When she migrated to New Zealand with her family ten years ago, the eleven-year-old girl was in for a cultural shock, for, pace of life and social habits in Auckland were far different to her hometown of Ba in Fiji.
If you were to ask her now, Arishma Lata, our Model of the Fortnight, would assert that adjusting to the local environment and assimilation of new practices are central to social integration.
“I have loved almost every minute of those ten years along with my parents and two sisters and I would not change it for the world,” she said.
A Bachelor of Health Science podiatry student, Airshma hopes to become a specialist in the discipline, devoted to the study, diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle and lower leg.
Meanwhile, she keeps herself trim and fit to pursue modelling, which she said was her greatest passion in life.
“Modelling has given me veritable opportunities to meet and understand people, leading to different fields of interest such as doing pageants and hosting events,” she said.
Arishma was the Second Runner-Up and ‘Miss Personality’ at the Miss Indianz 2010 (Indian Newslink, August 15, 2010). Her involvement with a Bollywood High School Dance Competition last year and the Polyfest 2011 has helped to build up self-confidence and the ability to cope with challenges and situations.
“These experiences have actually enabled me to get closer to my Indo-Fijian culture and heritage, which I will forever cherish and promote in all my activities,” Arishma said.
She said her family and friends have been supportive of all her endeavours.
“I know that I am not perfect but they encourage me to strive towards perfection,” Airshma said
-Venkat Raman
Photography: Bhavnesh Soni; Makeup & Hair: Asrita Singh
For more pictures of Arishma Lata, visit www.indiannewslink.co.nz
Editor’s Note:
If you wish to sponsor our Model of the Fortnight or try your luck being a Model of the Fortnight in our series, please contact Bhavnesh Soni on 021-1109931.
Email: photography@bhavneshsoni.com
Website: www.bhavneshsoni.com
