By Michaela Pocock

Kia ora! I’m Michaela Pocock (Miki if we’re mates!), a second-year Bachelor of Sport and Human Performance student from Waikato University, and I’m heading off on an exciting exchange to the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. As someone who thrives in the outdoors – whether it’s hiking, surfing, or just being by the ocean – Hawai’i felt like the perfect fit. I was especially drawn to the chance to train alongside a Division 1 track programme, which will not only push me physically but also give me insight into high-performance sport outside of Aotearoa. The combination of world-class athletics and stunning natural landscapes made this opportunity irresistible.

This exchange isn’t just about sport, though. I’m hoping it will be a personal reset – a chance to step out of my comfort zone, grow as an individual, and build connections with people from all over the world. I’m excited to learn more about my field of study through a new cultural lens and see how sport and human performance are approached in the U.S. I know it won’t always be easy, but I’m ready to challenge myself, make new friends, and come home with a broader perspective on life, learning, and sport.