What inspired you to embark on your law degree later in life?
I鈥檇 always wanted to study law, but I dropped out of high school when I was really young and lacked the confidence to enrol at university. When my babies started school I took the opportunity to level up and change my skillset. The idea scared me but it was better than being stuck in a job that I didn鈥檛 really love.
Has UC been a welcoming place for you?
I鈥檝e found my home at Te Ao M膩rama. They run a noho marae experience for people like myself who are trying to find their roots. It鈥檚 given me the chance to access and research my M膩ori heritage. The environment there is really friendly. You鈥檙e always invited to pull up a chair and join the conversation.
Is there academic support on hand if you need it?
Yes! I didn't even know how to structure an essay when I first started. I used the Academic Skills Centre and took an essay writing class in my first year, and I鈥檝e since written several research essays, enjoying some unexpected A+ grades along the way.
How have you found the experience of being a mature student?
I鈥檝e just turned 40 so even among the adult students I feel a little bit like everyone's aunty! I鈥檝e noticed that the mature students tend to seek each other out, which is awesome because we understand how tricky it is to juggle all our commitments and we tend to work together to support each other through those challenges.
Is it tricky to balance study and parenthood?
In a word, yes. I鈥檝e had to become much more organised in how I schedule my time. Sometimes after I put the kids to bed, the last thing I feel like doing is studying, but it is doable as long as you鈥檙e committed. If you want something bad enough, you鈥檒l make it happen.
How has coming to UC changed you?
It鈥檚 added a richness and depth to my everyday conversations. I used to talk about what I鈥檇 seen on TV, now I talk about the impact of decisions made in parliament. It鈥檚 also made me aware of how much change one person can make. Anybody can have a valid idea - all they need is the opportunity to be heard.
What would you say to others who might be feeling nervous about enrolling?
I was so scared when I enrolled 鈥 my hands were literally shaking as I clicked the button. But every scary thing I鈥檝e done has shown me how much I鈥檓 capable of. I can鈥檛 wait to see what I have in me next.
How do you feel for having taken the plunge?
I鈥檓 so glad I did it. Part of me wishes I鈥檇 had the confidence to do it sooner but I鈥檓 doing it now, and enjoying every bit of it.
