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Thinking about Varsity

In the last issue of salient, a '1st year student' had raised the question of' Can I do do something useful while in New Zealand, or am I here solely to get a degree?"

Here, I would like to share a poem, 'Come in Awareness' which was written by Norsiah A. Rahman with him/her and many other overseas students and hope that it will help to enlighten us in this question.

'Come In Awareness'
You who have come
In quest of knowledge
Come with open minds
Ready to explore new ideas;
To nuture your talents, if they
Be for the betterment of mankind.
Come with humility and gratitude
For your coming has been possible
At the expense of many others
Know that you have a responsibility
Not to betray the trust that
Others have placed in you.
The world out there needs you
Let your coming be
To make you a better person
For the role destined for you.
And should you find
Your ideas shattered.
The rosy picture you painted
Smeared........
Do not be disillusioned
But from this dilemma
Gain greater strength and wisdom
To pursue your goals.

— Thought