Hira Siddiqui, '16
Last semester, Hira Siddiqui, ’16, a double major in leadership studies and business administration with a concentration in marketing, was named the #RobinsAbroad Photo Contest winner with her photo of sheep grazing along a lush hillside in New Zealand. She looked back on her experience studying abroad in the fall at University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Hira Siddiqui, ’16, is a native of Midlothian, Va. “Coming into college, I knew I wanted to study abroad but wasn’t sure where exactly I wanted to go. I’d studied French for eight years and would have enjoyed studying in a Francophone country, but since I had done a French exchange program in high school, I decided it would be best to choose a completely new experience. Ultimately, I chose New Zealand because I didn’t want a typical study abroad story.”
She added, “Even though New Zealand is an English-speaking country, I knew living in this country would push me outside my comfort zone. I’m usually drawn to large metropolitan areas, and New Zealand has only a few large cities. I wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to spend more time outdoors and explore a place I typically wouldn’t have thought to go.”
At Otago, she took four classes, New Zealand Plants, New Zealand Literature, Management and Organizations and Managing People. Siddiqui added, “The first two classes not only fulfilled two of my general education requirements, but they also helped me learn more about New Zealand’s landscape and culture. In my Management and Organizations class I completed a project for the Otago Youth Wellness Trust, a nonprofit organization that focuses on reducing juvenile crime by providing a safe and supportive environment for local teenagers. I’ve worked with a handful of nonprofits in Richmond through the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement (CCE), Alpha Phi Omega, the University’s co-ed community service fraternity, and Community-Based Learning classes, so it was wonderful to work with a nonprofit abroad.”
She revealed, “Studying abroad taught me to be more open to trying new things. On one occasion, my friend and I planned a day-trip to explore the Otago Peninsula, but we didn’t anticipate our GPS would stop working. Growing up with ready access to technology, neither of us had ever used a paper map to navigate before. Luckily, we were able to make sense of the one in our car, and with the exception of a few U-turns we visited every place on our list that day.” Siddiqui shared, “I chose New Zealand because it is known as one of the adventure capitals of the world, and I wanted to go to a place that would challenge me. I’m so glad I chose New Zealand, and I hope to return someday.”
Siddiqui reflected on her time abroad. “From the road-trips, hikes and bungee jumping to spending a day on a farm and seeing caves lit entirely by glowworms, I created so many memories over the semester, and I’ll always cherish my time abroad. While living in another country I had to change many things in my day-to-day life like driving on the other side of the road, eating different food, and using different lingo. My experience helped me to be more flexible, and I’m confident I’ll be able to adapt comfortably to my life and career following graduation.”
Looking forward, she revealed, “As of now, I’m focused on securing an internship for the summer that will help to narrow down my career aspirations. The Robins School has enriched my professional development through its collaborations with the Office of Alumni and Career Services. Both the Spiders in Marketing and Deconstructing Marketing events this semester helped me gain a better understanding of where I fit within the marketing and communications industry while allowing me to improve my networking skills. I’m currently seeking positions in strategic planning, market research and brand management. It’s been very helpful to gain these skills and knowledge on top of my improved adaptability after returning to the U.S. because I feel much more prepared for my future. Whatever I’m doing, I’m sure of one thing. I want travel to always be part of my life.”
Photo: Siddiqui at Lake Pukaki in New Zealand