27/05/2024
Tamariki Graduate Elia Gibbons
I started at Tamariki in 2005, following a long family history with the school. During my time there, I formed strong friendships that remain a significant part of my life to this day. Tamariki's unique community atmosphere is what sets it apart, as it is not merely a school but a community.
At Tamariki, I was encouraged to learn autonomously and to take responsibility for what and when I learned. This approach has been instrumental in my academic success. Transitioning to high school initially seemed daunting, but the resilience, self-reliance, and confidence in my ability to learn that Tamariki instilled in me made the transition seamless. In 2019, I left high school and moved to Wellington to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Criminology, and New Zealand Sign Language. After completing my Bachelor of Arts, I applied to Aotearoa’s only Forensic Psychology Master’s program, finishing in February 2024 with First Class Honors.
University represents a departure from the traditional school system, and for many students is their first real taste of self-directed learning. Like Tamariki, university requires you to manage your schedule, handle independent work, and balance learning with social interactions. In many ways, the foundation Tamariki provided was crucial for my success at university.
Currently, I work doing research within the field of Psychology and plan to enrol in a Doctoral program in Psychology for the 2025 intake. I firmly believe that my achievements would not have been as seamless without the skills that Tamariki fostered in me. Tamariki undoubtedly cultivates strong, independent individuals equipped with the skills necessary for success.