“I chose counselling to support myself, to support my whanau, to support my iwi and my hapu and to support the community.
Prior to studying, I worked in the business sector as an education specialist, providing asset leasing solutions to the school sector. Alongside that, I was learning and practising Māori healing. I’m also a mentor for wāhine Māori. It was a natural progression for me to then step into counselling to add knowledge to my kete to tautoko Māori.
We have a mix of theory and practical and as an adult learner, I’ve had a long history of working in the sector. That’s a preferable way for me to learn.
I chose to come here because its diverse, diverse cultures. I’m very happy that we have indigenous lecturers. And the classes are supportive.
What I really appreciate about MIT is the work, life, and study balance. So, in addition to this, I work part-time as a kaiāwhina, a support worker. We can make it work around our lifestyles. The advice that I’d give to someone studying at MIT is to make sure it’s something that you love to do. That you absolutely love what you do, and you’re just going to have the time of your life. There will be challenges, but because it’s something that you love to do, you’ll have the courage to move through those challenges.
Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui. Be strong, be brave, be steadfast.”
Romaiye Lowen
MIT student
