Mya Cole - BA
Combining a major in Philosophy with English, Mya is finding the intersections between the two reveal captivating and sometimes unexpected ways of thinking.
Key facts:
Programme: Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Philosophy and English
High school: Mahurangi College and Albany Senior High School
Scholarship: Kendrick Smithyan Poetry Prize, John Tinline Prize in English, First in Course Award for Philosophy
“I chose Philosophy and English because I am drawn to language, ideas, and the way they shape how we make meaning. Philosophy gave me tools to question deeply and think critically, while English allowed me to explore ideas through literature and writing.
“What I love is how Philosophy and literature are constantly meeting. Philosophy gives me an intellectually rigorous framework and literature shows me unexpected ways of thinking, conceptualising, understanding, and finding meaning. In my opinion, literature can carry the weight of a philosophical argument without ever stating it outright. In the end, I don’t see them as necessarily separate.
What appealed to me about the faculty was the way professors in the Philosophy and English departments combined intellectual openness with academic rigour. They encouraged exploration and allowed me the freedom to pursue my own interests, while still fostering a strong sense of discipline and depth in learning.
“In my undergraduate degree I was also involved in a Philosophy of Science reading group organised by Dr Emily Parke. I am looking forward to re-joining this group during my postgraduate studies.
“My favourite paper was Lisa Samuels’ poetry course. It was a small class and every week I would look forward to our meetings, which were always full of conversation and surprising insights. We shared our work with each other, and it was a uniquely special experience.
“I was inspired to pursue postgraduate study in Philosophy as I found a supervisor I am excited to work with. For my proposed project I can work in an interdisciplinary way that makes room for my vast interests, and the freedom to work like this is important to me.
“My degree teaches me to think deeply about human experience—through stories, images, and ideas. It’s not always about clear answers but about learning how to see the world and question it. It might not seem useful in a traditional sense, but it is. It’s not just about art or theory; it’s about learning how to think, and that’s useful and should be more common everywhere—from business to education to everyday life.”