and the many others fortunate enough to have entered your doors, was confidence. Not just the idea of feeling sure of myself and my abilities but also the idea to put my hand up to throw myself in the deep end, adapt, think outside the box, be open and vulnerable, be comfortable with the uncomfortable and take a step back and challenge the status quo. This sense of confidence is certainly something I strive to apply regularly in my day-to-day and working life to ensure I get the most out of what I apply myself towards. Accountability is another area you presented many learnings on. I consider it a massive privilege and pleasure to have played a part in initiating change and impact in many communities. At the end of the day, you were the one who constantly reminded me to check-in and make sure I was giving it my all to contribute in the right ways, make sure I could be relied upon, and ultimately own the way I was making my impact.
A part of you I appreciate so much is your innate ability to provide a platform to develop deep connections. Under your roof, you continue to possess a group of empowering, uplifting, and kind-hearted bunch of humans, that collectively make up a whānau I am so truly proud and appreciative to be a part of. You warmly invite those from all backgrounds and demographics, that’s why the diversity I see in your space is unparalleled to anything else within the University community. You encourage us all to unapologetically be our authentic selves and apply an open-mindedness to embrace others with open arms and connect at the very core. I can’t thank you enough for the many life-long relationships I have come out with as many of the people you put me in touch with continue to be a significant support network and are why I felt like I found a home away from home.
From the eye-opening experiences, the inspirational mahi, the extraordinary people, the toolbox of life skills, and everything in between, the three years I had with you are something I’ll never forget. You undoubtedly allowed me to grow in many different ways and these are sentiments I will ever continue to cherish in my personal and professional life. A massive thank you to Sze-En and the long list of gems that continue to make you prosper and make you such an integral part of the University and Dunedin community. I can’t wait to see what your future holds as I’m sure you’ll continue to blossom exponentially in time to come.
To you, the Social Impact Studio, I am eternally grateful.
Love, Jaiden Moir