What motivated you to study your major or degree?
I wanted to feel like the work I do matters and has a positive impact on society and my community, with more people-focused mahi. I also wanted to study something that supported my strengths of talking to people and forging relationships. UC’s Bachelor of Communication (BC) feels like a good mix between being able to effectively communicate with people and hear their needs, helping others in the community stay informed, and giving a voice to those who don’t always get a say in the mainstream discourse.
What do you like most about your degree?
I really enjoy how broad it is. I’ve learned so many different skills across different disciplines, including Public Relations, Risk and Crisis Communication, Digital Content Creation, and te ao Māori knowledge and competency. My favourite assignments involve making something, such as a social media campaign for the German Embassy, photo and video promotional content for local businesses, or self-reflective videos examining my time at UC. Producing a podcast episode and learning how to conduct a good interview has been a recent highlight.
What are some key skills your degree has helped you develop?
I’ve learned how to produce and edit high quality video and images for promotional content, vlogs, and interviews, as well as how to plan, develop, and launch a social media campaign for both private business and governmental agencies and embassies. I’ve also gained a lot more cultural competency and understanding around te ao Māori, te reo Māori, and Mātauranga Māori, which has been awesome because I was quite isolated from that knowledge growing up. And, of course, I have sharpened my written language skills, my ability to articulate myself accurately and succinctly, and grown my confidence in communicating with others.
What advice would you give to someone considering studying Communications?
Engage with the learning and lectures and absorb as much as possible. Speak up in class if you want to know more about something, don’t quite understand a concept, or just want to contribute your ideas. I learned so much more by engaging in discussions. Network and get to know people; those connections will be a big asset after you’ve graduated. Study what takes your interest and not just what you think will be good for your career. I’ve taken several Philosophy papers and an elective paper in Music Theory, which influenced the way I communicate and fostered my creative side, helping me become a more well-rounded and authentic communicator.
What do you like most about studying at UC?
I’ve enjoyed the supportive and friendly environment. After completing UC’s Certificate in University Preparation (CUP), I was told that I’d always be welcome at the CUP lounge while I studied towards my bachelor's degree. The CUP space in the Forestry building has become a core part of my academic and social journey. I’ve made so many cool friends from all walks of life and different disciplines that I wouldn’t have made otherwise. I’ve also felt so supported by the Student Accessibility Service, the Campus Health Centre, the UCSA, and Student Care at different times throughout my studies. The level of care and inclusion at UC is amazing and I’ve felt very grateful to be supported in so many different ways.
Did you face any challenges during your study? How did you overcome them?
Throughout my time at UC I experienced a wide range of challenges in my personal life, including physical health and financial struggles. At times, things felt so overwhelming that I could have crashed and burned, but thanks to the wraparound services and wonderful staff of the Campus Health Centre, the UCSA, the Student Accessibility Service, and Student Care – as well as the empathy, understanding, and kindness of my lecturers and course coordinators – I was able to get through it.
What’s been one of your most memorable UC experiences?
Getting to go on board and tour a private jet! I was part of a group that ran a social media campaign for the German Embassy, promoting the HALO South campaign – a scientific mission that used a heavily modified private jet to collect weather data and make more accurate climate models to better understand how climate change is affecting the southern hemisphere. Our group won the top prize to visit and tour the jet in its hangar. It was an amazing and truly unique experience that I would have never gotten if I wasn’t studying at UC.
What are your career goals post-study?
I would love to work in Communications for a large organisation for a few years to gain some mentorship and industry experience. Afterward, I want to specialise in Risk & Crisis Communications, working with an organisation such as Civil Defence, Search and Rescue, or the New Zealand Police. Later in my career I’d like to work for a non-governmental organisation, not-for-profit, or charity to pursue work that is meaningful to me and making a difference in the world. I’d also love to start my own organisation advocating for and helping provide teaching resources about mental health struggles in young people in Aotearoa, with a specific focus on how mental health challenges are experienced by people with neurodivergent brains.
Have you taken part in any internships, field trips, or practical experiences at UC?
I’ve had two internships and many practical experiences at UC. I’ve helped create social media campaigns for WorkRide and the German Embassy, stayed overnight on a noho Marae at the beautiful Ōnuku marae in Akaroa, and produced video and picture content through an internship for local Christchurch business Mainland Furniture. I’ve also done an internship with UC’s Media & Communication department, helping them plan several important events and seminars and facilitating the success of the event.
UC is great for hands-on learning. Through my courses, I’ve produced many videos and photo sets, composed a piece of music on piano, produced an episode of a podcast with an in-depth interview, created a storyboard for a short film, and much more.
Have you used any of UC’s support services? How have they helped you?
The Student Accessibility Service has been instrumental to my success at UC. They helped me identify my learning difficulties due to having ADHD and helped put in place some practical steps to overcome those challenges and ensure I could have an equal opportunity to succeed. While I was dealing with a back injury and was unable to come to university in-person as much, they arranged a notetaker to compile notes for the lectures that I’d missed.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not studying?
I love to write songs and play on guitar, go for outdoor adventures in the Port Hills and the beautiful nature surrounding Christchurch, swim in the ocean and surf at Sumner, participate in yoga classes and dance workshops, and go to local gigs. I also love a good BBQ with scenic ocean views!
Any final comments about your UC journey?
I have really enjoyed my time at UC and grown so much on an individual and social level beyond my academic studies. The opportunity to be around and make friends with such a diverse group of people has been huge for my personal growth and I have a much more well-rounded understanding and view of the world now thanks to studying at UC.
