Eileish Hayes

What made you choose to study at Waikato?

The Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship and the Health, Sport and Human Performance degree were big influences on my decision. At Waikato, I’m able to continue to play football and study towards a degree I’m passionate about, while receiving the best academic and athletic support possible.

What’s your favourite subject and why?

Human performance science, because I like learning how to push my body further in specific, measurable ways. As well as learning about the theory of the science, we get to physically test out these measures in labs and tutorials. At Waikato, we have world class lecturers who are actively working in their field and the knowledge they give us is second to none.

Tell us about your exchange.

Right now, I’m an exchange student at the University of Liverpool, and I am loving every minute of it! Liverpool is very famous for its football and I thought it was only right to join my football-mad family over here whilst also completing my degree. I have been set up with a football club playing in a few leagues below the FA Women’s Super League, which is a springboard club for professional opportunities. Within the eight weeks I have been in Liverpool I have travelled to France, Scotland, Wales and Spain!

What’s unique about Waikato?

The intimate class sizes and the connections you form with your classmates and teachers. Unlike other universities, we can engage with one another on an individual level. The lecturers are extremely committed to helping students succeed on both an academic and personal level. You’re more than just an ID number here, and I think this makes Waikato really unique.

How have you changed in your time at Waikato?

At the beginning of my degree I was quite shy and didn’t want to make any effort to talk to anyone new and now I’m on the other side of the world playing football and throwing myself into everything – I’m learning an instrument, trying to make as many friends as possible and I am going to give underwater hockey a go.

What’s your number one tip for making the most of Uni life?

Find something you’re passionate about and work hard. Throw yourself at every opportunity and remember to have fun!

What do you plan on doing when you finish your degree?

My goal has always been to play professional football, and by having the opportunity to play football in the UK and in the US through the Waikato exchange programme and the Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship, this is definitely a possibility. I also hope to continue studying after I graduate and would like to focus on community and public health. My main aim is to help people and make a difference in my community.