Force4Families helps son stick to study

While not in the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) himself, Aiden is able to study at Massey University under the discounted rates provided through the Force4Families programme.

The 21-year-old’s father is an Operational Watch-Keeper in the Tactical Operations Centre at Ōhakea Airbase, meaning the Force4Families discount extends to him.

For Aiden, who is now in his third year of a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Media Studies and Creative Writing, the discounted fees have made it easier for him to stick it out through the hard days of university life.

“Of course, we get first year free. But outside of that, study must be paid for out of our own pocket or with StudyLink. Knowing that I wouldn't have to pay as much in the end because of the discounted fees has been a big factor in me sticking around because it's just been such a help financially,” he says.

Despite his father working in the Air Force for all of Aiden’s life, and the great memories he has of school holiday programmes at the Ōhakea Air Base, Aiden chose to pursue his love for music rather than follow in his father’s footsteps.

He moved from Palmerston North to Wellington in 2020 to study Music Technology as part of a Bachelor of Commercial Music at Massey’s College of Creative Arts.

Due to unforeseen circumstances and COVID-19, Aiden was forced to move back to Palmerston North during his first year. As the Music Technology major isn’t available as a distance course, Aiden switched to a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in media studies – something he has discovered he really loved.

In 2020, Massey and the NZDF signed a Relationship Agreement enabling NZDF personnel and their immediate family members to access opportunities and benefits such as special tuition rates when enrolling in any qualification with Massey.

“2020 was fee-free for me because it was my first year, but then in 2021 I made the choice to pay out of my own pocket because I don't want to have a huge student loan later. Force4Families meant the amount I was paying upfront was a lot smaller than what it would have been, so that was a huge help for me.”

Once he graduates, Aiden would love to land a job working for an alternative media outlet. He’s adding work experience to his CV as a staff writer for Massey’s student magazine, Massive. While he has diverged from his original music career path, he’s still hopeful his personal music takes off.

“I make a big mixture of music, but in terms of genre I have narrowed it down to industrial rock. It’s like Nine Inch Nails, but a lot worse,” he explains.

“I've been playing the drums since I was seven. I'm a vocalist. I really enjoy singing. I did a lot of musical theatre in my young years, and I picked up bass guitar last year.”

Aiden wants to help publicise the Force4Families discount so other people who are eligible, such as children of Defence Force personnel like himself, know about it.

“It's such a big help. It's a nice little incentive to keep on going with the university hardship but it's also just such a fantastic programme. It's been a massive help to me.”

Learn more about Forces4Families here.