Pia Vásquez: “My Experience in Rosmini College’s Program: “The Ocean That Connects Us All” (TOTCUS)”

I still remember my first Zoom sessions, when nerves often got the best of me. Even though I feel comfortable with English, the idea of speaking in front of people from different countries and cultures made me anxious to the point that I sometimes forgot basic words. In those first meetings, uncomfortable silences were common, which only increased my anxiety. However, we all supported each other, and if someone didn’t understand something our teacher was always there to assist us. This sense of community and mutual support was one of the most valuable aspects of the program.

One of most difficult things about TOTCUS was researching climate change. For me, it was fascinating to explore how it affects different parts of the world, though I confronted a particular challenge when looking for specific information on Easter Island. The resources available were limited, making it difficult to find precise information. Nevertheless, this wasn’t such a big problem in the end because my classmates and I worked together to research, share information, and present the most comprehensive information possible to our colleagues at Rosmini College in Auckland, New Zealand.

As the program progressed, so did my confidence during the Zoom sessions. What began with nervousness and uncomfortable silences evolved into fluid, dynamic conversations where communication among us felt more natural. This transformation helped me to improve my English communication abilities.

In my opinion, TOTCUS was a fantastic and incredible experience. Zoom meetings, which initially felt intimidating quickly became the highlight of my week, as each session was well-organized and structured to facilitate active learning and participation. This program not only introduced me to new people but also opened my eyes to the urgency of the fight against climate change and the critical importance of international cooperation in protecting our planet.

Without a doubt, TOTCUS was not just an educational program, but also a window to the world, allowing me to see beyond my own horizons. Through every conversation and exchange of ideas, I realized how interconnected we all are, and how important are shared responsibility is of protecting the Earth from climate change, which we, ourselves, have irresponsibly provoked over the years. The experience left me with a clear lesson: climate change isn’t a distant problem, but a reality that affects everyone, and our actions, however small they can seem, have the power to make a difference.

Author: Pia Vásquez
Date written: October 4^th, 2024