What led you to study Youth and Community Leadership?
I started out studying primary teaching, but it didn’t feel quite right for me. It got to a point where I thought I might leave uni because I was struggling to find something I liked, but then I talked to UC’s Student Advisors and they were so helpful.
I basically just told them what I wanted to do - which was work with youth in the community - and they told me about the Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership (BYCL). After looking into it, I discovered it was something I really wanted to do. The degree is very broad, and there are so many things we can do to help in the community.
What appealed to you most about that career path?
I've always been the type of person that will do anything to help others. I was born in Christchurch but grew up in New Caledonia with my mum. She was always doing things for her friends, family, and community, and she’d take me volunteering with her so I was brought up with those values. It instilled in me a love for helping others and made me who I am today.
What do you like most about your studies?
The BYCL has been so perfect for me because I can get bored easily, but I’m learning something different every day. We’ve done so many different things, from focusing on youth work to examining the history of New Zealand and exploring ways we can help specific communities. It’s been so interesting and I’m meeting so many people and getting so many opportunities.
I also love having the Health Education minor, which has let me explore lots of different subjects.
Do you have an idea of what you want to do when you finish studying?
I want to be a youth worker. With my degree, I can do so many things. I can work at the City Council. I can work with youth. I can work in rest homes. For now, I want to work in the community, supporting people that are trying to make their life better and healthier, or at least have a more positive outlook.
How is your degree preparing you for a successful career?
We do a lot of volunteering and go on a lot of field trips, which not only helps us get a taste of the actual work but also helps us meet people in the field. We get to have great conversations with professionals and go out to help in the community, and just by doing that we’re building this network while we learn. It also shows us all these different ways that we can make an impact.
Have you had opportunities for internships or practical work?
I did two PACE internships, which were both really different, and I even got a job out of one.
This semester, my internship is more research-based, but I’m learning a lot and creating a whole resource for youth with neuro diversity, uncovering the recreational activities available in Christchurch. We also have hands-on projects in our courses that let us get creative and collaborative, and even bring our ideas and proposals all the way through to real life.
Have you utilised any UC support services?
I've used the Health Centre, UC Careers, the student advisors, IT support, and the library. I've also used the counselling service quite a bit. The counselling is on campus, and it’s free to students for a number of appointments. I actually just went two weeks ago for some advice.
What was your experience like living off campus?
I went flatting straight away, but I don’t feel like I missed out on things just because I didn’t live in halls. I still met lots of students through flatting and going to the Foundry and all the uni events. I made friends with people in my classes and we’d go out for drinks or food together, or to karaoke nights, which I love. And I really enjoyed the field trips with my courses, like an overnight trip to a marae.
What do you like about being a student in Christchurch?
I love it. There’s so much to do here, and people are nice. I love going to the beach, so being really close to beaches is great.
My favourite is Taylor's Mistake. I’ll go there in the morning before class or in the summer with my board and some friends. I love surfing, and I’m learning on a short board.
I also like going up into the hills to watch the sunset, golfing, painting, and drawing. Music is a big part of my life too; I love playing the guitar and singing, and my friends and I love going out for karaoke or live music.
How have you seen yourself grow since you started at UC?
Academically, I’ve realised how well I can do when I’m doing something that I enjoy. I’ve definitely found myself. I've got more passion. I was always very passionate, but I think I'm straight through the roof now and it's still growing. I have so many dreams, and I'm able to put those dreams in place.
Any advice for future students?
Go see UC’s student advisors and meet with as many people as you can so that you know what you’re signing up for.
Be yourself; that’s what’s helped me be successful in my studies. I’ve had so many people tell me that they can see that I’m not trying to be someone else, and they love that I’m just an honest person.
And don’t forget your purpose. Remember why you’re doing this and who you’re doing this for, even if it’s just for yourself.
Sum up your UC experience in three words.
Supportive. Opportunity. Enjoyable.
