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Questions and Answers
What motivated Dinka Samuel's interest in sociology and social policy?
Where did Dinka complete her first year of study?
What was Dinka's goal in studying sociology and social policy?
What did Dinka's family and community provide her during her studies?
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What did Dinka have to overcome during her studies?
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What was granted to Dinka in her second year of study?
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What subject did Dinka major in?
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What is implied by Aisha Khan's quote about holding difficult emotions?
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What is notable about Dinka's university experience at the University of Waikato?
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What challenge did Dinka face as an international student?
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Who did Dinka thank for being her support system in New Zealand?
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What does Dinka's opportunity to pursue an overseas education represent?
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Why is Dinka able to pursue an overseas education?
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What is the significance of Dinka's statement 'I'm standing here today for my family and because of my family'?
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Study Notes
Student Speaker: Dinka Samuel
- Dinka Samuel is an international student from Sri Lanka, graduating with a Bachelor of Social Sciences, majoring in Sociology.
- She credits her interest in sociology and social policy to her parents' pioneering efforts in catalyzing socioeconomic change in Sri Lanka.
Overcoming Uncertainty
- Dinka began her degree during the COVID-19 pandemic, completing her first year online from her home in Sri Lanka.
- She was granted a border exemption to travel to New Zealand for full-time study in her second year.
- She hopes to apply the frameworks of knowledge she acquired while studying sociology and social policy to contribute to inclusive and compassionate policy making.
Dinka's Journey
- Dinka's parents have been a significant influence on her life, inspiring her to pursue a career in sociology and social policy.
- She had to overcome the uncertainty of her father's health issues, as he battled cancer, while also dealing with economic crisis, climate disasters, and a global pandemic.
Community Support
- Dinka's family and community played a crucial role in supporting her during her studies, providing her with the reassurance and love she needed to persevere.
- She quotes Dr. Aisha Khan, saying "we can hold almost any difficult emotion so long as we hold it together in community."
University Experience
- Dinka's experience at the University of Waikato has been revolutionary, with a non-hierarchical learning environment that fostered mutual learning and growth.
- She thanks the academics for creating an environment that is nurturing, inclusive, and conducive to meaningful growth.
International Students
- Dinka notes that nothing quite prepares international students for the experience of saying goodbye to their families, but she found her home away from home in New Zealand.
- She thanks her friends for being her support system, treating her like family, and making her feel at home.
Family and Sacrifices
- Dinka acknowledges that her opportunity to pursue an overseas education is a passport to possibility, and that her family's sacrifices have made it possible for her to be where she is today.
- She expresses her gratitude to her parents, saying "I'm standing here today for my family and because of my family."
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Description
Dinka Samuel, an international student from Sri Lanka, shares her journey of studying sociology and social policy in New Zealand amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. She credits her family and community for their support and acknowledges the challenges she faced as an international student.
