Reponse Tuyishime
2nd-year student, Bachelor of Arts in Criminology & Criminal Justice with a minor in History
He has always loved history, says Reponse Tuyishime who is studying a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology & Criminal Justice with a minor in History.
“Since I was a kid, I’ve always been interested in history and past events that have shaped our present. The job market for a history major is not too strong, so I decided to have that as my minor and picked criminology as my major as that stood out as a really interesting subject.
“When I graduate, I’d love to work in Intelligence. I’m really interested in analysis, problem-solving and understanding how information can be used to make decisions. It feels like a career where I’d be constantly learning and contributing to something important.”
He is enjoying the flexibility of studying a Bachelor of Arts and has also managed to include some courses on communication for social change as part of his studies.
“I’ve really enjoyed the communication courses I’ve taken. They’ve helped me understand how people share ideas and connect, and I’ve enjoyed developing practical skills like writing, presenting and using media effectively. It’s been interesting to see how communication plays a role in everyday situations as well as larger social issues.”
Challenging and supportive
The opportunity to explore new perspectives and challenge himself in different ways is what he is enjoying most about his studies, Reponse says.
“I’ve appreciated being able to explore topics in more depth than I expected and seeing how they connect to real-world issues. I’ve also enjoyed developing my skills, whether in research, writing or critical thinking – I can see how these will be useful beyond the classroom.”
There is one lecturer whose support he has especially appreciated.
“Darrell Turner taught both my criminology classes in the first year of my degree, and I found him to be the most helpful lecturer I’ve had so far. He was extremely helpful and very intelligent in the way he helped us understand the concepts being covered in class.”
Advice for other students
Reponse has some great advice for other students.
“My advice would be to stay curious and make the most of the opportunities around you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, try new things, or reach out for help when you need it. Balancing work and study can be tricky, but staying organised and focused really pays off.”
He wouldn’t hesitate to recommend AUT to other students.
“I’d definitely recommend AUT. The programmes are practical and the lecturers are really supportive. It’s a good mix of learning theory and then actually applying what you’ve learnt, which makes it feel useful for the real world. Plus the AUT City Campus has a good vibe and plenty of support if you need it.”
