Celebrating two decades of friendship
As the echoes of graduation ceremonies fill the air, we are delighted to share a story that embodies the enduring relationships built throughout the years at Massey University. With the addition of new graduates to our alumni community, we turn our attention to a special narrative. This isn't just a story of scholarly achievements; it’s a celebration of the lasting friendship between two of our alumnae, Magdeline Soo and Melanie Sowman (Leech).
Mags and Mel started their journey at Massey in February 2004, both dreaming of a degree in Veterinary Science. As their expertise grew, so did their bond, leading them to pursue a Master of Veterinary Medicine via distance learning. While the specifics of how they first met may have faded over time, the heart of their friendship remains clear. Their connection has stood strong against the test of time and distance through daily conversations, mutual support, and countless shared laughs.
The secret sauce to their enduring bond? “The internet and air travel,” Mags shares, reflecting on the lifeline keeping their friendship vibrant across distances, from Singapore to New Zealand.
“Mel and I have chatted almost every day since we graduated from vet school in 2008, talking about random day-to-day mundane matters, helping each other to process work dramas, watching the Bachelor (US) online together and helping each other with our pets,” Mags shares.
The depth of their connection proved unshakeable, even when tested by the isolating tides of COVID lockdowns. “We dove into 3 to 4-hour video calls, engaged in playful battles on FB Messenger, and let laughter guide us through the stress and solitude.”
“We fly to visit each other in Auckland and Palmerston North, where we’d indulge in shopping sprees for toys and collectibles or enjoy the simple pleasures of Starbucks and constant snacking, which are cherished moments. We even put our vet school skills to amusing use, palpating blind boxes as if they were patients.”
Their Massey days were filled with sneaky note-passing in lectures, collaborative group projects, and moments of shared silliness that only deepened their connection. Beyond the laughs and academic rigors, their aligned values and backgrounds truly set the stage for a lifelong friendship.
Today, despite living apart, they remain active presences in each other’s lives, from attending each other’s family milestones to leaning on each other through professional challenges. Mel, with her expertise in zoos and exotic animals, and Mags, a companion animal veterinarian, find understanding in their shared profession’s unique pressures. “Mel is the godmother to my pet ducks, and I help her with her cats as a companion animal veterinarian.”
Reflecting on their friendship’s journey, Mags feels incredibly blessed to have Mel in her life, humorously noting, “I often say I would marry her if I could. We often joke that NZ Post should start a loyalty points system because we would clock so many points just for the number of care packages we send each other!”
As they look back on two decades of friendship, Mags and Mel are grateful to Massey University and the memories shared within the walls of the late Vet Tower for bringing them together. They encourage present Massey students to value those unique friendships that endure through the years and across the miles.
“True friends are never apart – maybe in distance, but never in heart.”
