Kym-maree had enrolled as an adult student with us in 2005 after battling depression and migraines throughout her life that made her feel that she did not have the strength or backing to be able to achieve her life-long dreams.

Now, focused on realising these dreams and establishing a career, Kym has been accepted as an adult student by Victoria University and will started studying towards a BA (Psych) majoring in criminology, in February!

Kym says that her time at Waimarie as made a huge difference: "I got a lot of encouragement to push my limits, and the space to do this at my own speed.  The staff have all got a 'go-get-it attitude that encourages you to reach as far as you want, but they are supportive too - if you fall over, you know they will be there for you".  She goes onto say "The follow-through is impressive.  The staff pay a lot of personal attention to the students, and the professionalism is outstanding." 

Trudi Haack, who manages the Te Puke training site, says it is all about providing people with the opportunity to reach their goals.  "We provide as much support as we can - from tea, toast and fruit in the lunch room, to small classes and great tutors, to making specialist services available to our students.  This might be individual career guidance, confidential counseling services that are free to our students, or literacy development for those who need the basics through to people like Kym-maree who are continuing their tertiary education."