Kia ora koutou, 

Ko Tay Ririnui tōku ingoa, he uri nō Ngāi Te Rangi me Ngāti He.

I’m a third-year Environmental Engineering Student heading to the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA) for Trimester A 2026. I’m excited to broaden my technical knowledge, learn from different perspectives, and make new friends and memories during my time in California. UCLA’s world-class academic reputation, iconic green campus, and vibrant student life made it an easy first choice, so I am very grateful for this opportunity. 

I remember visiting UCLA once before and thinking it would be an amazing place to study, so it feels surreal that this will soon become my reality. I hope to return to Aotearoa with a broader global perspective and ability to make a positive impact in the spaces I work in. I aim to share Aotearoa’s environmental perspectives, challenges, and solutions, while learning how these relate to California and beyond. Understanding our shared human and environmental experiences will help me make informed decisions that strengthen kaitiakitanga and the relationship between people and the environment.

Lastly, yes, I would be lying if I said I was unaware of the FIFA World Cup hosted in North America, that both the All Whites and Scotland have somehow qualified for. Not a bad way to wrap things up!

Ngā mihi nui kia koutou to everyone who has helped me along my journey so far. I look forward to keeping you updated on my experience at UCLA!