Harriet Taylor
Bachelor of Science
Don't stress too much about what you want to study at university, says Harriet Taylor.
“A lot of people go in with an idea of what they are going to do and it changes in the first few weeks. Just be open to the possibility that you might end up doing something completely different.”
Harriet was recommended to try nursing. “I studied for a year and enjoyed it but wasn't sure if it was quite right for me. I liked sport and science so I switched to Otago to study Human Nutrition.”
She had friends at the University and enjoyed the student vibe on campus. “What you see in the adverts for Otago is true. Everyone is in a compact area and there are always people around to socialise with. It really met up to my expectations and there's a good gym with great classes.
“It's a really cool environment. You're free to do what you want but there is always help there if you need it. The lecturers are happy to answer any questions and the student tutors were great.
“You've got everything you need and the buildings are warm in winter, which is important coming from Auckland.”
Harriet added Science Communication as a minor late in her degree, and it changed her thinking.
“It's a mixture of science and finding creative ways to connect with the public and it opened me up to a broader view of life. It helped me to realise that I wanted to be more involved with the public than just science.
She reconsidered prospective careers, and now plans to study for a Master of Audiology. “I enjoy science and working with people and felt audiology stood out as giving me that mix.”