Meet Student Ambassador: Gopika

We talked to Gopika from Whangarei Girls’ High School about what she loves about living and studying in Northland. 

“I was born in India,  a country full off culture and diversity. My family and I migrated to New Zealand when I was almost 4 yrs old. I live with my parents Sheeja & Raj and an elder sibling Abhinav who studies at Whangarei Boys High School. We have been living in New Zealand for over 10 yrs now. I certainly miss my family over in India  as they are the most important people in my life. 

What do you love about Northland?

I feel Northland is a place that’s just full of warmth, diversity and liveliness . The way the northland  community accepts different cultures and lifestyles is wonderful especially when coming from somewhere that’s completely opposite. What I find most attractive in  Northland are the  beaches, the beautiful colour of the waves and the hot summer weather perfect for sunbathing and enjoying a lively time with family and friends.

What do you love most about studying at school in New Zealand?

What I love most about studying at school is the diverse and different opportunities they offer to all the students. It makes me wonder how lucky I am to be studying at this school. I get to seek different activities and challenges  that I’ve never experienced. I also feel each and every individual has a voice at school to convey their opinions and thoughts without being judged and teased, being in a comfortable environment is one of the best things to study and aim high each time .

Another reason which I feel honoured to have is the huge encouragement from the class teachers, they support, guide and push me to aim harder, along with that they support us mentally and emotionally if we’re going through tough journeys with our life, these are the  most uplifting aspects about studying at school in New Zealand .

What are your favourite experiences and places to go in Northland?

For me especially I will say that I am a city girl. I love  business and bustling in the streets , although I will not say that I don’t like nature. NZ is famous for its beaches and lakes and one of my favourite places would be Kai iwi Lakes in Dargaville. It’s pale, luminescent sand and  a heavenly beauty of the ombre blue water is what draws the attraction of people.

Another place which not only me but my family are delighted to visit is the  Sri Ganesh Temple in Auckland. As a person who’s very religious, the temple is a place for me to relax, take all the stress away from me and just have a beautiful, sacred time with my family.

What are your interests, sports and hobbies?

Growing up I have been highly interested in dancing and singing, these two hobbies have always made me embrace myself in various different ways, if I had to chose one it would be dancing I started dancing at the age of 3 and I feel very blessed and  proud to say that I’m actually a self-taught dancer, I love and live to dance.

Recently I’ve been interested in badminton, spending every Tuesday and Thursday training and playing along with friends has been something I’ve been enjoying in the last few months, I was never a sporty person but I will say I love badminton and will play it anytime although I may not be the best. I will certainly point out that I devour the sound of music in my ears. I love listening to music as  it brings happiness and contentment through every line of the song.

What is your favourite local place to hang out with your friends?

Shopping Is something I’m very addicted to whether it’s online or browsing in town so a place I enjoy hanging out with my friends is at town, just casually walking through the pavements and looking eagerly into shops with fancy and stylish things. Another place where half of my friends hang out would be the Northland  Badminton Centre. We laugh, chat and gossip about everything, you know just girls in general.

More about Whangarei Girls’  High School…