Joelle Ireland
A conjoint degree in Communication and Arts has unlocked new and exciting ways for Joelle to engage in storytelling that moves others.
Key facts:
Programme: Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Drama / Bachelor of Communication conjoint, majoring in Communication and Social Change
High school: Epsom Girls Grammar School
Scholarship: Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia
“Auckland is my home city. I always wanted to go to the University of Auckland, and it had more opportunities within both Drama and Communication. I especially liked that both areas focused on the theoretical and practical sides, which I hadn’t found elsewhere.
“The Bachelor of Arts has the breadth that I wanted from a degree; alongside Drama, I’ve been able to do papers in Māori Studies, Philosophy, Ancient History, Politics, English and History, something I wouldn’t have been able to do in other degrees.
“The combination of theory and creativity on both sides has meant I have really gotten to understand the history and context of these areas, as well as developing my hands-on skills.
“In both Drama and Communication, we are a small cohort. It’s always great walking into a class where you know you will get a more hands-on and interactive approach. The staff and lecturers are super supportive – they want you to succeed, and I’ve gotten to know most of them through my time here.
What I love most of all is the storytelling. Both Communication and Drama are about weaving together a story that moves people. It’s where we hold our history, our morals, all the things that make up society and is most important to us.
“Communication has given me a lot of the why, and my major in Drama has given me a lot of the how. Though people might not think these two are related, drama is also a type of communication, and so I’ve found these subjects very complementary.
“Everybody needs a communicator. In a world dominated by technology, these transferrable soft skills are super important. But it’s more than that; it’s about using communication to prompt people to act, to try change people’s behaviours, and to inform people.
“Especially now, when misinformation is rife and it is harder to tell what is real and what isn’t, my study is more important than ever. It’s made me more compassionate, more understanding, and more open-minded. But it has also taught me to read widely and think critically about the things that make up our world.
“At university, there truly is something for everyone, and I’ve made some lifelong friends here through my courses. In terms of being a student, it’s very self-led. You have to motivate yourself, and ultimately you are responsible for the outcome of your study.
“This is your chance to explore, to figure out what you like, and what you don’t. Both of these things are equally as valuable, so take every opportunity that comes your way. Ideally, my career would combine both of my passions, Communication and Drama. I would get to create art that carries social meaning and challenges people to think and to take action. Whatever happens, I know I want to be working with people, for people.”