Kate Littlejohn recalls the importance of the cultural connections she made between her own Maori culture and the Tibetan culture during her time in China. Now pursuing a master’s degree in psychology at home in New Zealand, Kate looks to continue applying the cultural components she encountered with ACE in her career as a psychologist.
What are you doing now? How has ACE influenced your career pathway?
I have returned home to New Zealand and am currently completing my Masters in Psychology which is hopefully on the path to becoming a registered psychologist. Both ACE and psychology are people-centric and include a cultural component. The ACE program enabled this cultural component to be understood and appreciated from each phase of life as we were able to meet and engage with people of all ages. ACE helped me appreciate how no matter where we end up, the experiences and cultures that shape us during childhood remain present throughout our lives.
Share one lesson from ACE that still holds today.
The ACE in China program was unique in that we had the opportunity to complete a small research project. I remember feeling a bit apprehensive but was soon excited as I found a connection between my cultural background and that of the local Tibetan community. Driving around the local villages, I noticed small structures atop each of the hills/mountains which I soon learned were indicative of sacred value and space to the Tibetan people. Similarly, in my culture as a Maori person, land is very sacred with mountains considered the highest order of sacred. The process of learning was invaluable and I will always remember how two cultures on opposite sides of the world, seemingly so far apart, can be much more connected than we realize.
Describe your ACE experience in as few words as possible:
A diverse and connecting experience.
What’s one thing you want people to know about ACE?
ACE is such a unique opportunity that enables full immersion and focus on connecting with people, environment, cultures, and communities. It is an opportunity that doesn’t come often and I couldn’t recommend it enough.