Coming out of high school, what led to study a Bachelor of Health Science at UC?
Throughout my high school years from Year 9 to Year 13, I discovered a strong interest in health class and social studies. These subjects sparked my passion for social justice, equity, and health, inspiring me to pursue further studies. While exploring degree options on the University of Canterbury’s website, I came across the Bachelor of Health Science program. I was immediately drawn to its focus on the non-clinical aspects of health, offering an opportunity to contribute to the well-being of our diverse communities and drive meaningful change in the health sector.
Health education, and particularly sexual health education, can be challenging – what is your ethos and approach when working with the community?
As I work with such diverse communities, it is important for me to approach individuals, whānau and groups holistically. In this type of education, there are varying attitudes and values, knowledge, and experience; I believe this is where the best learning comes from each other. My role is to facilitate these conversations by being open-minded, honest, and empathetic, acknowledging that I am not the expert but rather aim to create a safe space where everyone feels valued, heard and empowered.
What could an average workday look like for you?
The fun thing about my job is that no two days are the same! Some days I am busy facilitating workshops about relationships and sexuality education with youth in alternative education settings, other days I am in schools working with leadership teams and delivering professional development sessions.
I could be filming content for social media, networking with connections across Te Waipounamu, promoting the clinic and services at events, spending time having a presence in local communities and then admin work at my computer!
Can you tell us about your experience travelling to Kiribati to deliver a sexual health and relationship workshop? How did that opportunity come to you?
Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa has an International Programmes team that works closely with colleagues and partners in the Pacific, including Kiribati. The Healthy Families project, in partnership with the Kiribati Family Health Association, aims to reduce unplanned pregnancies and STIs in Kiribati. One part of this project is training health promotion staff to improve their ability to raise awareness of sexual and reproductive health and services. As part of my role as a Community Health Promoter, I was asked to travel to Kiribati alongside the Director of Health Promotion to co-facilitate a 5-day health promotion workshop. The workshop had 28 participants who worked as, volunteered or represented teachers, youth mentors, lecturers, curriculum developers, single mums and youth. The goal was to empower the learners to run their own workshops about sexual health and relationships with their youth communities.
With the support of Kiribati Family Health Association, we were able to complete this training with local knowledge and insight. There were 14 topics which were covered, examples being: adolscent development, contraception, pleasure, healthy relationships, social media and sexting. Everyone was so eager to learn and the five days were filled with knowledge building, singing, dancing, practical upskilling and laughter.
Do you have any advice for public health students graduating in 2025 and starting their careers?
You are worthy of all that you achieve. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t get a job straight away. Get your foot in the door with any opportunities offered such as part-time relevant jobs, internships, volunteer work, etc. Give yourself a chance to breathe after studying, there is no pressure to go straight into something that is directly linked to your degree. Give new things a go and be open-minded!
What highlights or memories stand out when reflecting on your time at UC?
During my second and third years of study, I had the privilege of working with the Kaiwhakatere Oranga | Wellbeing Navigator team at UC. This role gave me the opportunity to connect with fellow students, build my confidence, and actively promote initiatives on campus that mattered to our student community. It also served as a valuable stepping stone, allowing me to gain practical experience closely aligned with my degree.
