Living in Greymouth, Zakkaia鈥檚 experience highlights the benefits of , which enables learners who otherwise wouldn鈥檛 be able to attend campus-based classes to pursue a tertiary education.
Zakkaia faced numerous challenges prior to beginning study at Te Whare W膩nanga o Waitaha | 91制片厂 (UC). She always wanted to attend university, but family circumstances led to her living alone in her hometown. This situation became complicated as she lacked the means to move to Christchurch and was hesitant to leave home due to a lifelong health condition.听
At 16, Zakkaia saw herself as a perpetually sick person, who would be unable to hold a full-time job. Now she feels her experience of an accessible education has opened up new, life-changing possibilities.鈥
When she discovered the she wanted to do was available online, Zakkaia was excited by the opportunity to study. 鈥淚t was amazing to know that I didn鈥檛 have to worry about my health and could still pursue the course, and it was really good to feel like a normal student for once.鈥濃
As one of the pioneering students of the Tuihono programme, Zakkaia found the experience overwhelmingly positive. She says the teachers were supportive, prioritising her needs and offering flexible, user-friendly assistance.鈥
鈥淭hey were always ready to help, ensuring that my health requirements were accommodated and that I could study in a way that suited me best. If I was finding something challenging, the response was always 鈥渨hen can I call?鈥, which made me feel valued and prioritised.鈥
Looking ahead, Zakkaia is contemplating finding work and feels brave enough to live closer to the University. She has been in discussions with a disability advisor at UC and is excited about the prospect of experiencing more of university life.
All her friends attend UC, and now Zakkaia is hopeful she can achieve more than what doctors had previously predicted. 鈥淚 am so grateful for the opportunity that online study has provided. It鈥檚 allowed me to dream of a meaningful career and the possibility of earning a university degree.鈥濃
She says achieving this certificate has transformed her perspective, showing her she does not have to be defined by her illness. 鈥淢y hope is that my story encourages others with illness to dream bigger.
About Tuihono UC | UC Online 听
Tuihono UC | UC Online offers flexible online learning to support individuals in lifelong learning regardless of their circumstances. There are many course options available, including short courses, micro-credentials, certificates and master鈥檚 degrees.
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 - Quality Education.
