Studying: third year of a BA in Psychology with minors in German and Educational Psychology.
Lives: with mum and dad in Karori. Walks to and from uni whenever possible.
Interests: Music - teaches piano to kids. Used to study it at uni but doesn't any more. Not into sports but likes to walk and get out in nature. Does bushwalks in Wellington. Loves showing visiting German friends Wellington's bush areas. Travels to visit family in Malaysia. Has Sri Lankan and Indian heritage.
Social media: Has Facebook but that's it. Friends know she only checks it in the evenings. "I like to be a bit remote."
Devices: Old Android smartphone, only used for txting. Samsung Note tablet for email and notetaking in lectures. Laptop at home.
High school: Private school. High academic focus. Small classes, tight-knit community.
Picking a uni: Victoria reps spoke at her school and she liked the sound of it.
Enrolment: The process was fine but took longer than she thought it would. Had a meeting with someone in recruitment and went through the planning process. Was confused about the points system - "Why do I need points and what do they add up to?" Initially took music as an elective course. Enrolled online. "Obviously it's a bit of a deal to make sure nothing clashes." Found it very different to the school system.
Expectations vs reality: Had heard lots at school about how university was all about self-directed learning. "You won't have all these teachers feeding you and caring for you. Lecturers are more removed." "I thought I was going to be a little fish in a big pond." When she arrived she did feel "teeny" for awhile but quickly adjusted. Enjoyed meeting so many people from all over New Zealand. Organised and focussed on staying on top of coursework.
First year:
Extracurriculars:
Future plans: Wants to be a Psychologist. Trying to keep her grades up so she can do an honours year. After honours she wants to take a break and work or travel, then go back to study - maybe a Masters?
Jobs: Started thinking about employment in second year of uni. When she applied she knew a job would be at least three years away. "That seemed like ages away at the time." Is getting worried about jobs. Wishes there was a good way to find out about jobs or internship opportunities that she could realistically get. Finds it hard to be presented with lots of opportunities that probably aren't realistic.