Because of You: How Eilidh found confidence and community in Fiji

We caught up with Eilidh, who recently returned from a transformative placement in Fiji, made possible by the support of the David Cargill Challenge Fund. She tells us how this experience gave her a new perspective and how it will impact her future. 

Hey, Eilidh! Can you tell us about the funding you received and what that meant to you? 

I was fortunate to receive funding through the David Cargill Challenge Fund which made it possible for me to travel to Fiji and take part in a Mental Health project with Think Pacific. The funding covered essential costs including travel, accommodation and the project itself. This allowed me to fully focus on contributing to the project and the Fijian community.

The project itself was life changing. Working alongside Fijian communities to promote mental health awareness really opened my eyes to how differently wellbeing is understood across cultures. 

Now you’re back in Scotland, how do you think your time in Fiji has impacted you both personally and in your studies?

Coming back to Scotland after my time in Fiji, I have noticed that this project has changed me both personally and academically. 

On a personal level, living with my Fijian host family was one of the most meaningful parts of the experience. They treated me like part of their family from day one, and that kindness and generosity will never be forgotten by me. Fiji time is something I have also tried to continue with in my daily life. It has taught me to slow down and appreciate the moment I am in and to not stress about things that are out with my control. 

Academically, this experience has given me a deeper understanding of mental health and wellbeing in a global context. It has taught me how cultural values and communities can influence wellbeing. In addition, it has given me a stronger sense of empathy and awareness of cultural differences.

My host family’s openness and the sense of belonging they created for me is something I will always carry with me. 

We'd love a specific story! Can you think of one moment or specific success you've had at university that was only possible because you received this support? 

A specific moment that stands out for me was during one of my placements. Due to my experience in Fiji, I have become much more aware of cultural differences and how they affect the way people communicate and approach wellbeing. This perspective helped me interact more thoughtfully with clients and on placement, and it gave me confidence to adapt my approach where needed. Even though it wasn’t a remarkable moment, I can see how my experience has made me a more culturally sensitive person. 

What are your immediate goals for the rest of your time here at Dundee, what are your plans once you graduate? 

For the rest of my time at the University of Dundee, my immediate goals are to finish my remaining modules and placements and keep developing skills that will be useful in my future career. I would like to make the most of opportunities that arise where I can build on experiences I had in Fiji. 

After I graduate, I hope to get a job where I can apply the knowledge I have gained from my studies. Ultimately, I want to contribute to making a difference to people’s lives and growing personally and professionally. 

If you could speak directly to the donors right now, what's the most important thing you'd want them to know about how their gift has genuinely affected your life? 

I would want them to know how much their support has impacted my life. Due to the David Cargill Challenge, I was able to travel to Fiji and take part in this project. This was an experience I never could have experienced without this. Not only did I get the opportunity to contribute to a meaningful project, I got the chance to grow as a person. I got to see the world from a completely different perspective whilst gaining confidence in myself.