Student Bloggers

Volunteering and community engagement have always been integral parts of my life. At my university back home, I am deeply involved in our student volunteering organization, where I help facilitate a partnership between Special Olympics Northern California and the university. When I came to a new country, I knew I wanted to do more than just attend classes and explore nature (though both have been incredible). I wanted to truly connect with, interact, and immerse myself in the Dunedin community and New Zealand culture as a whole. Within my first few days at the University of Otago, I arranged a meeting with the head of the Social Impact Studio, a campus organization that aligns perfectly with my passions. The Social Impact Studio helped facilitate some of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had in New Zealand. From reading to primary school children and sewing blankets for a local hospital to cooking in a community kitchen these opportunities for social impact made my time in Aotearoa profoundly enriching.

Reading Oasis 

After my initial meeting with Social Impact Studio, I embarked on the volunteer effort with which I would spend the most time here: Reading Oasis. I am a Child Studies major, and with hopes to one day become a Speech-Language pathologist, the intersection of language and working with children was the perfect fit. Every other Thursday, I visited Carisbrook Primary School, and read books with the Year 1 children. In a course I took last year, we learned about the importance of representative children’s books. Children’s literature can act as doors, mirrors, and windows, meaning places where children can enter a new world, see their own world reflected, or get insight into other’s worlds. In this environment, I saw some of the lessons I have been learning in my courses enacted in real life. By reading literature that reflected Māori concepts, Māori and non-Māori children were able to gain insight. Seeing your own culture reflected in the classroom is affirming, and seeing a classmate’s culture facilitates understanding. Returning back home, I have a deeper understanding of what it truly means to incorporate culturally relevant material into interactions with children. I hope to take this into my future career.

Pātaka Ora

After a few weeks of volunteering at Reading Oasis, I wanted to increase my range of experiences. This is when I heard about Pātaka Ora: a community kitchen at a marae (Māori meeting place) that provides free kai (food) to any and all community members. I had never cooked in a community kitchen before, but felt immediately welcomed by the love and positive energy in the space. The marae was filled with song, acceptance, and above all else a palpable sense of community. Every person in that space knew they were welcomed and loved.

This experience was more than just learning to cook for others; it was about understanding the depth of manaakitanga, the principle of hospitality, care, and respect. I realized that service is not just about giving back—it’s about creating spaces where everyone feels seen and valued. The sense of belonging and shared responsibility in that kitchen taught me the true meaning of community. It encouraged me to approach every interaction with more empathy, humility, and an open heart.

Stitch Kitchen 

The third volunteer opportunity I engaged in was with Stitch Kitchen. In this space, I had the chance to connect more personally with members of the Dunedin community, while making baby blankets for the local hospital. Though I had never sewn before, I’ve always loved crocheting and doing other crafts. I figured there was no better place to learn than from people involved in a community-driven initiative! What drew me in was the idea of creating something tangible—something that would directly benefit families in need. It gave me a clear sense of purpose, knowing that the blankets we were making would provide comfort to newborns and their families. Participating in Stitch Kitchen helped change the way I viewed giving back. It was no longer just about offering time and effort; it became about learning new skills, sharing knowledge, and contributing to something larger than myself.

Working alongside people who had been part of the initiative for years gave me a deeper appreciation for the power of collective action. It wasn’t just about making blankets; it was about building relationships, exchanging stories, and reinforcing the strength of community bonds. Learning to sew in such a supportive environment also helped me realize the value of vulnerability in service. I came into the space without any experience, but that openness allowed me to grow both my skills and my relationships with others. By stepping out of my comfort zone, I was not only able to contribute to a meaningful cause but also gained a greater sense of confidence and trust in the power of community-led initiatives. This experience taught me that sometimes the simplest acts, like crafting a blanket, can carry the deepest sense of impact, both for those who give and those who receive.