See what the winners of our Funner Summer Writing Competition have to say about their experiences with the program!
My First Funner Summer Experience: By Durga Desai
You know those moments when boredom strikes, and you're driven to seek out something new and unexpected? This happened to me when I was desperately looking for something new to do, and on a whim, I signed up for the Port Stephen trip without much expectation of the outcomes. From the excitement of spotting dolphins on the ferry to the peacefulness of the bushwalk and surfing at the sand dunes, each part of the trip was memorable. But the one I will always remember is when we reached our last destination of the trip.
We were promptly greeted by the blazing hot sun high above our heads that wrapped us in an unnecessary blanket of heat, and golden dunes that stretched as far as the eye could see. We were given a brief training after which we were given free rein to try sand-surfing.
Initially starting on a smaller hill, the boys seemed to pick it up rather quickly even on the first go, with their laughter and cheers echoing across the landscape. A few of us found it easier to slide whilst sitting on the board. After a few attempts, the more confident side of the group felt keen on tackling the steeper slope, and as their enthusiasm was infectious, I was swept up in their excitement and joined them.
Looking down from the steeper slope, fear slowly crept into my nerves, and I suddenly became aware of the tingling sensation at the soles of my feet. For a moment, I thought of leaving it all and turning back, but the encouragement from the group of girls that I had just met, kept me in place and I decided to give it another try. At that moment, I saw one of the girls who had fallen on her face but quickly got up with a smile and continued walking back. Her resilience was the last push I needed. I began sitting on the board once again, still too scared to stand up, but with my friend’s cheers of encouragement, I finally decided to try standing on the board and pushed off.
Balancing against the wind was a massive challenge, But I used the techniques my friends had shared with me, and to my surprise, I managed to stay upright throughout. As soon as I reached the end of the slope, I realised I had left the board halfway through, but what my friends and I were happier about was that I didn’t have a humpty-dumpty fall.
As we headed back, the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the dunes on our right side, and a vast blue ocean stretched across the horizon on our left side. Inhaling the breathtaking views, I stood there as a sense of accomplishment settled inside of me.
Although I knew today wasn't objectively perfect sand-surfing, I was content with my effort to step outside of my comfort zone to try something new, and a newly found confidence within myself. This trip was a memorable beginning to my adventurous year in Australia.
Lunar New Year Celebration: By Ashley Zhu
UNSW's FUNNER SUMMER Lunar New Year event was a super fun and memorable event that greatly fulfilled my day, leaving a good mark on every attendee lucky enough to participate. After class it was nice to see items that were symbolizing prosperity and good fortune as per my background. Creating a subtle ambiance that immediately lifted spirits.
The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the array of free food stalls offering a taste of Asian culinary delights. Was super lovely to see everyone of similar background enjoying the food and getting to meet some who would end up as my good friends. Those friends I've met with regularly and we bond over Asian food coincidently all the time so I'm thankful for this event for this.
Beyond the culinary delights and mesmerizing performances, UNSW’s Lunar New Year event offered the chance to engage more deeply with those I wouldn’t usually after class, since I’m tired a lot haha These activities provided a deeper understanding of Asian traditions that I wasn’t aware of while encouraging attendees to engage actively in cultural learning and appreciation.
What made this event a resounding 10/10 experience was its ability to foster a sense of community and inclusivity. I found myself immersed in conversations with fellow students from diverse backgrounds, united by our shared enthusiasm for the festivities. It was a reminder of the university's commitment to creating a welcoming environment where cultural diversity is celebrated and cherished.
Reflecting on my experience at UNSW's Lunar New Year event fills me with joy and gratitude. For anyone seeking a joyful and enriching experience that celebrates culture and community, FUNNER SUMMER events are a must-attend. In conclusion, UNSW's Lunar New Year event was a humble showcase of cultural richness and community spirit. It left an enduring impression on me and underscored the university's commitment to providing memorable and meaningful experiences for its student body.
Blue Mountains: By Ethan Moy
The 5:30 a.m. alarm pierced through the morning twilight, and I woke up excited but nervous.
On one hand, I would finally be visiting the famous Blue Mountains through the UNSW Funner Summer program. I couldn’t wait for the majestic views that I had seen online.
On the other hand, I was tired, and my social battery – the expression my friends and I used to describe our capacities for interaction – was at 50%. Enough for catching up with friends, sure, but not for meeting someone new. In fact, I was dreading saying the same, almost robotic lines: ‘my name is…,’ ‘I’m from…,’ ‘I study…,’ followed by an overly enthusiastic ‘what about you?’. My excitement, though, was enough to get out of bed and stumble onto the bus headed for UNSW with a half-eaten sandwich in my hand.
When I arrived on campus, I scanned the people already present, but everyone was already in groups and immersed in conversation. I definitely wasn’t courageous enough to introduce myself. Social battery: 25%, and the day was just beginning.
Then, with a sigh of relief, I noticed some friends of friends who I only seen through Instagram stories. As awkward as that seemed, at least there was some connection to start with. But during the ninety-minute bus ride to the Blue Mountains, the conversation seemed to flow naturally, and we quickly moved past the obligatory small talk that I had dreaded this morning. Social battery: back up to 50%.
When we arrived, we started on a trail that would be followed by the views I so eagerly anticipated. The trail was great; I could smell the fresh scent of eucalyptus trees, spot the cockatoos above, and hear the trickling of the creek below. Halfway through, we stopped for sandwiches that were much better than what I put together that morning, and I managed to feel quite comfortable with the people around me thanks to our bus conversation. Social battery: up to 75%.
After two hours of hiking and countless steps, we were about to reach the viewpoint. This was the moment that I had been waiting for all day. I turned the corner and saw…
Absolutely nothing.
The fog was so thick that I was shrouded in grey and white mist. I couldn’t even see the railing in front of me. The disappointment was too much. Social battery: 0%.
I should have been fully exhausted at that point, but I found myself smiling a bit instead. Because of this experience, I had a story to tell (this one) that is probably far more interesting than sharing the same pictures that pops up on a simple Google search. And despite my doubts, I met new people, saw things I wouldn’t have otherwise, and ate some decent food.
Knowing that, I’d repeat this trip in a heartbeat.
