A group of Year 12 students from Queen Victoria School recently returned from a transformative three-week trip to California, marking a significant milestone in their educational journey. The students, accompanied by their parents, guardians, and teachers, departed on December 7 and returned on December 30, 2024.
Setoki Butukoro, one of the students, shared his reflections on the trip, describing it as an eye-opening experience that exposed him to a new world of opportunities and technological advancements. He emphasized how the journey inspired him to take his studies more seriously in pursuit of his dreams. Fellow student Ioane Qalo echoed these sentiments, recognizing America as a land of opportunities, particularly in education. He noted their meeting with a California senator, who encouraged them to dream big and aspire for greatness.
Team leader Ulai Butukoro highlighted the success of the trip, crediting the collaboration of parents, teachers, the USA QVSOB Association, the Ministry of Education, the US Embassy, and the Koroitamana family in the USA. The group visited several prestigious universities, including American River College, St. Mary’s College, Sonoma State University, San Francisco State University, and UC Berkeley, one of the top five universities globally. Students were particularly excited about the robotics museum at UC Berkeley and the chance to tour the headquarters of tech giants Apple and Google in Silicon Valley.
The overall experience broadened the students’ horizons, inspiring them to envision greater possibilities beyond their immediate environment. Butukoro expressed gratitude towards the various organizations and individuals who supported their visit, including Divine Fijian Health Care Group, churches, and the Fijian community in California.
This remarkable journey not only enriched the students’ educational experiences but also instilled in them a sense of aspiration for future academic pursuits. They returned with a broader perspective and renewed determination to achieve their goals, embodying the potential for positive change and growth within their communities.
In summary, this trip served as a catalyst for personal growth, inspiring the youth to pursue their aspirations while fostering connections with educational institutions and influential figures in the United States.
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