My name is Lisa Pohatu. Currently I am in my second year of study at the University of Otago studying towards a degree in Science, majoring in Psychology. In 2006 I was a recipient of the Tūāpapa Scholarships for Disadvantaged Māori Women and in 2007 I am a recipient of the Rose Hellaby Bursary Scholarship set up by the Māori Education Trust.
Being far away from home has made me become more independent. It has also opened my eyes and made me more aware and accepting to the various differences across our society. As Otago University is renowned for its student life, the social scene is vastly different to that of the Hawkes Bay, because of this it has also contributed to the whole university experience.
I have also learnt life lessons during my two years of study. Time management is crucial: being able to keep up to date with lecture readings; applying yourself to research and asking questions on a concept that you find difficult to understand is a key factor to success.
But balance is just as important. Finding time of extra activities; for me I tried an introductory course in African drumming and have also joined social volleyball and netball teams as well as playing competitive softball.
It goes without saying that I have also indulged a bit too much in the clubbing scene, however if all these are done in preference of importance to you I am positive that your results will be an outcome of the decisions that you make.
I cannot tell people what is best for them when they come to tertiary study but I do have three pieces of advice:
1. As mentioned above, a combination of prioritising what is important to you and applying the right work ethic and time management to that list, will reflect in your results.
2. At university there are so many career paths. There is so much flexibility in what you can study and in more cases then not, so many people change their career path after the first year so do not be afraid of change.
3. Be happy with what you are doing. Do not do something that will make others happy as you are the one that has to go through with it, not them.
Finally, I would like to thank the Māori Education Trust for their financial aid over the last two years. It is invaluable support and I am very appreciative of that.

Firstly I would like to take this opportunity to thank Maori Education Trust for your support of my studies this year and I cannot express enough, my appreciation of the kaupapa.
My first year of study has just completed except for my upcoming final examinations and it's an appropriate time now, for me to reflect over what has been a tumultuous but defining year in my life so far.
My first year of study at Victoria University began with both excitement and apprehension, as this was my first time away from my home, my whanau and everything that made up my life up to that point. It took a little time to settle into campus life and the new routines but I worked hard and enjoyed my first year. I made many new friends, experienced new things and learned some valuable life lessons along the way.
I was also fortunate to find part time work at a local supermarket to supplement my income and to help offset my accommodation costs. My job provided me time out from student life and an opportunity to meet new people away from the campus and learn new skills. I especially enjoyed recognizing the familiar faces from home and meeting regular customers.
The Tuapapa O Te Iwi Scholarship was directed mainly towards paying some course costs and additional recommended reading texts but it also allowed me to afford extras such as transport, additional printing costs, hostel internet access fees, cellular charges, gym fees and other personal reading.
My chosen study options for 2007 were the Bachelor of Commerce and Administration (BCA) and the Bachelor of Tourism Management Degrees of which I have completed four courses with a B average in the first semester and am now awaiting the course results for the last semester. I have since decided to forego the Bachelor of Tourism degree and continue my BCA with a double major in accounting and international business.
My immediate goals for 2008 are to trial for selection into the under 19 women's waka ama sprint squad that will compete at the 2008 World Sprints in Sacramento, USA. To achieve this I will remain at the training base in Gisborne, for the first semester of 2008, until the event in August. I will resume my studies in the second semester and attend summer school to catch up. I have competed in waka ama for 10 years and have won many championship medals and awards with my club teams, who compete annually at the national sprints. Club training begins next month for the national sprints in January 2008 and will then continue on to the world event later in the year.
My other interests include music, which I studied piano for three years, reading, both fiction and non-fiction and being from Gisborne, I enjoy spending time at the many excellent beaches back home. To keep fit I jog occasionally and attend RPM or spin sessions.

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