Three degrees closer for graduating family

After years of supporting each other through assignments and navigating their respective tertiary education journeys, the payoff is even sweeter as they get to cross the finish line together.

“We didn’t plan to all be graduating at the same time, but it’s awesome it worked out that way. I keep teasing Logan, as technically, he and I get to ‘cross’ the stage together again,” Shirley says.

Shirley’s journey with Massey began with a Bachelor of Arts, leading to her graduation in 2001 when she was pregnant with Logan. Now, 23 years on, she has completed her postgraduate studies and this week received her Master of Nursing. She says there were some challenges in having her family studying simultaneously.

“It was interesting when we all had assignments due around the same time! We had to get the balance right between giving one another space to think, while also remaining dedicated to our jobs and keeping the household running. I owe a lot to Professor Jenny Carryer, as there was a time I was going to walk away from nursing altogether. Without her support, I wouldn’t have my master’s now.”

Mike adds that while sometimes tricky to navigate, there were benefits to all being on similar journeys.

“We supported each other a lot during assignment spikes and helped each other review the finished product. We had some lean weekends where we were all in front of computers completing, reviewing, polishing and finally publishing written works,” Mike says.

Similar to Shirley, Mike left school after fifth form without a clear understanding of what university entailed but was determined to pursue a career path. It was during his first year, taking 100-level business papers, that he says his eyes were opened to the possibilities and he decided to do a conjoint Bachelor of Business Studies and Bachelor of Science.

“Many years later, after a successful career in the Primary Health Information Systems field, I decided to reengage with study and pursue a Master of Information Sciences degree. It was so rewarding to extend my knowledge once again past my everyday experience. That’s the beauty of university, getting to examine the depth and breadth of a subject then deep diving into areas of passion.”

For Logan, who graduated with a Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching, beginning his journey in 2020 studying toward a Bachelor of Art in History and English was a significant undertaking, particularly amidst the ongoing COVID-19 disruptions.

“Managing placements can be pretty challenging and it felt weird to leave the house first and come home last most days. But being accepted into Teacher’s College was a major highlight for me. I still remember sitting down in early January last year expecting there to be some mistake!”

Mike says this week has been one of his proudest.

“It’s a very proud moment to see my wife and son graduate. I have seen the effort and the commitment, and it will be great celebrating the achievement together.”

“We are proud of each other, and we want our children to see that you can keep learning no matter what age you are,” Shirley adds.

Now newly graduated, Shirley plans to continue her work at Kauri Healthcare, focusing on expanding and enhancing the Sleep Clinic. Logan has taken on a role at Awatapu College as a careers and life skills teacher, while Mike will continue his work at THINK Hauora, the regional Primary Health Organisation, where he deals with health information systems on a daily basis.

Their graduation day was made even more special by having their daughter Jenna, a current Massey student, in the audience cheering them on. Mike says the enthusiasm Jenna shows for her courses as she studies towards a Bachelor of Design with Honours has already got him missing university life.

“She’s loved her first year and is studying some very interesting stuff we are learning by proxy. I think I want to be a student again…”