Well, these past few days have been quite busy. I've been attending International Student Orientation, along as just the general (freshman) orientation. But it's been fun really. The orientation here, and maybe that's partly because of Massey and partly because it's New Zealand, is so different from back home. For one, they took us out on farm tours, where we saw cows, deer (which they farm) and sheep. The cows were nothing new, same with the deer... however I had the chance to see a farm deer, close up, as in right next to me. And then of course sheep, because what would the Kiwi's be if not the watchers of sheep. But really, it was cool to see the sheep dog at work, and amusing to see how the sheep reacted to our presence when corralled right next to us. Sadly, I didn't bring my camera to the farm.
But the next day was easily just as unique. We attended a commencement ceremony, where we had a Master of Ceremonies who was Palmerston North's designated Town Cryer. She looked like a pirate. The entire evening was incredible though. The university staff were dressed in what looked like eloquent graduation robes, they had a formal procession, sang the national anthem (which sadly I couldn't really hear or understand), and then there was this fancy dinner. I sat with some friends that I made who are also American, but they are pretty cool. It's nice to have people you see regularly again, the lack of company would have been my only complaint about New Zealand up until that point.
(From left to right) Jillian, Michelle, Jack and Me.
The Staff in their robes. I met and had a nice chat with the Vice-Chancellor that evening as well, he's sitting sixth in from the left.
Stage, with a view of the tables.
The Pirate Town Cryer
So far things are going well, I'm excited to get started on the semester, hopefully I can get into some fun Papers (Classes). Until next time, mā te wā!
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