Spring Break
Independent Kiwi works toward master's degree
Cece Wildeman
Issue date: 10/28/08 Section: News
Jennie said the youth culture is slightly different in New Zealand because people become financially independent at a much younger age, noting that she left home at 17 and has not asked her parents for financial help since that time.
"We are more financially independent, but the average 18-year-old here could hold a better conversation," she said.
Spending time abroad
Both Gael and Jennie said most people spend time abroad when they are young, working and travelling, before they begin their careers.
"We are used to working hard and living on small amounts of money," Jennie said. She said her parents were supportive of her decision to come to America, and Gael said they only had reservations about the time she chose to start, noting that it may have been easier for her if she had waited to come in August instead of in January.
"Going to Colorado was another big step, and we are sure it will have taught her things about herself and life that she would not have found out without the experience," Gael said.
"The connections made with people will hopefully benefit her in future employment and job prospects."
Plans after Colorado
After graduating, Jennie hopes to go back to New Zealand, "get an easy job and not worry about a career."
She said she has thought about moving back to Colorado permanently but has not yet made up her mind.
"I know what you feel and what you expect to feel is different," she said. "So I want to go back [to New Zealand] and re-absorb the culture."
Entertainment Editor Cece Wildeman can be reached at verve@collegian.com.
"We are more financially independent, but the average 18-year-old here could hold a better conversation," she said.
Spending time abroad
Both Gael and Jennie said most people spend time abroad when they are young, working and travelling, before they begin their careers.
"We are used to working hard and living on small amounts of money," Jennie said. She said her parents were supportive of her decision to come to America, and Gael said they only had reservations about the time she chose to start, noting that it may have been easier for her if she had waited to come in August instead of in January.
"Going to Colorado was another big step, and we are sure it will have taught her things about herself and life that she would not have found out without the experience," Gael said.
"The connections made with people will hopefully benefit her in future employment and job prospects."
Plans after Colorado
After graduating, Jennie hopes to go back to New Zealand, "get an easy job and not worry about a career."
She said she has thought about moving back to Colorado permanently but has not yet made up her mind.
"I know what you feel and what you expect to feel is different," she said. "So I want to go back [to New Zealand] and re-absorb the culture."
Entertainment Editor Cece Wildeman can be reached at verve@collegian.com.
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