Starting over, in face of challenges

Melanie Tregurtha, recipient of the University of Waikato's Vice Chancellor's Adult Learners Award. Photo / Supplied

A Tauranga woman has received a prestigious award for her commitment to study.

Melanie Tregurtha, who is studying for a Bachelor of Social Work, was honoured with the Vice-Chancellor's Adult Learners Award from the University of Waikato.

As a former landscape gardener and dance instructor, Ms Tregurtha decided to upskill and become a registered social worker. As an adult learner with the University in Tauranga, the mother of four fitted in her studies around shift work at the Hotel on Devonport and was motivated by her desire do something positive to address child abuse.

Within two days of starting her first fieldwork placement in 2014, her youngest son Finn became critically ill with encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and was flown to Starship Hospital in Auckland, forcing her to withdraw from study and care for her son. "I left to take him to the doctor and didn't come home for weeks. Everything else had to stop to focus on Finn and his recovery. He had to learn how to do most of the basics again, from breathing, swallowing, sitting, walking, talking, emotional control and motor control."

Between Starship and then rehabilitation, Ms Tregurtha and Finn were in Auckland for almost four months.

Now, Finn is back at school with teacher aide support, allowing Melanie to begin her studies again.

Receiving the award was an incredible honour, Ms Tregurtha said. An A grade student and one of the top achieving students on the social work programme, Ms Tregurtha said time management was a key to balancing study with family commitments.

"I learnt to use time wisely by having a clear picture of when assignments are due in and factoring in the hours needed around work and children. Someone told me once that I was too old to go to university and wouldn't last, which has actually been my driver to prove them wrong ... Age really isn't a barrier to learning; it's about being interested in what you're studying and how much work you're prepared to put in."

Sonya Hunt, senior lecturer and social work programme convenor, said Ms Tregurtha was a worthy recipient of the award, which was designed to encourage more adults to access learning opportunities and to celebrate the efforts, achievements and contributions of adult learners. "Melanie ... is to be congratulated for her commitment to study and learning and the way she has balanced her demanding family circumstances and her education."

Upskill

To upskill or reinvent your career, Summer School at the University of Waikato is the perfect opportunity to get ahead or try something new. The next semester starts on January 5 and runs until February 21. For more information or to apply now visit www.waikato.ac.nz/go/summerschool