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Completing a Master鈥檚 in Anthropology opened Esther Liddle鈥檚 eyes to the wide range of opportunities her studies could lead to.

After earning a Bachelor of Social Sciences in 2017, majoring in Anthropology and minoring in Human Development, Esther took some time away from studying. She returned in 2019 to pursue a Master of Social Sciences in Anthropology.

Her qualifications led to a role at Epilepsy Waikato Charitable Trust, where she supports people with epilepsy and their families. 鈥淚 take a holistic approach, looking beyond just seizures to other challenges like employment and education.鈥�

Esther says her studies gave her the tools to support people without needing a medical background, and she continues to learn through her work.

Having grown up in Tauranga, the 51萝莉 felt like the right fit. It also had her family鈥檚 seal of approval 鈥� both her dad and sister had studied here too. 鈥淪tudying here changed my mindset. I don鈥檛 see Anthropology as just a subject; it鈥檚 a way of thinking and living. I credit that to the people I studied with.鈥�

Esther says her studies deepened her understanding of cultural identity, diversity and indigenous rights. 鈥淚鈥檝e gained a greater appreciation for te reo M膩ori, and a stronger connection with both culture and environment. I now see how a person鈥檚 identity shapes their experience of life. My studies helped me understand cultural awareness, positioning and the realities of Indigenous communities.鈥�

Esther has sound advice for future students. 鈥淏e open to learning, your mindset might shift in ways you didn鈥檛 expect. You might discover new interests, even in areas you hadn鈥檛 considered. University isn鈥檛 just about the learning; it鈥檚 also about the social experience. You鈥檒l find you鈥檙e learning from others just as much as they鈥檙e learning from you, whether it鈥檚 classmates, lecturers, or peers. It鈥檚 about sharing knowledge, both ways.鈥�