Hunter x Hunter has been more than just a story for me; it has become a personal source of inspiration, reigniting my passion in pursuing my dream of becoming a doctor

In every age the human plight unfurls. Linking the poles of night and day. Our lifespan too short for wisdom’s full embrace, yet too long to toil away towards proliferation. We succumb to our desires, seeking fleeting release, perhaps an escape. Most are lost, navigating the darkness. Longing for peace.

Embarking on this MDes Degree has truly been a transformative experience, surpassing my wildest expectations. These past eighteen months have marked a profound period of growth and self-actualisation. I am deeply grateful and would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Aaron Fry and the entire staff at the design school for their unwavering support, invaluable guidance, mentorship, and approachability. The design school at the University of Auckland is undoubtedly a special place, and I am privileged to be a part of it.

What does it mean to rise to the occasion? To be pushed to one's limit and overcome barriers previously thought to be insurmountable is a feat of remarkable courage and resilience. These are the moments that define us, that shape our character and give meaning to our existence.

To strive for a goal in Zazen is to fail before you've even begun, and any claims of growth, progress, or enlightenment are hollow. Time, in Zazen meditation, is both infinite and finite, broad and narrow. Success and failure, two sides of the same coin, are just different interpretations of the same thing.

I particularly want to journal about my journey in coming to grips with uncertainty, moving away from being a results-focused individual to a process-focused one, and dealing with stress when the things I desire may partially be out of my control. Life is uncertain

Many people, myself included, perhaps view 2020 as a lost year. Memories that could have been formed and relationships that could have blossomed were seemingly cut short. Instead, a majority of us spent our days in our rooms, flats, houses, and apartments, with loved ones, or with flatmates. This is not to say that the latter prevents us from forming new memories and strengthening existing bonds but rather this is a year none of us were expecting.

Everything negative — pressure, challenges — is all an opportunity for me to rise