Caleb
Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Bachelor of Laws
Hometown: Nelson
What inspired you to study Criminal Justice and Law?
I've always had a really strong passion for law. After I finished my Criminal Justice degree I got a job at a law firm, which reignited that passion and inspired me to return to uni for a law degree.
The degrees complement each other quite well. Especially at a criminal law firm, that knowledge on the criminal justice side would be a huge advantage. It gives you a much broader knowledge and will be very helpful in the future.
What are your career aspirations?
I'm very keen to go to court and represent clients. I want to be able to help get the best outcome for people, whether that's a not-guilty verdict or a better sentence. I think it would feel extremely rewarding to help give someone the best possible platform to become a better person.
What do you like most about each degree?
The Criminal Justice degree is only offered at UC, and the papers are really engaging. I took things like gangs and forensics, the Treaty of Waitangi, and prisons. You can't help but be actively engaged with that content.
With Law, the beauty of it is it's so broad, you can do lots of different things. It’s quite flexible, so I can choose different areas of law that pique my interest, like environmental or sports law.
What are your lecturers like?
The lecturers are fantastic and really engaging. You can tell they're very passionate about what they’re teaching and they want you to do well.
They’re also very supportive and approachable if you need help or have questions. If you work hard and put in the effort, they’ll do everything they can to help you get there.
What’s the most eye-opening thing you’ve learned in your studies?
Before study, I didn’t think about the background of people's lives. It’s easy to judge people for the crimes they commit because you don't really understand the process and why they do what they do. Both of my degrees delve into that, and I gained a deep appreciation and understanding for the other side of crime and why people commit crimes.
What was living in the halls like?
I moved from Nelson and went straight into the halls of residence. It was a really good choice because it throws you straight into the university student lifestyle. They have lots of events, especially in those first few months. It’s a super welcoming and fun environment, and it helped me form long-lasting connections and bonds.
What do you like about living in Christchurch?
Coming from Nelson, Christchurch is a big step up. It has a lot to offer, and the more I get to know Christchurch, the more appreciation I have for it. There are beaches so you can surf, mountains so you can run and hike. Everything is within easy driving distance of UC. There's lots of stuff you can do here that you can't get in other places, and a lot more opportunity to try things.
Tell us about your UC football team.
I’ve been into football for a long time and played competitively in Nelson. I suffered a few injuries and decided to stop playing at that level, but it’s such an important part of my life that I still wanted to be involved. A group of my friends offered me the chance to put together a team, and now I've got my own team at UC.
It's been an incredible experience. The team is doing really well and I've made lifelong connections and bonds through it. It's a great opportunity to get away from work and study, and it adds a really good element to life.
What else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I like to go for runs, go to the gym; I used to go surfing quite a bit. I did a beach volleyball tournament recently, and I do climbing at the University. I snowboard as well, and we’ve got Mount Hutt nearby. Christchurch is a great place to keep active.
How have you seen yourself grow throughout your journey at UC?
Looking back, I've grown a lot since I started my first year at uni. I've matured quite a bit. I know what I want, I know how to study, and I'm working a lot harder. UC and Christchurch are my home away from home now, and I love it. I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Any words of wisdom for other students considering UC?
When I initially decided to study, I didn't think I was smart enough to do some of the things I wanted to do. Eventually, I realised that it's not really about that; it's about how hard you work. Everyone at UC wants you to do well, so don't be afraid to give it a go. At the end of the day, it's about how much you want it.
