Sophia Taing has never visited the country her parents fled from almost 30 years ago.
The daughter of Muy and Tech Taing, two former refugees from Cambodia, Sophia (18) recognises the history of her parents and said it inspires her to be grateful for what she has.
‘‘My parents often talk about how hard their life was and how easy we have it here.
‘‘I try to appreciate everything that I've been given.''
She said when she was younger she had been quite shy and was often embarrassed about the fact her parents were former refugees, but now she talks proudly of her parents' journey.
‘‘[It] made me be grateful for what I've got and to make the most of everything.''
Sophia, who is one of four children, said her growing passion to become a leader and support others who faced similar issues had inspired her through her high school years, leading to her taking up the role of head girl at Kaikorai College last year.
She was part of the Otago Daily Times Class Act initiative last year and was also involved with a successful business in the Young Enterprise programme. The business, Kaika Energy, which she set up with five classmates, turned non-consumable food waste into fertiliser and biofuel.
The team won two excellence awards at the national Young Enterprise competition, as well as finalist placings in the Young New Zealand and People's Choice categories at the New Zealand Innovators Awards.
Sophia will begin studying for a bachelor of commerce degree at the University of Otago and said though she did not know what she would do once she finished, she was looking forward to the study.
‘‘I'm excited.''
She said it was good Dunedin was welcoming more refugees to the city, as it was quieter than other cities, and the fact other refugees had settled well in the city was proof resettlement could work.
‘‘We can see the results. I just think it's a good thing.''
- by Greta Yeoman
