From the moment I completed my bachelor's degree in Engineering, I have always wanted to pursue a master's but didn't have the chance. However 13 years after my graduation I realised dreams are renewable and here I am. No matter what your age or condition, there are still possibilities within us waiting to be untapped.
My eventful journey and continuous learning in engineering helped me become part of New Zealand's best graduate programmes. The University of Waikato, translated flowing waters (Wai in Maori means water, Kato - to flow) entered my radar while I was looking for the best institutes in the world offering a research-based masters programme. I could have selected many other countries and universities but I was really drawn towards New Zealand and specifically the University of Waikato because of the depth of opportunities it provided.
The faculty was efficient and resourceful, as well, providing guidance and support during the entire application process. The Masters of Engineering offers a path to enhance the understanding of methodologies and involves the use of latest scientific and mathematical tools.The university is in Hamilton and it definitely is a student city. With more than 46,000 people in tertiary study, there is a huge range of things for students to do and see.
Great shopping, cafes, restaurants, markets, international sports, you name it, Hamilton's got it. Raglan is just 30 minutes away from Hamilton and is New Zealand's best surf beach.
Hamilton has all the benefits of a big city without the hassles. New Zealand is an eco-friendly environment and the people are wonderful.
Life on campus
The halls on campus provide the ultimate student experience and are a great way to meet new people. And they are just a walk away from the lecture theatres so students can get maximum sleep time.
Course assessment can take place in a number of contexts and diverse ways. It may be quite formal in style, but in some subjects it is appropriate for an assessment to be relatively informal. Each student will embark upon some hard work, fun and success at the university along with the experience of living in a different country and meeting new friends.
Enriching
People from all over the world come here to study and this valuable experience can be enriching if taken in good spirit. There is no difference between a local and an international student. Professors treat everyone equally and many of them are quite keen on knowing more about Indian culture and way of life.
Getting involved in sports and recreation on campus adds a lot to our university experience.
Whether you are a high performing athlete, a social exerciser, a sports fanatic or someone who was put off sports altogether at high school, there is a sporting opportunity for everyone at Waikato.
I was a national-level baseball player representing Tamil Nadu State, my hometown, as captain twice. But this was a dream I never got to pursue due to the pressure on studies. At Waikato, I plan to get back on track and make friends with people who I can play and watch sports with. The sports facilities available for cricket, rugby and soccer are the biggest in any university in New Zealand.
I believe the phrase “the journey was enjoyable and not the destination” is used as an excuse by people who wish to console themselves when the destination is lost. The journey is enjoyable only when its purpose is fulfilled.
Achievers value the destination more, journey being only a medium. My message to the students is to think “it is good that this has happened now although it should have happened sooner.”
Do not give up. Be a go-getter and make your dreams come true.
The author is aFaculty of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, The University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand.
