Name
Marie
Scenario
- Female
- 20 years old
- 2nd year
- Samoan ethnicity
- Studying xxx
- Living with extended family in Porirua
- Spends a lot of time commuting
- Fairly independent
- Fairly outgoing
"I always wanted to go to university. My parents and family are so proud of me. I really enjoy one of my courses, but there are courses that I’m struggling with and overall I have a very heavy course load. I’d considered dropping a paper but I know I wouldn’t be allowed.
I enjoy hanging out with my friends at cultural practice and cultural events. It’s great that there’s free internet so I can catch up with my friends on Facebook.
Because I live with my relatives, I don’t have the same freedom as other students in the halls and feel an obligation to do chores, look after my younger cousins and help out at church. I feel like I’m still in high school and can’t go out like the other students.
The support staff are really helpful and my friends and I pop in to ask for help now and then. However, I feel guilty if I have to go see them again as I don’t want to burden them.
I really want to be here; I want to succeed and make my family proud."
- Hard working
- Achieving academically - passing. But has difficulty in some areas.
- Strong family expectation / pressure to succeed is adding to stress already felt around work load.
- Restricted in opportunities for social engagement
- Would like to live independently. Is considering getting a part time job so she has more money.
Her family are her main influencers, but she's still able to make decisions independently.
Technology and internet
Social media: Facebook, signed up to VUW groups and course/class rep FB pages. Keeps an eye on what’s happening around Uni and with friends. Reads all discussions on course info, however too shy to take part.
Communications preferences: Emails, myVic and text message. "I receive emails but sometimes don’t check my account for a day or two."
Technology: Laptop – accesses Vic WIFI for Facebook, Blackboard, Emails, myVic.
Has used the Victoria website for info on a support service and faculty - but generally uses email, with social media, MyVic and Blackboard coming next.
Tertiary education and career goals
Information needs from Victoria
Would appreciate a system in which events and news are communicated effectively as is not at uni as much as some of her friends.