2023 Graduate Profile: Julia Deihl, Bachelor of Applied Counselling
Our Degree and Diploma Ceremonies are coming up at the end of the month. Over the course of May, we’re profiling the Class of 2023 who are already making a difference in the community with the skills they learned at MIT.
Julia (Ngāti Maniapoto) had a long career in the fashion industry. Her time as a Brand Account Manager for a major Canadian line took her to work in Montreal, Australia and around Aotearoa. There were plenty of cool parties, launches and store openings to go to.
However, as a lot of fashion houses began moving online, the boutique market in New Zealand started to drop off. It was then Julia seriously considered retraining for a new career as a counsellor.
“It’s the best thing I’ve ever done,” she says. “It’s something I’d always thought about doing. But you get into a pattern of working and earning money. I was looking for something more meaningful. To serve the community.”
Three years later, Julia is graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Counselling degree from Manukau Institute of Technology and works as a Community Counsellor with Te Tai Awa o Te Ora, a kaupapa Māori service in Ōtara offering culturally responsive assistance from talking therapy to advocacy. The name refers to the turbulence which can occur when freshwater and saltwater meet.
It was originally set up by MIT graduates who saw a need under Te Tiriti o Waitangi to offer community assistance grounded in mātauranga Māori.
“We work in a narrative way,” she explains. “Story-telling has always been a big part of Māori and Pasifika identity. We come from a non-expert position. The people are the experts in their own lives. We are here to awhi (support).”
“I find it rewarding to be able to hold space for people. To sit with them and hear their stories. It’s a privilege.”
Julia got the job because of her broad life experience as well as her qualification.
“When we interviewed, we only had one vacancy but two excellent applicants,” says Kaiwhakahaere Christine Herzog.
“Normally, we would have chosen the more experienced one, but the interview panel said they couldn't choose between them - so we employed both. Since we didn't know Julia previously, it's hard to separate which of her many capabilities are due to her education, which to her life experiences, which to her personal attributes, but we're very glad that MIT provided the training which was part of her journey in coming to work with us,” says Ms Herzog.
Another reason why Julia finds common ground with many of her clients is she is on the same path to discovering more about identity as they are.
“My worldview has changed,” she says. “I’m Māori. Ngāti Maniapoto. That’s me. I’ve grown up quite disconnected from my culture and whakapapa. My journey in counselling has opened up learning about that.”
MIT applauds Julia for the courage she showed in starting on a new direction. The institute is happy to have been able to play a part in helping her make her goals a reality. We congratulate all 2023 graduates and look forward to hearing more about their future success!