Vivica Turnbull (biology)
My name is Vivica and I’m a fourth-year Biology major at Macquarie University in Sydney; and a proud Barkindji Ngemba woman.
In 2022, I took part in the Indigenous International Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Exchange. I have always wanted to travel, but never had the chance to until I saw this opportunity advertised at university, I applied right away as I thought “Why not!”.
Traveling to UVic
During my 5-month exchange I undertook a semester at the 番茄社区 UVic and completed the LE, NONET course with my internship at the Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement (IACE) as an Intern.
During my semester at UVic I made lasting friendships and invaluable experiences. Most notably, I was able to attend the Powwow for Orange Shirt Day.
This experience demonstrated the shared experiences of colonization between the First Nation Peoples in Canada and my own people here in Australia, and how we still manage to find strength within our community by celebrating our beautiful cultures.
Connecting with community
The First Peoples House at UVic truly felt like a home away from home. When I arrived in Canada, I only knew one person, however that quickly changed the first time I walked into the First Peoples House.
The community at UVic was extremely welcoming and together we made many great memories such as the weekly lunches in the Ceremony Hall and catch ups in the Elder’s lounge with Elders Doug and Kathy. I was even lucky enough to join the newly formed drumming group led by Justin.
Representing her culture
During the end of the Indigenous International WIL Exchange program, I completed my internship at the IACE and was able to develop my creativity by helping plan events and I even got to plan my very own event where I held a film screening of an Indigenous film made in Australia.
I felt great pride to represent my culture and I feel very grateful to have been welcomed by UVic. I would encourage anyone to sign up.
Living in Kenya
Living in Kenya has offered me immersive cultural experiences, from savouring delicious local cuisines like chapati, mandazi, and Kenyan BBQ to exploring cities alongside newfound friends. Engaging with diverse communities and witnessing the breathtaking wildlife, including giraffes and elephants, has deepened my appreciation for Kenya's rich landscape.
Furthermore, understanding the impact of climate change on communities and economies has been a pivotal learning experience during my time here. Further, I had the opportunity to visit the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), as marine biology is another one of my interests. And I was able to learn about the work and research they are conducting there.
Another takeaway from my time in Kenya is the importance of embracing a slower pace of life. In Kenya, I've observed that people prioritize taking their time, understanding that setbacks and unexpected turns are a natural part of life. This mindset is encapsulated in the Swahili term 'polepole,' which translates to 'slowly.’ I believe this philosophy offers a valuable lesson that I intend to carry forward in my life.
Learning about a new culture
While I've previously travelled backpacking through various countries, living abroad presents a uniquely enriching experience. It pushes one out of their comfort zone, encouraging exploration, and fostering connections with people from diverse backgrounds.
This journey has not only expanded my global perspective but has also nurtured newfound self-confidence and self-discovery, revealing facets of myself I might never have uncovered otherwise. I have become more confident in conducting myself in unfamiliar environments, whether these be work-related or recreational, and have learnt to trust my instincts while abroad.
In Western culture, we often find ourselves caught up in the hustle and bustle, constantly chasing deadlines and juggling numerous commitments. However, my experience in Kenya has highlighted the significance of slowing down, immersing oneself in the present moment, and cherishing the connections we forge along the way. I would encourage everyone to embrace this 'polepole' approach, recognizing that life's most meaningful experiences often unfold when we allow ourselves the time and space to truly engage with our surroundings and the people we encounter.