Kia ora Koutou,
Welcome to my first blog entry.
I am an artist and a Massey distance student based on the east coast of New Zealand in the first city to see the sun, Gisborne (Turanganui-A-Kiwa). I grew up in a small east coast township and have lived in Gisborne most of my life along with my four older siblings. I attended art school and was a practising artist for twelve years before embarking on my journey into full time study, an introductory Social Anthropology paper initially sparked my interest and helped me to make sense of the world we live in with all of it's complexity.
I have since taken up development studies and sociology papers as I moved further into my degree but have majored in Social Anthropology. My art always took me places and this connection to different landscapes, communities, stories and history drew me into it's fold and naturally the study of society, culture and the environment resonated with me. So I like to think Anthropology has opened my eyes more and helped me to think critically around global and local issues and effects on local communities.
My art has taken me to the Northern tip of Australia to deliver a portrait to an elder, in which i learned of narratives and stories of historical oppression and injustice. I have a strong concern for environmental matters which has deepened over the last three years of study, Realising the damaging effect humans are having on the planet, I petitioned against deep-sea oil drilling in Te Tairawhiti and stood for local government this year, polling quite well on a fairly unpopular platform, that of anti-oil, pro-environment and clean water, and a strong focus on providing support for the growing hungry and homeless. I see my studies as a channel, as I build my awareness and knowledge I can then build on my skill base and use this where it is needed, to assist on many levels in my community and elsewhere.
My ambitions are to take my knowledge into the field of development, preferably in the Pacific region with my fathers family heritage being from Samoa. I would like to see my skills used practically in a local setting and advocating for people and the natural environment, which are so inextricably linked, working with people and seeing things from their perspectives but also critically aware of global systems and power affecting vulnerable populations, such as in the arena of climate change.
I expect to learn a great deal through this course and have worked in a group setting previously so I am aware of the need to pull together and draw on each persons strengths as well as meeting deadlines and keeping to the assigned requirements. My study is concerning people first and foremost so communication is vital, whether it is directly with local communities or in research papers, I understand the need to be able to convey ideas and listen to people and hear all perspectives. So on this note I believe as a communicator I can see others perspectives and can accommodate other views. My strengths also lie in visual presentations and I like to make things as clear and creative as possible. I suppose my weaknesses are keeping the length of my sentences and structure in check.
Nga mihi
Jess
5 comments:
Hi Jess,
I was interested to read that you stood for local government recently. I always think it's great when people with genuine concern for today's issues take a stand. We need more people like you putting themselves out there for those leadership roles and supporting important issues!
It sounds like you have clearly identified the role you want to play in society and are setting yourself up well to get there.
I also have an interest in development studies, having come from Africa and seen much poverty and suffering first-hand. I have considered various ways to include a development studies minor into my programme or in addition to it, but have not decided on anything yet.
I am looking forward to working with you this semester.
Cheers,
Michelle
Hi Jess,
Really interesting intro blog, you've obviously put some time and thought into it.
This might sound cheesy, but I thought the picture of Gisborne was really cool! Might have to pinch that idea down the line. The use of Maori was also a very nice touch that added some depth.
It sounds like you're a very passionate person and it was great learning about where you plan on focusing your energy - I'm also grateful to have that passion on our team!
On a personal note, I think you have some great morals and it's awesome knowing the planet has people like you.
See you Tuesday
Floyd
Hi Jess,
It’s great that you’re studying social anthropology. As you read in my post it’s a subject I started studying and it still fascinates me. The combination of art and anthropology is really interesting!
The addition of a photo in your post was a really good idea. It definitely adds something to the post.
Your post was well-written and east to read. It’s clear that you have a lot of passion for what you’re studying and where you’re going with it.
Alicia.
Thanks everyone for your responses. The picture is Anaura Bay about 1 hr up the coast from Gisborne where my dad lives, a place i love to go and stay as it is so remote there are no distractions. Great to learn more about you all and see you in group meeting tonight.
Hi Jess
I loved the fact that you haven't let life get in the way of you advocating for issues that you believe in. I commend you for that. It's something I would love to be able to do but the "I wouldn't know where to start" factor is heavily ingrained and so I do nothing.
Your blog was a pleasure to read and totally inspired me. Your passage about taking what you've learned in the development field to Samoa is something that I have often thought about. My father's family heritage is also Samoan.
It's nice to know there are people like you in the world and I look forward to reading more of your blogs :)
Cheers Marina
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