Fresh haircuts (quite a few buzzcuts: an interesting choice for a Dunedin autumn); shiny new gel nails; the price of plane tickets weighing many down; bags of mini eggs in our pockets — campus is bustling once more.
Central Library is full to the brim each day, overspilling at times with stressed first year health science students.
Many overheard conversations begin with ‘‘I couldn’t get out of bed this morning’’ and finish with ‘‘I can’t believe I have to study’’.
Many first assignments are already out of the way, worked on until the very last minute possible.
A short break, perhaps none at all, then right on to the next one.
But, in the midst of this stressful time, I learnt the age-old lesson of a good thing finding you when least expected.
A packed Regent Theatre, security presence, a few silent protesters; I had forgotten I was going to the Dunedin Writers & Readers Festival’s panel with Dame Jacinda Ardern and Otago’s own Grant Robertson.
I know everyone has heard everyone’s thoughts on this event by now. However, I found I was on the younger end of the age bracket present and so, perhaps, I can offer slightly different observations.
The things which stuck out to me will be slightly different to others.
And so, even if it’s been a week since, I ask: stick with me.
My first impression of Jacinda was someone of intelligence and strength.
Her presence, her composure, the eloquence with which she spoke — already so impressive on the TV screen — were all the more formidable to witness in real life.
But also a kindness, an approachability, a clever humour implemented at just the right moments ... to say I found her inspiring is an understatement.
Most inspiring was the confidence with which she presented her ideas.
Perhaps this seems a juvenile observation, but this is what struck me the most.
Her confident attitude, coupled with the discussion surrounding imposter syndrome, I found to be a very fitting lesson for university students, which we can take into our degrees and further.
Each and every one of us experiences imposter syndrome — or a ‘‘confidence gap’’ as Jacinda put it.
She and Grant’s advice was to take that uncertainty and be productive with it, seek advice from those more experienced, work upon your weaknesses and reinforce your strengths.
Jacinda credited a significant amount of the person she is today to experiencing this confidence gap.
Grow into the person you’re meant to be because of this uncertainty, not despite it.
In lectures and tutorials, surrounded by others who we perceive to be much more knowledgeable and capable than ourselves, I found this lesson to be integral.
However, I would say the most important lesson of the night was the friendship we saw between Jacinda and Grant.
He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata: What is the most important thing in the world? It is the people, it is the people, it is the people.
A well known whakataukī, and for good reason.
Yet, despite walking past it every day, written on the Central Library windows, I fail to fully comprehend it — to admire its beauty, the power in its simplicity.
Jacinda and Grant went through trying times together.
That much was clear; discussed in the panel, but also in their respective autobiographies.
The impression I picked up was that their friendship was something of an anchor during those times and this was inspiring to witness on the other side.
We saw the true value of a friendship.
I think this speaks to what is being created at Otago and also within all universities around the world.
We are each forming new relationships, which we may not be able to see now, but they will move with us, grow with us, support us through everything and anything in the future.
Today, at a time when work seems to be a continuous grind, as temperatures plummet, we are reminded to rely upon those around us, to not take their love for granted.
As I finish this, I am sitting in the library.
I can see the stress in others around: furrowed eyebrows and hunched shoulders — a reflection of my own.•
I catch my friend’s eyes; she has a test this evening.
A crinkle of the eyes, we grin at each other.
He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata.
• Eleanor Wong is a Dunedin first-year University of Otago student.
