Love, Em

Dear Silverline & Otago Leadership Award,

Thank you for all the ways that I was able to grow and learn through the opportunities you gave me. My name is Elizabeth Mary “Em” Beban and I was fortunate enough to connect with Sze-En when I was in my second year (2013). I was so keen to volunteer and get amongst the community and as the Studio grew exponentially I was able to be involved in ways I could never have imagined. I volunteered with youth and community outreach programs, including helping with the Dunedin floods which then led to a group of students creating the Otago Response Team. I was involved in the Aspire Programme, Otago Leadership Award and a student executive on the Silverline Team. 

The Studio was a safe haven and place where I had full acceptance and encouragement to dream and bring to life ways I could help support those around me. Considering that I was going through a massive identity shift and experienced loss and hardship during my tertiary studies, I was zealous about finding ways to reach out to other students to let them know that they weren’t alone in their struggles. This is what Silverline did. I was always amazed at how a small passionate team could pull together amazing events that were high-quality; the marketing and execution was always done with panache. This set the bar for me of how I wanted to implement creative and interactive wellbeing initiatives at schools.

After leaving University and becoming a teacher I have had many conversations with young people about which University they should attend. The main reason I encourage students to go to Otago is because of the unique opportunities the Studio has to offer as I know that is something that will enable them to be more well-rounded with the experiences of tertiary education. When I think back to my University experience, I cherish what was on offer through Silverline and the volunteering opportunities I received as it allowed me to have a greater connection to the Dunedin community. I was so passionate about what the Studio offered that I immediately signed up to promote this through the University’s campaign video. 

I have a life-long mentor and even met my partner through the Studio. I treasure the time I got to be part of the whānau at the Studio and keep updated with the amazing mahi they still do like a proud Aunty. I'm grateful to Sze-En for the enormous energy, support, and constant encouragement invested in all students who cross her path. I admire the way she facilitated meetings where she always uplifted and empowered us to make an impact as students for students. I love you Studio and have million thanks yous for the way you bring that juicy zest that made my experience all the better. 

With so much love,

Em Beban