Ara graduation speaker shares triumph over ‘tricky times’

_{Jessica Westley leads the Ara graduates to the Wolfbrook Arena for the afternoon ceremony}

Jessica Westley and Shaun Raddock signed up for matching qualifications during Covid lockdowns while raising four “wonderful, energetic, neurodiverse children” then aged 3 to 13.

Four years later, Jessica Westley took centre stage to share her study experience at Ara Institute of Canterbury’s autumn graduation, with Shaun, just two papers behind her cheering her on.

Westley paid tribute to the ‘incredibly understanding tutors and department heads’ who helped her achieve her Bachelor of International Tourism and Hospitality Management degree.

“Those who have experience with neurodiversity know that every day can be a challenge, however, with their support we've managed to navigate the tricky times and appreciate the easier moments better,” she told those gathered.

She said the degree was geared towards her ultimate dream to own and manage a tiny home tourist venture. “The boost to my confidence that achieving study awards and this qualification has given me is huge – proving to myself and my children that no matter your age or past experiences, if you set your mind to something, you can achieve anything.”

Staff, students but also Ara’s partners and stakeholders in local industry were front of mind for Ara Executive Director Darren Mitchell.

“We sincerely thank you for your ongoing support as we seek to transform lives through vocational education,” he said. “I know these graduates will be super keen to get out there and show our community how talented they really are.”

Well over 900 attended Ara’s two Autumn ceremonies in the Wolfbrook Arena including hundreds receiving bachelor's degrees, dozens of post-graduate qualifications, 19 master's degrees and hundreds more diplomas and certificates.

The biggest cohort was in Health Practice with 233 nurses, midwives, medical imaging professionals and other related graduates now equipped to contribute to New Zealand’s vital healthcare sector.

Ara graduates from Ōhua Midwives (left to right) Kenzie Nahona, Kerianne Harmon-Becks, Ilah Robottom and Toni Weiser

They include Ara’s largest ever contingent of Māori and Pacific midwives, four of whom have already set up Ōhua Midwives, a practice specialising in the care of whanau Māori.

One of the group, Toni Weiser, said their plans formed while in their second year of study.

“We all wanted to work together but couldn’t find a way and then we had a ‘lightbulb moment’ to start our own practice which was exciting and terrifying all at once.”

Weiser said the classmates added plans to the Ōhua Midwives kete over time and by the end of their study they were ready to go.

“We had to rise above the doubts, but it was the best decision we ever made. We are looking to grow, and we can’t wait.”