Ngā kōrero a ngā tauira: He aha ā muri iho?
Student stories: What’s next?
We asked students to tell us what effect 2021 had on their future plans, and where they saw themselves in three years’ time.
Marco Vás
Fourth-year student (Post Grad)
Bachelor of Science (Honours), Chemistry
What are the things that have kept you going in 2021?
2021 has been another tough year with two lockdowns breaking up both semesters; one and two being partly online and on-campus. What this has taught me, is that despite all the disruptions I can still be in control of my own life and what I get out of it. Regardless of the teaching style, at the end of the day, I’m still required to do my course work in order to pass my degree and I am grateful for this as it has kept me going through the lockdowns. On top of completing both my course work and honours dissertation, my goal of achieving a University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship has really driven me to keep going through these low-motivation periods in lockdowns.
Where do you want to be in three years’ time?
My plan for the next three years is to complete my doctorate degree in chemistry at the University of Auckland and then pursue a research and development job in the private sector focusing on synthesising new solid-state materials for electronic devices.
What have been your favourite experiences at UoA?
Being at the University of Auckland has come along with some amazing experiences such as connecting with students from a range of different backgrounds and study pathways. My favourite experience has been joining the UniGuide Programme which has allowed me to grow personally, meet amazing people along with giving back to the community by helping first-year students transition from high school to university. Along the same lines being a teaching assistant has also been an extremely rewarding experience as helping students achieve their grade goals and further develop their understanding of chemistry is extremely fulfilling while making some great connections at the same time.
“Being a teaching assistant has also been an extremely rewarding experience as helping students achieve their grade goals and further develop their understanding of chemistry is extremely fulfilling while making some great connections at the same time.”
Sophie Chen
Third-year Student
Bachelor of Commerce/Arts – Majoring in Marketing, Management and Art History
What are the things that have kept you going in 2021?
Although I didn’t expect to go through a global pandemic during my university life, I see this has been an amazing opportunity to adapt and thrive in any given situation. Additionally, I feel extremely blessed with an amazing network of support that I can rely on whenever things become overwhelming. My family and friends have been my biggest motivation this year to always strive for the best and reassure me during moments of imposter syndrome. If anything, I have developed a love for taking risks because life is too short to not try reaching for the moon!
Where do you want to be in three years’ time?
In three years time, I hope to be still pursuing all my dreams. I want to be in an organisation with great culture and opportunities to constantly learn something new. Perhaps, exploring overseas options at that time if restrictions ease up. I’d also love to still be in touch with most of my University friends I’m close to this year.
What have been your favourite experiences at UoA?
My favourite experiences at UoA has to be all the amazing people I have met! Being an extremely sociable person, I really enjoy meeting new people and learning from different perspectives. Through first-year halls, the Women in Business Mentoring Programme and being heavily involved in different University clubs; I have met and worked with so many incredible individuals. The networking opportunities that UoA has provided me has developed me both socially and professionally. All the intricate connections I have made in University have shaped me into the person I am today.
“All the intricate connections I have made in University have shaped me into the person I am today. I have met and worked with so many incredible individuals.”
Manilka Hewadulige
Second-year Student
Bachelor of Engineering, Structural Engineering
What are the things that have kept you going in 2021?
I started 2021 with loads of wonderful experiences after my first summer in New Zealand. There were so many things that I was excited about 2021, as it was my second year in engineering and mainly specialising in my discipline. That excitement to learn new things and be in physical lectures as lockdowns interrupted my first year; I was excited to get back to the Uni and be in-class lectures and catch up with friends. There were so many things that kept me going that I cannot pinpoint, but if I stress out, one thing that drove me the most would be my passion and interest in engineering, which took all the distractions away from me and allowed me relish.
Where do you want to be in three years?
If someone asked the same question before Covid and its consequences, my answer would be different, but the uncertainty that it brought has changed my perspective towards the world and life. It made me realise the importance of enjoying little things and living the best version of yourself, so in three years, I will be working as a graduate engineer but ultimately enjoying what I’m doing and making a positive impact on people around me.
“[Covid-19] made me realise the importance of enjoying little things and living the best version of yourself.”
What have been your favourite experiences at UoA?
I believe that almost all of the experiences that I have had with UoA are my favourites. I don’t think that it’s because I am new and an international student, but because of the friendly atmosphere where everybody is kind, supportive, and gets along really well. And it gives a sense of trust that you are in a community that takes care of each other. Moreover, all the supportive procedures that are placed especially for international students are fascinating.
Diya Suresh
Post Grad Student
Bachelor of Science, (Honours) and Psychology
What are the things that have kept you going in 2021?
2021 has been the toughest year for me, especially being an Honours student. But something that has kept me going is my research topic, as well as keeping my motivation high by going for walks and keeping in touch with my family back home. With lockdown, baking and making fresh pasta at home have been one of the few activities I like to engage in. It helps with passing time and engaging in something creative, and it also helps me from getting bored with my studies especially doing my readings.
Attending research forums has been quite inspiring. Getting involved with other students and researchers projects gives me hope that despite the lockdown we can achieve a lot of goals while working at home.
“If I have to choose one my favourite experiences, it has to be working in UniCrew “
Where do you want to be in three years?
I do not have any concrete plans as to what I wish to do in three years. Although I have been passionate about mental health since I was in high school and I wish to do something in that field after my degree. Covid-19 has made me realise that having concrete plans is one of the things that can get destroyed with the lockdown. So I am keeping my options open, applying for jobs, courses, research, etc. You never know what you will end up doing in three years!
What have been your favourite experiences at UoA?
Being an international student, and with UoA being my alma mater, it has taught me a lot of things. But if I have to choose one my favourite experiences, it has to be working in UniCrew with the best students in the University and helping new students in UoA adjust to university life. I have had the opportunity to be friends with students from different walks of life and with such varied experiences. It helped me build great communication skills and understand the services and resources provided by the University of Auckland.
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