Jennifer

What did you study and why? 

I studied a Bachelor of Science majoring in Psychology because growing up in care I grew a passion for mental health and felt as if Psychology was a great way to make a hands on difference in the mental health space and hopefully specialise in foster youth and families.   

Why did you decide to study in tertiary education? 

I think looking back I was quite naive and uneducated thinking University was the only way to go.   

What did you find the most rewarding? 

The most rewarding part was it gave me the ability to live independently away from my foster family. I also reconnected with family friends I hadn’t seen since I was a child and finally had people I could depend on.  

What are you doing now? 

Currently taking a break from University hopefully going back next year to complete my Bachelors but in the meantime I am currently a Residential Youth Worker working at a Youth Justice Residence and also a member of the Oranga Tamariki Youth Advisory Group.  

What are your future plans? 

Return to study next year and hopefully make a difference in the care community. 

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

Establish your supports. Ensure you know who is in your corner and access them! Don’t go through it alone and take breaks. Make friends in your classes so you have people to study with who understands what you’re going through. Access counselling!  

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

Counselling services that are accessible the entire way, a support worker to rely on and ask for advice, especially around the financial side.  

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

It was truly a struggle for me. Care experience youth need to feel supported and encouraged not to feel like the world is against them