Xiaosha Meng

Xiaosha Meng chose the University of Waikato not once, but four times throughout her career journey — a testament to the University’s lasting impact on her professional growth. 

Xiaosha’s story began in 2012 when she arrived in New Zealand as an international student to complete her bachelor’s degree through the 2+2 pathway. 

Drawn by Waikato’s flexible entry criteria and the guidance of a family friend, Xiaosha quickly found her place.

Though adjusting to a new country and language was challenging, she quickly tapped into the support provided by Waikato’s Student Learning Centre, which helped her overcome initial struggles with English-language assignments. 

Her resilience and determination paid off as she advanced to a master’s degree in applied psychology, balancing her studies with part-time work as a Registered Behavior Technician at BeChange, an evidence-based behavioural services provider. 

Xiaosha’s dedication didn’t stop there. She completed a 1,500-hour internship for her Postgraduate Diploma in the Practice of Psychology, in which she gained invaluable real-world experience

In 2022, Xiaosha earned her BCBA certification, became a resident, and now works as a certified psychologist, specialising in supporting individuals with autism and ADHD, creating personalised intervention plans and working closely with families to support their children’s development. Her journey is far from over; she is planning to return to Waikato to pursue a PhD.

Her advice to students: “Be proactive, consistent, and never hesitate to ask for help”.