ROSEMARY ABBOTT | Culture
SCHOOLING THE SYSTEM
Sophie Cooper, a happy go-lucky go-getter had no idea her lack of Christchurch school history would leave her on the fringes of the city’s social circles.
The 26 year-old had recently relocated from Wellington for a job and was expecting to make friends with nearly everyone she would meet, just like she had done for years living in the Bohemian suburb of Newtown.
“It started innocently enough,” Sophie explained. “I overheard colleagues planning a group dinner, so I casually mentioned I was free and keen to meet some people as I’d just moved down here. That’s when someone said, ‘Oh, it’s just a few of us from Christ’s College and the girls from Rangiruru from our year.’ I wasn’t sure if that was a joke or a firm no.”
Determined not to let Christchurch’s cliquish culture defeat her, Sophie decided it was futile trying to get an invite to a private event, so instead refocused her energy on joining one of the city’s “run clubs”.
“I found the run club awesome and I try to go twice a week at the moment. It’s called Social Striders. I also joined a pottery class, a quiz team, and will probably try to get into a bowls club if it means someone will add me to the group chat.”
Despite the setbacks, Sophie remains optimistic. “I’ve learned to introduce myself with a light-hearted disclaimer,” she said. “Something like, ‘Hi, I didn’t grow up or go to school here, but I promise I’m not weird or a Hamiltonian.’ That seems to help.”
More to come.
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