Loyd behind the scenes of his final 3rd year film project.
Te Tumu Whakatipu is Massey’s hub for lifelong learning, providing an array of offerings for people at different stages of their educational journey, including foundation courses to prepare ākonga for university.
Adjusting to life in Aotearoa New Zealand wasn’t easy for Loyd, but the supportive Foundation Studies community helped him find his footing.
“The community and educators within my Foundation Studies journey really helped me immensely with my growth as a learner. From academic writing to learning about New Zealand history and Māori culture, they all helped me to slowly settle in Aotearoa.”
Loyd says the encouragement of his teachers played a key role in building his confidence as a learner.
“I was always comfortable to make mistakes because I knew the teachers were there to help me and show me how to improve for next time.”
In the world of film, collaboration is everything and the teamwork skills Loyd honed during his preparation studies quickly became invaluable when he moved into the Screen Arts degree.
“[Foundation Studies] taught me how to communicate my ideas easily in a collaborative environment. This is especially important because my Screen Arts degree really requires a lot of teamwork when it comes to making video projects and short films.”
Learning how to listen, share ideas and give feedback respectfully has stayed with him ever since.
“Transitioning to my Screen Arts degree went really well as some of the things I learned from taking Foundation Studies were actually helping me during the transition, such as getting slowly familiar with the learning environment and learning how to communicate and converse properly in a New Zealand setting.”
New Zealand Youth Film Festival 2022, finalists for the Best International Student Film category. L to R: Loyd Doron, Jaeyun Han, and Richard Sun.
Film has always been at the centre of Loyd’s life. At Massey, it has become something deeper – a way to connect people and give voice to stories that deserve to be heard.
“Even before coming to New Zealand I already knew that pursuing film studies, or anything related to film, was what I am drawn to. The whole idea of being able to do what your heart really loves is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences you can have in your life.”
Looking back, Loyd credits his foundation studies with not only preparing him academically, but also shaping his mindset as a creative. His advice to future students reflects that same spirit of growth and courage.
“I would say ‘seek discomfort’. I wish I had done it a lot more when I was still doing the Foundation Studies. I always believe that most of the great things in life are at the end of our comfort zone.”
As he looks ahead, Loyd hopes to use film to amplify underrepresented voices and tell stories that make a difference.
“I am really looking forward to using all the skills and knowledge I have learned from Massey,” Loyd says.
“I want to be able to use my talent in filmmaking to give voices to those unheard stories from underrepresented voices because even if some would think it is just a small act, I know if it helps make a difference at the end of the day, I still was able to help make a change in someone’s life.”
Behind-the-scenes group photo during the filming of the short documentary project. L to R: Alice Hoggerbrug, Morgan Lawrence, Zihe Zhang, Ryan Espadilla, Vergil Song, and Loyd Doron.
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