Zoe Tupling
Posted by Zoe Tupling on December 1st, 2011
My name is Zoë Tupling and I am a student at the University of Ottawa in the final year of my degree in “Conflict Studies & Human Rights”. After finishing my undergraduate education, I am interested in dividing my time between further travel and learning opportunities, hopefully finding a Master’s degree (and later, a career) that allows me to do both. All that said, I’m kind of a … goofy person? I think the ability to laugh at whatever life presents is necessary to survival.
My desire to volunteer as an academic tutor with the Jesuit Refugee Service in Malawi was motivated by a variety of factors. Practically, I have experience and interest in tutoring students at a university level. More altruistically, I am the daughter of a refugee and thus have a personal motivation for wanting to work in a refugee camp. Less altruistically, I am interested in travel and adventure: challenges of self.
When people ask about me how I feel about my trip, I find it difficult to explain the complex range of emotion, so I will rely on a couple of simple quotes from one of my favourite novels, A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving:
1. “If you care about something you have to protect it – If you’re lucky enough to find a way of life you love, you have to find the courage to live it.
2. “I’m not afraid, but I’m very nervous.”
Zoe, we are so proud of you and your noteworthy and brave goals. I hope you will keep in touch with us (i.e. me) to let us know how your journey progresses, including the slight bumps you may encounter along the way.
I have faith in you, because you already have a deep understanding of what a refugee has to go through to even get to Canada, and to sustain themselves in this completely different – to them – environment. You will be a “helping stone” to those who want to do just that. I wish you every success, and hope you will share this remarkable step and experience with us.
Take care,
Alex
Hey Zoe!
I hope you’re having an inspiring visit to Malawi! I’m looking forward to reading more of your dispatches. I really admire the ways you constantly challenge yourself. You have such a thoughtful and courageous approach to everything you do. Keep posting!
xo
Jordan
Dearest Zoe,
I am so, so extremely proud of you and love you very much. You are an incredible young woman and have inspired and touched more people than you will ever know.
You are extremely brave to have embarked on this journey, but I know that if anyone can do this and not just get by, but THRIVE, it’s you.
I really look forward to hearing about your experiences and insights throughout your trip.
Before I sign off, I wanted to leave you with a quote.
A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.
Nelson Mandela
And Cuz, I am happy to say, you have both a million-fold:)
Love You Always and Forever.
Your Cuz,
E:)))) xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Amazing ! can you imagine with what courage Zoe can help people around this world where no one seems to help!
Thanks
Hi Zoe,
I am very impressed by your determination,courage and compassion.
You always try to give the best of yourself and hence, you inspire others, to be the best, they can be.
Thank you for that.
From the bottom of my heart, to yours,
Ala
Hi Zoe,
Wendy Tupling, my high school friend directed me to your blog. She remembered that I went to Nigeria to teach with CUSO many years ago when I was 22. That was certainly a very rich experience, and it sounds like you are enjoying your experience in Malawi. How great is it being connected to the internet from Africa now. Back then a letter took a month to go one way. There were no phones either. Congratulations on choosing such a great adventure.
Toni