Breadcrumbs

Teacher finds tables turned when returning to study

21 April 2011

Chris Crighton

Chris Crighton: The former Kawerau College teacher will graduate with a Graduate Diploma in Dispute Resolution.

After years of being a senior teacher at Kawerau College, the prospect of going to the University of Waikato and becoming a student again felt alien to Chris Crighton.

This May he graduates with a Graduate Diploma in Dispute Resolution to add to what he describes as a “legal studies” background gained during the 70s from Victoria University. A declining roll at Kawerau College and a specialised study grant from the government meant Chris was soon on his way back to University, but found a few things had changed from his hey days in Wellington.

The teacher of legal studies, history and English soon found himself writing essays and completing assignments instead of setting them. “For years I was telling the kids this is how you write an essay and then I go to Waikato and the tables are turned.”

However, a bit of advice from a lecturer soon put him back on track. “He said you always start with the facts, then the law, and follow with what most people forget, common sense.

“Going back to study was the greatest thing. It was different this time round. I remember during the 70s the lecturers at Victoria were like bang, bang, bang, so I finished my Arts degree and got out of there.

“The law faculty at Waikato went out of their way for us. They’re really top people; they made my year.”

While owning a farm in the back country of the Western Bay of Plenty and attending university in Hamilton had its difficulties, there was always a silver lining. “While I was living up here in Hamilton my wife was absolutely wrapped because I was out of the house for two to three days a week.

“It was a great move, coming from a secondary classroom for a year of study.”

In terms of grades though, how did he do? “I didn’t come out with honours, but I never have in my life.” On May 5, Chris will be joined by his wife and son when he and about 100 other law graduates receive their degrees at the Founders Theatre in Hamilton.


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