As a mature student, Mekayla managed her studies alongside family commitments, part-time work and community work, including being an active church member and being involved in iwi and hapū events.
She started out studying sports science and chiropractic care but soon realised her real passion lay in health and improving health outcomes for Māori, so she decided to study for a Bachelor of Health majoring in Population Health. The Population Health major is now replaced with Health Promotion from 2024.
She says the programme’s strong focus on Māori and Pacific peoples resonated with her as Māori, and she appreciated that mātauranga Māori and Pacific knowledge were embedded in the degree, which allowed her to engage with these perspectives without needing to take elective papers.
“This degree feels tailor-made for me as it encompasses te ao Māori, my love for my culture, and my passion for hauora.”
Her advice to other students is to be proud of your whakapapa and use it as a foundation for your studies.
“My connection to my culture has driven me to pursue mahi (work) that aligns with my values, and I encourage others to do the same,” says Mekayla.
Mekayla managed to achieve an A average across her degree was recognised with several scholarships during her time studying including receiving a University of Waikato Summer Research Scholarship, The Hamilton Club Scholarship in Health, Braemar Charitable Trust Scholarship in Health and the Te Atairangikaahu Scholarship through Waikato Regional Council. She also received iwi scholarships and health scholarships through Te Aka Whaiora.
Mekayla says highlights of her studies include the Te Tiriti paper and the Healthy Lifestyles, Healthy Communities papers, which also aligned with her values.
She says she chose the University of Waikato for its strong support of Māori and Pacific students. “The University’s values resonate with my commitment to my hāpori (community),” says Mekayla.
“I hope to add more knowledge and learnings to my kete and work in roles that improve health equity, particularly for Māori.”