Name
Marie
Scenario
- Female
- 21 years old
- 3rd year
- Samoan ethnicity
- Studying Education. Has developed an interest in educational psychology and is considering doing the postgrad Dip in Educational Psychology Practice.
- Lives 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 my courses, but there are some that I’m struggling with and I have a very heavy course load. I’d considered dropping a paper but I know I wouldn’t be allowed.
I think I'd like to work as an educational psychologist but that involves doing another year after my Masters - and it can be hard to get into."
"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 workload.
- Restricted in opportunities for social engagement
- Would like to live independently, but would need to get a part-time job to pay for a flat: at the moment, that isn't an option.
Her family are her main influencers, but she's still able to make decisions independently.
Technology and internet
Communications preferences: Mostly uses email, with social media, MyVic and Blackboard coming next. In the past, has used the Victoria website for info on a support service and faculty.
Social media: Facebook - is 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 and may take part.
Technology: Laptop.
Accesses Vic WIFI for Facebook, Blackboard, Emails, myVic.
Tertiary education and career goals
Studying Education. Has developed an interest in educational psychology and is considering doing the postgrad Dip in Educational Psychology Practice - see above.
Information needs from Victoria
(add info about decision factors for PG after talking to Charlotte Deans)