On February 7th, I had my first day at the college. Everything happened very quickly for me, and I had to undergo a rapid transformation from being a student to becoming a Chinese teaching assistant on an internship at the college.

Similar to the start of a new school year in Chinese high schools, parents here in the college would see off their children at the school gate. However, the difference is that parents are allowed to enter the school and participate in the welcome ceremony. The classmates and teachers organized a unique Maori cultural welcome ceremony for us new staff members. This wasn't my first time attending such a welcome ceremony (my first was at the Auckland Museum), but I was once again amazed by the Maori culture. The music during the ceremony had multiple layers of narrative, conveying both a sense of welcome and farewell. The main melody was profound and passionate, while the harmonies were gentle and fitting. As someone who loves music and is sentimental, their music deeply touched me and brought tears to my eyes. When I shared my feelings with the principal of the college, she smiled warmly and added, "And it's about respect too."

Indeed, coming to a new school on the other side of the world, everything here should have been unfamiliar to me, and I should have felt lost. However, when I saw everyone's smiles and friendly greetings, I felt like I was also a member of this big family.