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I spent my summer in New Zealand at the Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research Institute. As a research intern, I focused on writing reports about how different countries, including the U.S., U.K., Australia, and New Zealand, use policy and screening programs to address the health issues of lead contamination in soil. These reports will be compiled into a paper that will be published during Lead Poisoning Prevention Week by the New Zealand Residential Lead in Soil Working Group, a team that I collaborated with throughout my internship. This paper aims to encourage the New Zealand government to adopt national policies that will effectively remediate heavy-metal contaminated soils.

This internship contributed to my self-development on a personal, academic, and professional level. On a personal level, this internship was an opportunity for me to live and work in a country that I have always wanted to visit, but would not have had a chance to go to if not for Albright funding. New Zealand turned out to be exactly what I had dreamed it to be. From its dense forests and breathtaking fjordlands to its enchanting beaches and stark mountains, exploring New Zealand was an epic adventure, especially for the nature lover that I am! I spent every weekend on a road trip, covering as much ground as I could. Being outside, far from the stresses of the world (especially U.S. politics), I had time to connect with myself, relax, enjoy the outdoors, and marvel at New Zealand’s natural beauty.

On an academic level, my work felt impactful and important, and was in a field (Environmental Health) that I am passionate about and still want to pursue. In fact, some of my research on the United States will be relevant as I embark on my thesis this year, which centers on the similar goal of effectively addressing lead contamination in soils. Additionally, knowing researchers in New Zealand in the field I am interested in may turn out to be helpful with building my global network, especially if I research abroad again.

On the professional level, I learned that I value working for an institute that aligns with my core values. Manaaki Whenua integrated indigenous Maori culture and knowledge into everything from its projects to its architecture, and I greatly appreciated getting to work in a place where scientific research, community collaboration, and environmental justice were prioritized. I learned a lot about Maori and New Zealand culture and history, especially during Matariki, the Maori New Year, which was celebrated at my workplace. I also discovered that I appreciate working for an organization that values work-life balance. There was never the expectation that I would bring work home after hours or work during the weekend, and this work culture helped me learn to give myself grace and balance. In past summers, my internships had been all-encompassing, and I believe working in New Zealand helped me get a taste of what a balanced working life feels like.

Overall, New Zealand was an experience of a lifetime, a highlight of my Wellesley career, and a summer that I will never forget. I learned so much from this experience including New Zealand work life culture, literature review research skills, increased self confidence, and even how to drive on the opposite side of the road. I would return in a heart beat, and recommend to any incoming Albright fellow to go for it! Go to the country you have been dreaming of going to! Send that cold email! Make the most of every weekend! And have fun, because I certainly did!