Kia ora, Kia orana, Talofa lava, Malo e lelei, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Ni sa bula vinaka, Namaste, Taloha ni and warm Pacific greetings

Last week the University of Otago held their Pacific Welcome for new and returning students to the University. It was an inspirational evening with awards, speeches and entertainment. The Pacific Welcome evening was not just entertaining, but extremely informative in the sense that it inspired the Pasifika students of all year levels at Otago Girls' with ideas about their journey after high school. The Pacific Welcome indirectly assured students that their connection to their culture through performances can still thrive and exist even after high school and Polyfest, as well as the appearances of many ex-girls in the performances. 

The awards recognizing Pasifika excellence motivated all students thinking about attending University to excel through their studies even after high school. This event was exceptionally enlightening and I hope to see more Pasifika students and parents from Otago Girls' High School attend in the following years to come.