Awardee Reflection - Emma Slattery

The 2024 Anzac Prize study of Vietnam during the April school holidays was a truly amazing experience. 

Over the past few weeks since being back home, I've been able to reflect upon the unforgettable moments and broad range of opportunities we were so fortunate to experience. Taking time to sit down and share some of these memories and photos with my family and friends, and seeing their reactions to some of the places we visited has made me forever grateful. 

I met and made many wonderful new friends on the trip, and I will appreciate all of you forever. 

I have been asked by several different people what was my favourite part of the trip - and to be honest there were too many amazing experiences that I can’t pinpoint my favourite. The vibrancy and bartering at the markets were always entertaining, the scenery and experience of the cruise was stunning, and the long bus trips were certainly unforgettable! Visiting the tunnels, memorials, and museums provided many eye-opening learning moments. Anzac Day and the ceremony at Long Tan were simply unforgettable, and of course, I can’t forget the leader of Sticky Rice, Papa Martin. 

I cannot thank everyone involved enough, the teachers and all those involved in organizing this experience, I will forever cherish this opportunity and I feel very privileged to have been part of the 2024 Anzac Prize Study tour, it is truly an amazing experience to be part of, and one that I would highly recommend to other students in the future.