The last time we spoke, I was saying farewell to some friends that had come to visit. Caresse and Kyle both told me that they had a great time in Dunedin...so I am going to rest on my hosting laurels a little bit. What they don't know is that it was definitely just as much fun for me as I think it was for them...so...shhh. But since their departure I've really had to crack down on my school studies. Actually, it just occurred to me that some of you may not have a clue as to what I am studying down here...let me take a crack at spreadin' some info.
One of the major parts of the Rotary scholarship is that you have to be enrolled full-time at a university. You develop an idea of what you would like to study, research schools around the world that have an appropriate program, and then present all that to the interview board. At the end of the day, they've hopefully decided that you're a competent human being with a penchant for service and scholarly endeavors. I'd found a few programs in New Zealand and ended up at the University of Otago studying for a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health. What a blessing this turned out to be. In short, I love my program, my professors, and the academic experience that I am having. Seeing as there were no other interested parties, I took on the role of Postgraduate Representative for our program and I've been able to make some more personal contact with my professors in this role.
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| Don't know if ya heard, but I go to Hogwarts! |
I am currently taking two courses: Epidemiology/Biostatistics and Health Systems. The first class is all about introducing you to the field of public health and gives you a solid background in critical analysis of research papers and research study design. The latter class is all about how healthcare is purchased, financed, and provided and is set in a very international context. We've compared health systems all over the world and I am more than excited to bring what I've learned back home to try and improve our own situation. Next semester I'll be taking courses and Public Health Policy as well as Health and the Environment!
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| Adams Building: My scholarly pursuit continues here! |
First semester is drawing to a close...and FAST! We've got just one week of class left and the scramble is beginning already! I've got one more assignment due for my health systems class and my final for the Epi/Stats class is on June 14th. Crunch time! The good new? I am leaving for an Aussie adventure almost immediately after taking my final :) Feel free to send me some well wishes, lol.
So that's where I stand! I am finishing up some work and trying to keep my head afloat in a sea of academic rigor. I must say, Centre definitely prepared me well for life after Danville...many thanks to all of the folks back home who supported me along the way...which brings me to my next topic...asking for more support!
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| Told ya...straight Hogwarts |
As part of our scholarship, we are encouraged to develop a service project in our host country. As you may remember from reading my previous posts, all the NZ scholars were able to meet up in Wellington for a conference of sorts. During this conference we decided that we wanted to try and ride bikes for the whole length of New Zealand with the idea of raising money along the way. For a variety of reasons...this just isn't going to work. HOWEVER...we've come to a great alternative. We are partnering with an organization that sponsors medical research for childre: Cure Kids. What a fantastic organization. In short, they raise money in a variety of ways and have lots of community sponsors and partners and have been able to make some really great contributions to leukemia, birth malformations, cystic fibrosis, "hole in hearts" children. Not only do their funds go towards research in New Zealand, but Cure Kids raises money for research that is going on in both the United States and Australia. One of their events, the Accor Hotels $10 Queenstown Challenge, is a great way to raise money and is what our class of scholars has taken as our banner project. What is this you might ask? CONTINUE READING!!
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| What an awesome group of scholars! |
Essentially, teams of two have just 3 days to get from Queenstown to Auckland on just $10 with the event taking place from Aug. 16-Aug. 19! Think of this as a kiwi Amazing Race...and yours truly is participating! I've formed a team with a fellow scholar, Caresse Bucchan, and we are keen to get our fundraising legs running! We've set a goal of $8,000 NZD (about $6,500 USD) and we are going to need some help getting there as we've got to have all the money in by August 12th! I've listed some ways you can help...so check 'em out!
1. You can DONATE! We've set up a fundraising page where you can view our cute faces, read some blog posts as we post them, read about the challenge and contribute any amount of money you can spare for a wonderful, truly good cause...the health of children everywhere. Here is the website:
Support Cure Kids: Chase and Caresse!
2. You can SPREAD THE WORD to people or businesses that you think may be able to donate! We recognize that times are tough, but anything "publicity" you can help us with would be much appreciated! Maybe start a coin bank in your office? Perhaps you know a business that would love to donate? Get creative!
3. You can send WORDS OF SUPPORT! While we love dollars and cents, we also love encouragement. The challenge is difficult and we're going to need some major morale boosters as we head closer and closer to August! Feel free to e-mail me at cmwarner88@gmail.com with your support!
Well, that is about it folks. Thank for reading and I hope that you all are well. Remember, no amount is too small to donate and we'd love to reach our goal...and perhaps go beyond! A new post to come soon regarding the end of my first semester, heading to Oz, and shout outs to people from home!
Cheers!
Chase
