Love, Amy

Dear UniCrew

It’s hard to believe but it’s been a whole EIGHT years since I became involved with the coolest crew Otago Uni has to offer in 2014. I was a UniCrew OG, which is so awesome to think about while I look at where UniCrew and the wider Social Impact Studio have grown to now. And while it was just the humble beginnings of UniCrew in my Dunners days, we made some big memories. Walking laps in Forsyth Barr during Relay for Life, talking all things social impact during volunteer weeks, and getting as many people on board with our mission as possible. The standout was definitely organising a sleepout in the Octagon to raise funds for the Dunedin Night Shelter. Watching the community come together at the event was amazing; despite Dunedin putting on a true Otago chill for the night, we filled the Octagon with people willing to brave the cold for a cause. Soup was made, sleeping bags drawn tight, and plenty of hot drinks drunk. 

Memories weren’t the only thing I took from UniCrew. We were a small group in those early days, but we were small and mighty, and we made things happen. We learned the power of dreaming big and chasing goals. “No” wasn’t a word we used or heard often around UniCrew, and optimism was on tap. Eight years down the track and I am now working as a Clinical Psychologist in a DHB. While it’s no secret that our health system is stretched, and healthcare optimism isn’t often heard in the media, I haven’t let go of those UniCrew vibes. Obstacles are just something to work on, and I believe there’s always something we can change or improve to better the system. 

It wasn’t just the events we ran that had impact. It was the people met, the conversations had, the culture created. UniCrew showed we have amazing people in our communities, and when we come together we can make amazing things happen. As part of UniCrew, I was part of a community of people who weren’t afraid to think big ideas and were always ready to put the work in to make them happen. 

So it’s been eight years, and while a lot has changed in life (parties tend to be the dinner party form, and a pot of tea is typically served by 9pm), UniCrew has stuck with me, and I’m pretty sure it will have as lasting of an impact on my life as it has on the University of Otago and the Otago Community. And that’s a big one. 

All my love

Amy Edwards

(UniCrew Intern 2014 & 2015)