A degree 13 years in the making

Brian Toleafoa began his tertiary study journey in 2010, enrolling in a Bachelor of Arts in history. When he first started studying, his family was going through a period of upheaval which he says had a considerable impact on him.

“My family was going through a crazy change in terms of dynamics. This, and many other things in my life at the time, caused the first half of my study experience to be an unpleasant one, and my self-confidence, motivation and discipline was almost non-existent. I flunked out of many papers, semester after semester, for four years straight and was at risk of being terminated from the university.”

Brian says he began to believe he wasn’t smart or capable enough to complete a degree, so decided to join the workforce in an attempt to figure out who he was and what his passions were.

He spent the next seven years working in a variety of roles, but says he always harboured the dream of becoming a teacher and inspiring others to learn and grow.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Brian says he was forced to pause and reflect on what he really wanted to do as he approached his 30s. In 2022, after much consideration, he decided to give study another go and not judge his abilities on his previous experiences.

Brian was able to cross-credit papers and study towards a Bachelor of Arts majoring in education. He says Massey’s online learning allowed him the flexibility to complete his degree on his own terms, giving him time to focus on work and family as well.

“The level of engagement and quality of the online platform was easy to navigate, which reaffirmed that I had made the best decision in choosing Massey,” he says.

Brian says there were some stand out highlights during his second go at studying. One of those was being able to study alongside his younger sister, who decided to study after a long period as a stay-at-home mum raising three children.

“We convinced each other that the only way we could finish our degrees was if we did it together, and we did! I know for a fact I would not have mustered up any motivation or will to finish this degree had it not been for the encouragement, love and honesty of my younger sister. We have weathered many storms together and this chapter is another season we can add to that list.”

Another highlight for Brian was the 300-level course Tu Tira Mai: Practicing Engagement, which he says was his favourite paper.

“The course covered active citizenship and how we actively participate in the communities around us, whether global or local, and across the engagement spectrum. I was particularly encouraged by the way Dr Rand Hazou would facilitate group discussions, allowing for robust debate to be held in a safe space and with respect.”

Brian graduated in Palmerston North last week, alongside family who travelled down from Auckland to be with him for this proud moment.

Brian lives in Three Kings in Auckland and is currently employed as a Kaiawhina (Teacher Aide) at Newton Central School. He plans to continue his studies next year with a Graduate Diploma in Learning and Teaching (Primary).

“I will go into the classroom setting in the hope of inspiring the next generation who may be feeling unmotivated, discouraged or unworthy, as I did.”