Vanessa Frances Deeney
3rd-year student, Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing with a minor in Event Management Certificate in Legal Studies
The lecturers have been a highlight of her studies, says Vanessa Frances Deeney who came to AUT to study both creative writing and law.
“The creative writing lecturers I’ve had are academics who also possess significant life experiences. Therefore, there is a richness in their approach to their lessons and their craft.”
Coming to AUT after a career in event management, she says she decided to take on further study to be able to share her perspective.
“I chose to study creative writing because it’s a suitable creative medium for me, and I love writing short stories, poetry and script. I decided to study both arts and law to then be able to continue with either subject yet still attain a qualification in the other. I’ve now chosen to pursue a Bachelor of Arts and have completed a Certificate in Legal Studies. I decided to include a minor in event management as my background is in this field, and it was a great opportunity to sharpen and develop my methodology and problem-solving skills.”
Supported to thrive
The student support is what she has enjoyed most about her studies so far, Vanessa says.
“I’ve found AUT to be an open, accepting tertiary institution that is well organised in its approach to prioritising student support. I especially appreciated when the student services team financially supported my daughter and I when there was a mistake with my student allowance and it suddenly dropped out one week. They also assisted in helping me rectify the situation with Study Link.”
Studying both creative writing and law hasn’t always been easy, she admits, however she is proud of what she has achieved.
“Writing a portfolio for my Creative Writing major and studying for law exams at the same time was challenging. Studying law uses certain faculties of your mind while creative writing uses others. The portfolio was 5,000 words long – a combination of memoir, poetry and fiction. It was demanding, however I was pleased with the result for both.”
Advice for other students
Now in the final year of her studies, Vanessa has some great advice for other students.
“My advice is to make your study your absolute priority – you’ll never regret that.”
She also has some encouraging words for those who are returning to study after a bit of a break, especially other parents.
“Student life can be tough, especially as a mum. It’s also a great privilege. I don’t think anyone will ever regret pursuing further education, no matter how old you are.”
