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Student story

Caitlin Bonnar

20 July 2023

"I feel like I'm part of the community here..."

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Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Primary)

What inspired you to study education?

A lot of my family have been teachers in the past. My granny especially loved it and I want to be just like her! I love working with kids and getting the opportunity to have a positive impact on their lives.

What's your favourite thing about your studies so far?

I've made my best friend here! Also I love the placements. The fact that we get to go out into schools and work with actual kids is such a rewarding thing to do. It's the best way to learn.

And your favourite thing about placement?

Getting to know the kids. You read about 鈥榢ids鈥 on paper, but then you meet them and realise that they're not just one sort of person. They鈥檙e all individuals with different personalities and you learn so much from them.

How's student life at UC?

Fun and friendly. I鈥檝e been to events at The Foundry, quiz night and a toga party. It's a lot different from the social experience at high school. It's nice to come to a place where everyone gets along and relates to each other in an open way.

You're part of the Student Volunteer Army too?

Yes, I鈥檝e volunteered for some of their events. Last year I helped out with the Big Give which was really cool. We had all ages and types of people coming together to benefit the community. The SVA is something UC should be really proud of. It鈥檚 given me a chance to be part of making a change, rather than just going to class and going home.

You鈥檙e from Auckland 鈥 what鈥檚 it been like shifting here?

Having the chance to live out of home has given me so much more independence. It's helped me grow as a person. I never thought I鈥檇 want to move away from my family, but it's really opened my eyes. Living in Christchurch is amazing. It's such a beautiful city and they鈥檙e doing a great job rebuilding it. It's going to be the best city in New Zealand!

So UC鈥檚 home for now?

It is. I feel like I'm part of the community here. When I graduate I'm going to be really sad to leave!

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