KDee-Aimiti Ma'ia'i

"By doing a BA(Hons) in Pacific Studies I have been afforded the freedom to blend academic approaches to produce a piece of work that will best serve the region I love. My aim was to discover how The Pacific experiences the pull of the international community and what that means for Pacific people and politics.

"With postgraduate study, you are around people who are interested in and/or studying similar subjects to you, so there is always lively discussion. This has developed my knowledge and encouraged me to keep learning. It is made even better by the fact that it is self-directed. By choosing what you are writing about, the academic experience feels even more fulfilling and purposeful.

"The supportive staff within the Faculty of Arts have been instrumental in my time here. My lecturers and tutors are dedicated to their field of research and eager to pass on their knowledge.

"Not only have I learnt so much, I have also established close relationships with my lecturers and peers. While the course load is larger than undergraduate study, a network of people, who care about my wellbeing and my success, supported my transition from undergraduate study to postgraduate.

"The student culture in my area of study is lively and well connected. Our cohort is strong, and by having speakers, events and social activities alongside our required course work there is always something going on that is of interest to me.

"Postgraduate study is hard – but you'll get there! Always stay true to who you are and remain focused on the things that you are passionate about."

KDee is a recipient of a Kupe Leadership Scholarship, Faculty of Arts Postgraduate Scholarship and a Rhodes Scholarship to the University of Oxford.