From Vic to the Universe: Josephine Lagi

Josephine Lagi

Josephine Lagi is VUW Pasifika Alumna who completed a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Information Systems in 2020. Josephine now works for the New Zealand High Commission in the Solomon Islands.

What made you choose to study at VUW?

When I was researching for my preferred study programme I looked through all of the universities including cities in New Zealand and I came across VUW in Wellington. Getting to read more about Wellington and the University’s School of Business and Government already made me want to come and study there. I chose VUW because my preferred programme will be well complemented with the environment I will be studying in, the centre of policy making and decision making in New Zealand. Another reason was that Wellington is just a small city so coming from a very small community I can be able to adjust to the people and culture.

Were your expectations met?

Yes! I loved my time at Victoria University, from the student support services, cultural clubs involvement, learning opportunities, people and culture to long- lasting friendships made. I am so grateful to have attended university in Wellington.

How did you navigate Victoria as a Pasifika student?

I am forever grateful for the support network that I built overtime during my study years, my friends, Wellington Solomon Islands Community family, and not forgetting my Pasifika āiga (Melanesian wantoks, PSC, and the BEST Pasifika Student Success Team). Through this network of support, I managed to successfully complete my study at Victoria.

What services did you utilise the most and why?

The Wellington International and Pasifika Student Success (PSS) have been my main point of contact throughout my university life. I have spent most of my time at uni emailing, visiting and/or studying at their study spaces. They have both supported me as an international student and Pasifika student studying and living away from home. What I love about PSS are that they are my Pasifika wantoks, and are always open and available to support me and my Pasifika brothers and sisters.

I have used other services like Student Learning for my essays and study/time management skills, Wellington International as an international student, CareerHub for CV and interview support, and Mauri Ora for health and well-being support. I am really grateful for all of them for their support.

Do you feel like you were adequately supported as a Pasifika student? Why or why not?

As a Pasifika student coming from the islands, yes! All of the university support services that I have had during my time at Vic were excellent! I haven’t experienced any difficulty accessing the lecturers, tutors, facilities, and student support services.

What changes would you like the uni to make?

For me I have enjoyed and appreciated everything about uni, but the only thing that I would like to see is more representation of Pasifika students in the high level decision making body of the uni. Whether it be to sit in any meetings, I just want us to have a seat at the table and be represented.

What did you like about VUW and studying in Wellington?

There are a lot of things I love about VUW and Wellingtton. It is just great, I love the study environment, facilities and the student support services available for all, especially the Wansolwara study space as it the warmest place you can find around uni as Aunty E always say. Wellington city is my second home, I have grown to love the place, people and culture. It is most and easy to walk around, even with the hills and THE ever changing weather, I still love it!

What are some study tips that worked for you?

I have 3 study tips that work for me: 

1) Always have a good study plan. 

It took me 1 and half years to be fully devoted to my study timetable and have seen that it really improved my performance. I do my assignments and tutorials, and submitted them on time, which really improves my well- being too.

2) Read before and after lecture & tutorials.

In this way you are doing yourself a very good job of not having to cram later or pull consistent all-nighters, whereas if you have done your pre-readings and post- reading you wouldn’t drain yourself.

3) Don’t be shy to ask for help.

We do not have all the answers and you never know, everyone around you is just going through same struggle of being a student. So when you are in doubt about anything, study or life, please seek help. Where are you now? (Where has you hard work lead you to?)

I am now working at the New Zealand High Commission in Honiara, Solomon Islands as the Research and Communications Officer. I’m already 6 months into my job and I am enjoying and learning as I go. It’s such a timely blessing for me as I received this role right after I completed my study. And I am grateful to Wellington International, Pasifika Student Success Team.