Nelson stay helps light political fire
She is truly a citizen of the world.
Sofia Aureoles Geymonat, 19, is a Mexican living in New Zealand who is volunteering in Vanuatu before she travels to Australia to represent Ukraine at a model United Nations conference.
The Nayland College exchange student is preparing to return to Mexico after her year-long stay in Nelson.
Before travelling home, though, she is spending a week in Vanuatu volunteering within indigenous communities, and another week in Melbourne discussing global issues at the UN Youth’s ‘‘striving for justice’’ national conference.
‘‘We are going to paint the houses and build water tanks for the native people, and teach them English,’’ Sofia said before leaving on Saturday.
The practical experience she was set to gain in Vanuatu would be invaluable when talking among the 150 like-minded young diplomats who were to gather in Melbourne for the conference, she said.
At the model UN conference Sofia will discuss world issues such as HIV/Aids, indigenous rights and global internet regulation, assuming the political perspective of a Ukrainian diplomat.
Nine other New Zealand students representing various nations will join her.
Sofia’s father Silvano Aureoles Conejo is a senator in the Mexican legislature and has inspired her passion for politics.
‘‘When I was little I always said I won’t do what my dad does, never, never, never. Ah, but now, I do want to do that.’’
In August she will begin her university studies in Mexico City towards a degree in international relations.
Sofia said she would miss New Zealand and all of the friends she had made over the past year, although she admitted she nearly never came at all.
‘‘I wasn’t coming to New Zealand,’’ she said.
‘‘I was going to England, and one month before coming here I met Mrs Glue [director of international students at Nayland College Judy Glue] in Mexico.
‘‘I didn’t know where New Zealand was, but she was so nice, I thought, ‘if I am going to live somewhere else for a year it should be with friendly people,’ so I changed the exchange just because of her.’’
Her hometown, Mexico City, had a population of close to 11 million so living in the relatively tiny Nelson had been amazing, Sofia said.
‘‘You walk or you take the bike, and people recognise you everywhere. It’s so nice.’’
Another big difference was the way New Zealanders welcomed people.
She has confused more than one hopeful male student into thinking her traditional welcome, which includes an embrace and light cheek kiss, was flirtation rather than friendly etiquette.
Sofia will miss the freedom of New Zealand culture.
‘‘People here are so relaxed, never in a rush. You don’t have to worry – for example, leaving the door unlocked. It is such a free country.’’