After an isolated upbringing and no formal education as a child, it has been a challenging journey at university for Faith.

The second oldest of 13 children, Faith describes her parents beliefs as 'unusual'. She explains: 'We did not have any formal education and were never registered with the Ministry of Education. As a result of my parents beliefs, my siblings and I never went to a school or doctor and were very isolated from other people. It has taken a lot of hard work, dedication and support for me to catch up socially and academically in order to attend university and to be studying towards an honours degree.'

At the age of 15 Faith left home. After having her first child at a young age she joined Karanga Mai, Kaiapoi High School's Young Parents' College. Although 'it took years to catch up and learn the basics', Faith's determination got her through and when her son started school in 2006 she enrolled at UC. Since then she has had a second son and completed her BCom and her Honours degree by studying part-time.

Faith has now started the final stage of her long-term academic goal of a PhD in business management, for which she will be focusing on franchise businesses. She feels there is a real opportunity within business education to increase understanding of this area, and also hopes to initiate a franchising tertiary institution in New Zealand.

Faith has found the University of Canterbury to be very supportive: 'I have found tremendous support from the faculty staff. I enjoy the positive learning environment and studying under staff who are dedicated to encourage, lead and challenge students to reach their goals'. Now Faith is doing her part to support others by working as a student mentor. She has also worked during her studies as a research assistant.

Faith says it was 'because I wanted a better future for my family' that she wanted to study at university. As for UC, 'it is a well-recognised university internationally and the BCom degree will hold me in good stead anywhere around the world'.

Her goal is 'to be a strong independent business woman and to set a good example for my sons and siblings'. She feels that 'a vast array of employment opportunities both nationally and internationally' await her and that she has the skills to run her own company.

Faith enjoys Management because it is a challenging subject. She says that 'if you see yourself as the type of person who is prepared to take on challenges, create change, organise and lead, and you are prepared to face positive and negative opinions on your decisions' Management may be the subject for you.