Student Stories

At the end of 2006 a group of past and present students were asked to take part in the Student Stories Project. This project was coordinated by another past student and sought to gather students own tales of their educational journey. Our thanks go to them all for sharing so freely their challenges, successes and lessons learnt and to Giordana Featherstone for so skilfully weaving the stories together.

Bernhard's Story

"Believe in your abilities"

Freshly graduated with a law degree in his hands, Bernhard enrolled in a LLB programme at the University of Waikato in 2001. Already qualified as a wood scientist, his research focusing on developing new methods for protecting green timber from microbial degradation, Bernhard needed a change. At the time of his enrolment, the Law School advisor for new students informed Bernhard of the existence of the Disability Support Service (DSS). “I have cerebral palsy which affects my speech and my mobility, and I needed practical help to ensure I could do my studies as everybody else”. (see full story)

Celia's Story

"A challenging experience"

Married with three adult sons, Celia describes herself as a very determined person who perseveres to achieve her goals. Life passion led her to consider studying to be a professional counsellor at the University of Waikato. “I had seen a need for a deaf counsellor and my desire and goal was to fill up that gap”. When she enquired about a degree in counselling she found out she was able to cross-credit her previous studies and work experience, and could enter straight into a Masters programme with the School of Education. In addition to her Teaching Diploma for Deaf, she now holds a Master of Counselling. (see full story)

Tegan's Story

"An opportunity for my development"

Curiosity about everything and everyone led Tegan to consider a university degree. More precisely, passion about people has seen her enrolling in a bachelor of Social Sciences majoring in Human Development with the goal of becoming a community counsellor. After a year of fulltime study where she completed eight papers, Tegan describes her experience as challenging and very interesting. “I enjoyed studying this year, especially the fact that I could choose papers that have been of some interest to me, such as anthropology. Having a new experience, learning new ideas, meeting new people, trying new things, all these added together have made my study time worthwhile”. Tegan has a disability called muscular dystrophy and she has been in a wheel chair since she was 2 ½ years old. (see full story)

Justine's Story

"A brilliant decision"

Justine had a dream, but wasn’t sure if it could ever become true: to be a teacher. At the age of 30 a major event led her to a cross roads, and she took the important decision to go to university and become a teacher. “I said to myself: I will give it a go, if it doesn’t work, nothing is lost. At least I have tried it”. Justine chose the University of Waikato because it gave her the possibility to study by correspondence. This was important as she lived far from a university provider, and needed an option that would accommodate her disability and the needs of her new baby. She obtained a Bachelor of Teaching Primary through the Mixed Media program in 2003 and came on campus in 2004 to do her Honours, which she completed with a First class pass. She is now a registered teacher and has been employed these past two years by Kaitaia Intermediate School. Justine was diagnosed with narcolepsy when she was 19 (see full story)

Gordon's Story

"Tick the box"

Gordon never thought about going or not going to university, it just seemed normal that after finishing high school you were expected to get a qualification. Most of his friends went, so did he. “ When I was young I wanted to be a psychologist and that it is why I did psychology. During my degree I decided to be a police officer and I thought that psychology could still help me with my future profession”. At the end of his second year, after a serious car accident, Gordon was forced to change his mind when doctors told him he couldn’t possibly be a police officer. Since then he has finished a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology/Education). (see full story)

Huhana's Story

"Discovering the power of the mind"

Friendship and hope for a new start led Huhana to fill in an application with the University of Waikato. This is the end of a long road with Huhana about to finish her Laws - PHD entitled “The Adequacy of Law and Policy in Relation to Indigenous Persons with Disabilities”. It all started years ago when she was at Polytech in Taranaki and realized she had a brain. “I discovered that I enjoyed learning, questioning, finding answers, reading, learning and growing. I have been offered that chance here”. (see full story)

Anna's Story

"A sense of achievement"

For about 20 years Anna has been travelling around the world, enjoying meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures. She enrolled at university in 2000, did her studies with the School of Education and finished her Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood in 2005. Anna’s learning disability was only diagnosed when she was 19; before that she thought she was dumb or stupid. No one knew she had dyslexia, this wasn’t something people were aware of in the 60’s & 70’s. (see full story)

Paul's Story

"A learning process that gives sense to my life"

Paul’s approach to study reflects his enthusiasm for life and love for sports. If he is not coaching swimming or training young people, you will find him doing some kind of water sports. Paul started a degree in Sport Science at Wintec, but didn’t finish it. A strong interest in psychology led him to consider instead a BA in Psychology and Sport and Leisure. The good reputation of the psychology department and the proximity from work made it easier to study at The University of Waikato where he is currently enrolled in his third year. Paul has received assistance since he was 11 following a hand injury, he was then diagnosed at the age of 20 with a learning disability. (see full story)

Jean's Story

"Becoming more aware "

Getting involved with the community, helping others, keeping in touch with family and friends, and a love for travelling is probably the best way to describe Jean. After doing a course in Human Services with Wintec in Hamilton, she started a degree at Waikato University, studying part-time towards a BA in history and linguistics. “I’m completely passionate about history, particularly the history of the Deaf people. With the encouragement of friends and the Hamilton Deaf Association I decided to enrol at Waikato University where I’m currently in my third year. (see full story)

Holly's Story

"Stick to it "

Holly will graduate next June after having studied 2 ½ years at Waikato University towards a bachelor of Sport and Leisure. Before starting her degree, Holly travelled extensively, taught herself some information technology, did some help desk work, studied for a diploma of financial services and worked as an insurance broker. “I needed a change because I got sick of office work, bored. And as I love sports, I wanted to get into doing sports as a new career”. While looking for a job in the sport industry, she realized that she needed to be qualified and so enrolled at Waikato University. Holly was already well into her study when she became depressed and was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. (see full story)

Dan's Story

"Find out what works best for you"

After leaving school Dan began studying towards a nursing degree in the Bay of Plenty, but it didn’t work out as planned and he had to drop it at the start of the second year. The following years were spent working for McDonald’s and then doing door-to-door sales for Genesis Energy a job at which he was very successful. During that time he was diagnosed with osteo-arthritis in his left ankle and had to stop working. He spent the rest of the year on the sickness benefit and irregularly doing telephone marketing and research. This unsatisfactory situation led him to re-consider the possibility of studying at a tertiary level. He wanted a better education with a qualification that would work around his disability. (see full story)

Fran's Story

"The challenge to change and make a difference together"

For many years, Fran has been what she called the house executive, focusing her attention on raising her children and taking care of the household. In 1998 began her study and chose Waikato University because it was close from home. Fran main reason for coming though was that she was very determined to prove she could go to university after being told as a young person she will never, never go there. “I always had this desire in me. So, when the opportunity came up I took it. Fran is visually impaired.(see full story)