Joseph Meredith

“Growing up in Auckland, I was always inspired by my family’s migration story. I chose to study at the University of Auckland to pay homage to those who have sacrificed to get me to where I am today. It is important to recognise that I not only have my aspirations, but I also carry the dreams of my family who moved across the Pacific Ocean in search of a better life. 

“The Arts is a place for students who are interested in a variety of topics and want to try a little bit of everything.  It is so freeing to be a student in the Faculty of Arts. I’m able to choose from a wide selection of courses that I find interesting and, quite often, they are interconnected and share similar ideas. I’m constantly learning new things. I found the Bachelor of Arts programme appealing because it is very flexible and designed for students to learn as much as possible during their degree.

“I love Pacific Studies because I feel seen and understood within the content. Representation is such an important aspect of academia, and it is amazing to have an entire school (Te Wānanga o Waipapa) dedicated to preserving and sharing Indigenous knowledge. By learning how to better understand myself, I can use that knowledge to create positive changes in the community.

“There are plenty of opportunities to get to know other students, such as social events, clubs and even just going to class. I have been involved in a few student clubs, such as VA’A (Village Arts Association) and UASSA (University of Auckland Samoan Students Association). Both these clubs were spaces where I felt I could embrace my identity while also meeting other students who have similar interests and aspirations.

“I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in social development, particularly in Pacific communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. I would like to work in a position at a government organisation such as the Ministry of Social Development where I would like to inform the council on how various policies can affect the wellbeing of Pacific peoples in our community. 

“It is okay to be unsure of the future. Not everyone has a set plan, and many different factors can influence how our pathway will go. I would advise everyone to embrace the unknown and to take advantage of the many opportunities available to you at the University of Auckland.”