Miriam Jenkins, BA in Religious Studies.
I was at Otago for Summer School and was browsing the course catalogue for something interesting. The paper “Love and Heroism: Religion in South India” caught my eye, so I enrolled. I wasn't disappointed – it's still the most fascinating and engaging course I've taken, and it led me to select Religious Studies as my major.
I had the best time studying at Otago! I found that all the staff were very invested in what they teach, and willing to go out of their way to help. It's a well-equipped university campus in a lovely city with great beaches, and I spent hours in the central library reading and composing essays, and trying to get through all the Tamil poetry anthologies.
After graduating, I lived in the US and worked at Nike, and then went on to live in Hokkaido, Japan, on the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme. Later I returned to New Zealand and worked at the Department of Conservation, before I accepted the role of Competitions Co-ordinator for World Para Athletics at the International Paralympic Committee in Bonn, Germany.
The study of religion is such a fascinating way to gain insight into people and communities. Since religion and faith are practised in such wildly varying ways around the world, my background has helped me to adjust my viewpoint when working in a multicultural office, and also at competitions abroad. Having the knowledge from my degree allows me to approach situations differently, more delicately and with respect for everyone involved.
I was so inspired and impressed by the staff in the department that I hoped I could follow in their path and have an academic career too! Since embarking on this degree I've been compelled to continue to learn as much as I can, and I aim to keep studying and eventually share what I've learned with new students. Our world can benefit greatly from more people having a better understanding of religion and faith, and tolerance and acceptance of what's different.