After completing her Bachelor of Health, Kate chose to go straight into her Master’s programme, fuelled by her passion for improving health outcomes. “I loved studying,” she recalls. “I just wanted to carry on with the momentum while I had it.”

With advancing youth health at the front of her mind, Kate’s thesis focused on the lived experience of rangatahi (young people aged 16 to 24) in relation to racism and ableism. She investigated how they experience discrimination in various spaces, such as schools, family homes, and commercial environments.

“I also looked at policies or school systems which embed racism and ableism—and investigated how that might impact school life, or the way young people learn.”

Kate says studying a Master of Health Psychology changed the way she thinks about the world. “Now, I’m always thinking about the bigger picture. When I see something in the news, I ask myself, ‘What haven’t they taken into account?’ Becoming more aware of the extreme challenges young people face, was eye-opening.”

In her second year, she moved back to her hometown of Gisborne, meaning her studies would be continued remotely. “Luckily, I had the support of family and friends—and the connections I had already made with students back in Wellington.

“Plus, the lecturers are amazing—they’re always willing to help and support you no matter what. It’s a very welcoming group and it feels like a community.”

As Kate nears graduation, she is looking forward to a future where she can continue to make an impact. She has been accepted into the Postgraduate Diploma of Health Psychology Practice, the pathway to becoming a registered psychologist. “By pursuing a career as a psychologist, I hope to support minority groups where racism and ableism is occurring.”

However, Kate also envisions a future in research. “I really loved being able to do the research and would like to look more into racism and ableism. There’s so much more I want to explore.”

Throughout her studies, Kate met with a variety of university services, with Āwhina—Māori student support being particularly influential in her academic life. “They were so supportive. Even when I was studying remotely, I could still connect with them online, and they were always there to help me, whether it was academic or personal advice.”

Kate also used Student Learning for writing support during both her undergraduate and postgraduate studies. “They were incredibly helpful, especially when I felt overwhelmed,” she says. “They would sit down with me, help me break things down, and guide me through my ideas. I couldn’t recommend them enough.”

As she prepares to graduate and embark on the next chapter of her career, Kate is grateful for the community and support she found at the University. “It really felt like a family,” she says. “You’re not alone in this journey. There’s always someone there to help you, whether it’s a lecturer, a peer, or a support service.”

As she moves forward, there’s no doubt that she will continue to have a meaningful impact on the lives of others, using her education to help tackle important issues in our communities.

Read Kate’s thesis: “It is hard being a person who is different”. Rangatahi lived experiences of racism and ableism in different spaces in Aotearoa.