Sydney-Anne

Why did you decide to study in tertiary education?

I always loved reading when I was growing up, and I knew that I loved learning. School had been one of the only consistent parts of my life growing up, and so I was keen to keep going with education, if only to give me something familiar and stable. I also wanted to go to university because it wasn’t something my family had done in the past, so I wanted to prove to myself that it was possible.

What did you find the most challenging?

I think it was hard to be around people who were super privileged and I felt like I was behind everyone else. Doing a film degree, it felt like everyone else had all this practice in being creative during their teen years – doing things like photography, videography, etc. The first time I picked up a proper camera was during my degree. I also found it hard because I was working full time while also studying full time as I didn’t have any family or financial support. There were times when I definitely was struggling to balance everything.

What did you find the most rewarding?

The moment that was really rewarding for me was being able to make a short film about being in care. It was quite vulnerable for me, and a little difficult to make, but it really helped me in my career and my personal journey.

What are you doing now?

I am the Creative Communications and Content Specialist at VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai, where I get to use all my creative skills to help tamariki and rangatahi in state care.

What are your future plans?

I’m actually happy as I am. I’m really passionate about what I do, and I love that I get to be super diverse in the skills that I use.

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

Follow your passion! If you study something you love, you really will find it easier to get up for work every day! I’d also say that being open about your care experience can allow your tutors and lecturers to help you, and support you to get your degree! We deserve every bit of help we can get!

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

I’d LOVE to see free tertiary education for care leavers! If they can do it in Scotland, we can do it in Aotearoa! I’d also love for universities to be more knowledgeable about foster care, and what this means for the young people studying in their institutes.