Seriousness

In sum, what stood out about the Americans was their general seriousness. This quality crippled many when it came to having fun, but at the same time it spurred them to declaration, commitment and action concerning an issue which touched them.

If the American student is intense, then what is the young New Zealander like?

I met one New Zealander on the Aurelia, a girl from Lower Hutt on her wanderjahr before attending varsity. She was the backbone of the poster committee, a vigorous folk dancer, and a prize-winner winner in the fancy dress ball for her costume as a can-can girl (using empty Coca-Cola cans). But in the forums, she did not stand up and voice her opinion.