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Kia ora Boston!

Outside of UMASS Boston
It's time to start writing a blog about my Fulbright adventure in Boston. First, let me go back to when I applied for this award. I found out about a year that I was a successful recipient. For many, a Fulbright award is a massive deal. The opportunity to spend time in the United States to work on a research project. I've been to the States three times beforehand but have yet to go to Boston. This city is the academic city of the world, with more than 35 universities and colleges here. So I knew I wanted to come here.

I've spent my time, passion, energy, and work focused on better outcomes for our young people, particularly Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand. I wanted to work on a research project focusing on indigenous youth. So I choose the topic of how language, culture, and identity feature in the schooling experiences of Native American Youth. My time in Boston will also give me a glimpse of how indigenous people see the world.

I decided to come to the University of Massachusetts (UMASS) Boston for most of my time here. It's the only public research university in Boston. It's super diverse and overlooks the beautiful harbour. I have already made some great connections here and appreciate the staff here. Public transport is efficient. I take a one-minute walk to the station, take the subway to JFK station, and then the university provides a free shuttle to the campus. Masks are mandatory here at the campus, as the rates of catching Covid-19 have increased in the city. 
For the Times - the motto of UMASS Boston

The city here is charming. Although the weather has been cold, especially with the snow and wind, it's sometimes nice to walk through their parks and look at the statues and memorials. I recently went to the African American Museum here to better understand the history of this city. 
The church hall of the African American Community that was built in the 1800s.

Martin Luther King Day is coming up next week, so looking forward to the speeches and celebrations connected to such an inspirational leader. I was lucky enough to attend the unveiling of the new memorial of Dr King and his wife, Coretta. What was really nice was that son and granddaughter of Dr King and Correta were there for the unveiling. It was in Boston in the 1950s where Dr King and Correta met while they were college students here. Boston played a pivotal role in their development. 
The memorial 'Embrace' at Boston Common

I will try and blog twice a week about my Fulbright adventure here. I'm happy to meet anyone based in Boston. 
Noho ora mai,

Will

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