Daring Dasha dreams big

Not many people would move from one side of the world to the other in order to study their passion. Dasha Kuprienko was one of the brave few, moving from Russia to New Zealand in pursuit of an education.

After six months of research and looking at studying in the United States, Canada, Australia and England, Dasha and her family decided on her moving to New Zealand, choosing Wintec as a good location to study communications.

“People from New Zealand don’t realise how beautiful this country is, that was a major aspect, but also safety; I feel very safe here,” says Dasha.

New Zealand’s laid back  attitude also impressed her, including the fact that some Kiwis wear no shoes, which is unthinkable back home in Russia.

“But apparently it’s normal here,” laughs Dasha.

Telling people’s stories is where the real passion lies with her journalistic pursuit and she says that her national history steers her toward telling more than one side of a story. She smiles as she remembers her grandmother telling her, “I always thought you would be a journalist Dasha, because you always loved playing with newspapers when you were very small.”

Studying a degree is only the beginning 

However, studying a degree at a tertiary institution is only the beginning for Dasha, who believes that being pro-active and putting yourself out there is just as important as passing all the assessments.

“Have that character to beyourself, have something that defines you, don’t follow everyone else and do what you want to do.”

Other international students at Wintec have often said they feel at a disadvantage in the classroom compared to New Zealand students. This often includes reasons such as language barriers and the need for preliminary study prior to beginning a degree.

I feel grateful for the help and support 

But Dasha says  her tutors have always given her a fair go during the last three years, and she is grateful for the help and support she received along the journey.

“All my tutors have given me a fair amount of attention, maybe it is different for other degrees at Wintec, but I feel like I am on the same level as everyone else.”

Coming from a markedly different country in terms of history, geography, and climate was always going to guarantee major differences in culture. However, some things remain the same, such as using social media to communicate with friends and family.

“There’s Russian social media, it’s called VK. It’s like Facebook but better, you can listen to music on there.”

“I have Instagram. I’m probably a bit of an Instagram addict, it’s my favourite social media. My favourite Instagram is a Russian jewelry designer, it’s mostly pictures of her family, the way she raises her kids, she lives kind of like a New Zealand lifestyle. I like interesting and inspiring families.”

Studying media in New Zealand has not only given Dasha the skills for the industry, but it has also helped keep her well informed and up to date with local and international affairs .

I’ve been trying to say yes 

Dasha is determined to work as a journalist and will travel further to get her foot in the door, while continuing to have fun and experience new things along the way.

“For the past year I’ve been trying to say yes to things a lot. When you have an opportunity, if nothing can stop you, why not? Have your priorities right, but always have that bucket list of crazy things you want to do.”