Why did you decide to study both Law and Criminal Justice?
My family and I arrived in Australia as refugees when I was 15. We were in a detention centre for five years, and I wasn’t allowed to study there. When we finally resettled in Christchurch, I enrolled at UC immediately.
I chose to study both Law and Criminal Justice because I want to become a lawyer that works in criminal defence, human rights, and whistle-blower protection. Having both degrees will help me understand the system from both sides.
What do you like most about your studies?
Within Law, learning about the unique legal system and constitution of New Zealand is really interesting, especially how it works with tikanga.
In Criminal Justice, I like exploring the disparities that different people face going through the criminal justice system based on their background.
Law is often more black and white while Criminal Justice is more humanised, but they meet each other halfway.
What would you like to do once you’re finished studying?
My dream career is to be a human rights lawyer or an ambassador for peace. I want to be able to help others who are in situations similar to mine. A lot of the barriers that I faced as a refugee were because “that is the law” and there was nothing I could do about it. Law has a lot of power and if I want to make a change, I will need to have that knowledge, those tools.
Have you done any internships?
I took a PACE (Professional and Community Engagement) course over the summer and was matched with Restorative Justice Services Ōtautahi. My internship really opened my eyes to the realities of the criminal justice system. Now, I work there as a facilitator.
I’m so grateful I got matched with Restorative Justice. This experience has helped show me I’m on the right path, and it could not have fit any better into my life.
What do you like most about the UC student experience?
I love all of the support services available here. I go to the workshops and one-on-one appointments offered by the Academic Skills Centre to improve my writing skills, and LawSoc has extra tutorials that students can attend.
I was also referred to the UCSA advocacy team for some help with a particular lecture, and they were amazing. Everyone is friendly and supportive here.
And I especially love UC’s community garden and edible campus.
Are you involved in any clubs?
The club I’m most involved with is LawSoc, which is complementary to my law degree. I enjoy the competitions and all the fun activities, like the law comedy show. I also attend Women in Law events and activities put on by MootSoc, to learn how to moot.
A lot of law students are involved with these clubs, so it’s easy to relate and connect. The faces are familiar, but the clubs give you the opportunity to make deeper connections because you get to spend more time together.
What else do you enjoy doing on campus?
Volunteering is important to me. The wellbeing and advisory group is one of the volunteering kaupapa I do, as well as writing lecture notes for the assistive technology programme. I’m also a class rep; we act like a bridge between the students and lecturers for any issues in communication or feedback.
Advocacy is something that I live by. I can’t think of a time that I didn’t act like an advocate.
Are you involved with any other initiatives off campus?
I’m a volunteer member of the Christchurch Former Refugee Steering Committee and a trustee at the Multicultural Recreation and Resource Centre, advising and advocating for marginalised communities. I’ve had the opportunity to meet community leaders and stakeholders from all over NZ. Since my degree is rooted in this country, going out and working with people who live here lets me apply the things I’ve learned.
What do you like about being a student in Christchurch?
I chose Ōtautahi with my family, and I’m grateful to be here every day. The city, the vibe - everything about it just connects with me. It feels very welcoming, and it’s a nice blend of rural and urban. You can get a quality education and still go out in the bush on the weekends. There’s so much beautiful nature surrounding Christchurch.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not studying?
I spend a lot of time foraging, especially in the Red Zone. I took an interest in foraging when I moved here and signed up for classes to learn from local experts. I pick mushrooms in autumn and lime in winter. I know all the spots you can find good porcini. I love that connection between the city and getting those resources from nature. There’s something special about it. I also like going camping with my friends and family.
How have you seen yourself grow since you started at UC?
On a personal level, I have achieved so much in the last year and I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am without my studies. They gave me the confidence and knowledge to work with Restorative Justice, and what I’ve learned at uni has complemented that. I’m excited for the next few years.
Any advice for future students?
People have this assumption that law is hard and that it’s not for everyone. But it’s not an insular career pathway for a certain group of people. Anyone can do it. However crazy it may feel, just go for it. If you have the passion, don’t be shy. Use the resources available at UC and follow your purpose in life.
Sum up your UC experience in three words.
Foraging. Social justice. Connection.
