Hamish

What did you study and why?

Surprisingly, studying sport and exercise science was the last of my three choices. Social work was my first choice initially, but after being asked to be interviewed on my past multiple times, I basically gave up pursuing this aspiration and found other avenues through advisory panels to give back. My second choice was a Bachelor of Arts with a focus on sociology because I was curious about society and had my own questions about how they worked in terms of people who are care experienced. If I could better understand this from an academic perspective and conjoint with my experience, I thought I could make some change. The start of covid happened, and I did not have the resources at home to complete this, which ended in being financially penalised, and a failed mark on my papers. In 2021, I then decided to focus on what I enjoy as a person, which was sports and physical activity. I followed a passion for teaching and playing sports and being physically active at a community level.

Why did you decide to study in tertiary education?

It was more of a result of a combination of life experiences at the time. At the time, separation, pushed from employment with Oranga Tamariki, whilst also being diagnosed with severe depression, drinking and financial problems led me to pursue tertiary education. 

What did find the most challenging?

The first year of my degree was the most difficult. This was due to not having any formal education to assist. I always think back to the time I could not find a thesis statement nor know what it was as a measure of how far I have come. Unexpected costs as well, such as dental care.

What did you find the most rewarding?

The most rewarding would be the tools and methods learnt to understand myself and how to better myself and the experiences that came with doing my degree.

What are you doing now? 

I have been offered to work as a lecturer full-time for the Universal College of Learning in the prison as part of the “Kick for the Seagulls” programme for the year 2024. I have also enrolled full time in a Master of Health Science degree at Massey University. Toughest year yet, but I am eager to get started.

What are your future plans? 

 I am still in the mix of finding out about different roles within the sports industry. I know I would like to be an academic eventually but would like to go and gain some experience working for a sports team as an analyst of some sort.

What bit of advice would you give to someone care experienced considering tertiary education?

It's okay to feel nervous, and unknown of what might lay ahead, but trust in yourself, trust in what you love, trust in your goals, be curious and everything shall follow.

What changes would you like to see for care leavers accessing tertiary in the future? 

I would say that exposure and experience in a field of choice would help. Help care leavers experience exposure to what they may want to pursue. Additionally, ensure that they are well founded. For example, a place to stay, necessities (health and dental), practical assistance such as licence, passport and help with finding out where you come from culturally. To ensure you get help, reach out to the Oranga Tamriki Youth Advisory Panel (a panel of care experienced and youth justice experienced Rangatahi). You can also get help from VOYCE Whakarongo Mai and their advisory board by calling them and they will help you get what you need also.

Is there anything else you want to tell us about your tertiary education experience?

I was fortunate to have great lecturers who saw your worth, and who are there to help you every step of the way. If you are into sports, I highly recommend the Sport and Exercise degree at Massey University, Palmerston North (can’t speak for other locations ha). Work hard on yourself and what you are passionate about and things will come your way.