Hayleigh Bond

Unsure if university study was the right path for her, Hayleigh Bond decided on one thing she wanted to learn more about – rocks – and enrolled at Waikato via the University’s Jump Start programme.

“It gave me a chance to try university study in a much more manageable way and helped me build confidence before committing to full-time study. That’s what made Waikato the right fit for me,” she reflects.

Nearing the end of a Bachelor of Science with a major in Earth Sciences and a minor in Geological Information Systems, and having been awarded the Jared Simpson Memorial Prize in Biological and Earth Sciences, Hayleigh has since shown herself what she’s capable of with the right support, persistence, and willingness to adapt.

“I didn’t arrive with perfect grades or a clear plan – I needed time to find my footing,” she explains.

Field trips and practical experiences at Port Waikato and the Chatham Islands have been a big part of that.

Field trips are one of the best parts of studying Earth Sciences. You learn so much more by being out in the field and it makes everything click.

“At Port Waikato, we focused mainly on geology, but we also touched on hydrology, soil science and coastal dune systems. It really brought everything together and helped me see how different earth systems connect in a single landscape.”

Now that she’s familiar with New Zealand’s landscapes, Hayleigh is getting to know the grounds of Wales on an international exchange to Cardiff University while she completes her bachelor’s degree, and is excited to see how the landscapes, rocks, and teaching are different.

As for after her degree, she’s taking it one step at a time, but has applied for Waikato’s Master of Science (Research) in Earth Sciences.

“There are so many directions geology can take you and I think it’s okay not to have a definite plan. I’m just trying to stay open and keep learning as I go.”