Jennifer Rockwell
Master of Health Science in Psychology
Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) in Psychology (First Class)
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
She has grown so much throughout her time at AUT, says Jennifer Rockwell who is currently studying a Master of Health Science in Psychology and well on the path towards becoming a counselling psychologist.
“I look back on who I was as a young nervous first-year, so afraid and unaware of how much I was capable of achieving. I’ve absolutely loved AUT since I first started here, and I’ve learnt so much during my time here, all the while being encouraged and supported by the awesome people around me.
“I love learning so much, and I love pushing myself to work hard. Understanding something that at one time felt impossible to grasp is a feeling that never gets old for me. I want to become a registered psychologist, and the counselling psychology pathway specifically resonated with me due to its systemic, culturally responsive and critical approach to psychology, and the amazing professors and lecturers that teach it. I’ve loved being able to deconstruct my own understanding of psychology and being encouraged to envision ways to improve the field for all people. I feel very lucky and blessed to be a student and have the huge privilege of being at university.”
Supported to thrive
Everyone at AUT has been so kind and genuine, Jennifer says.
“AUT has been the best experience for me. All the lecturers, tutors, supervisors and other staff are so intelligent and helpful, and it’s such a good environment. I’ve always felt really supported. I’m particularly grateful to the AUT Rainbow team, particularly Nica and Jessie. They were so welcoming to me when I first started university, they saw my potential and gave me a chance to work with them. It meant the world to me. A few years later, I was selected as an ‘exemplar of student success’ at a Rainbow Auckland AUT conference, and that felt pretty special.”
She is also grateful for the scholarships she has received to help her achieve her goal of becoming a psychologist.
“I received the AUT Postgraduate Research Scholarship for my honours year and the Rainbow New Zealand Charitable Trust AUT Tertiary Scholarship when I started my master’s degree this year. It has been such a weight off my shoulders having that extra financial support. I feel so grateful to be able to focus more on my research and studies, and on becoming the best clinician and researcher I can with the help of these scholarships. It’s been really great, and I’m so grateful for the support.”
Advice for other students
Now in her fifth year at AUT, Jennifer has some great advice for other students.
“Don’t be afraid to talk to your lecturers and tutors, and ask them questions. Such a huge part of the privilege of university is the access to some of the most intelligent and incredible people in a field you’re interested in, so make the most of that.”
You don’t have to be perfect, she adds.
“The point of university is to learn, not to be perfect. If you’re learning, you’re doing it right. Try your best, don’t forget self-care and don’t place your self-worth on a grade.”
