The recent trip to the United States by Year 12 students from Queen Victoria School proved to be an enlightening experience for them. The group, which included parents, guardians, and teachers, departed for California on December 7 and returned on December 30, 2024.
Student Setoki Butukoro expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “Traveling to the USA with my brothers was a blessing for us because we got to see a different side of our world in terms of opportunities and technology.” He noted how the experience pushed him to prioritize his studies and encouraged him to pursue his dreams. Another student, Ioane Qalo, referred to America as a different “world,” describing how the visit opened their eyes to diverse educational prospects. The trip included a meeting with a California State Senator, who inspired the students to aspire for greatness in their lives and for their country.
Team leader Ulai Butukoro emphasized the trip’s success and thanked various supporters, including parents, teachers, and organizations like the USA QVSOB Association and the US Embassy. The students visited several esteemed institutions, including America River College, St. Mary’s College, Sonoma State University, and San Francisco State University, along with UC Berkeley, known for its accomplishments in education and innovation. The students’ visit to robotics exhibits at UC Berkeley, alongside their tours of the Apple and Google headquarters in Silicon Valley, were particularly notable moments of excitement and inspiration for them.
Ulai expressed gratitude to the community and various churches for their support during the visit, highlighting the sense of unity and encouragement they received while abroad.
This journey not only broadened the students’ perspectives but also instilled a spirit of ambition and curiosity about future possibilities. Engaging with various educators and innovators during the trip has the potential to motivate these young minds to become pioneers in their respective fields, both at home and abroad.
Overall, the trip serves as a reminder of the importance of global exposure and the pursuit of knowledge, demonstrating how experiences beyond one’s immediate environment can ignite aspirations for significant achievements.
Leave a comment