2004 MIT Scholarship Recipient - Janine's story

If someone had told me ten years ago that I would gain a Diploma in Business Administration, I would have guffawed at the thought.  Gosh, they were talking to someone who hadn’t done any form of study for over 20 years, thinking herself too old to go ‘back to school’.  How wrong I was! 

2004/05 was my year.  The launch of AAPNZ Certification became my motivator and the enormous opportunity given to AAPNZ members for a scholarship through MIT provided the driver.  I was one of the first successful recipients of an MIT Scholarship which changed my life not only personally but professionally.  

The thought of three years’ part time study through distance learning ahead of me was not only frightening, but also daunting.  With the support of my husband, Don, and my employer, Manawatu District Council, I survived and completed my studies and was awarded my Diploma in Business Administration.  Sure, changes needed to be made at home.  It takes strong discipline, not to mention sacrifices, to set and stick to a workable study plan.   I managed to work around my Coronation Street addiction and have time for Don and I!  You definitely need to find the balance for it to work out well.

I was also very fortunate in having some wonderful ‘study buddies’ who gave me immense support and encouragement.  I emphasise strongly the importance of having a study buddy to keep you focused when you are trying to meet deadlines – someone who totally understands what you are going through and who quickly becomes your closest confidante and friend!  Although my study buddies both dropped out part way through the study, they still to this day remain my buddies and I value their friendship.

The other important thing is building a relationship with your lecturers.  I was also fortunate in having some wonderful lecturers at MIT who had offered so much encouragement, which pushed me onwards and upwards.

 So, from someone who never thought she could do it, I can honestly say “You can!” 

 I completed my diploma, qualified for AAPNZ Certification and am currently a Fellow for AAPNZ, which was a key goal of mine.  I encourage you all to find out more about what you need to do to get back into studying and to take up the opportunities which are offered to us as AAPNZ members.  You will certainly not regret it – take it from someone who knows and can vouch for how it can change your life!  I am a firm believer of bettering yourself and taking the plunge and more particularly taking advantage of every opportunity that comes your way as they are few and far in between but very rewarding. 

I don’t believe I would be in the position I am now in both my personal and professional life if I didn’t take that plunge in 2004.  I am continuing my studies and have become a registered workplace assessor currently workplace assessing my team members at Council to achieve a qualification.  If I can do it, then you can too.

Janine Hawthorn Dip Bus Admin. AAPNZ (Fellow, Cert.)

AAPNZ Manawatu Group