When Shelby Te Aho withdrew from her Bachelor of Business Studies at EIT due to family loss and financial hardship, she was not sure she would ever return.
The 23-year-old had already completed two and a half years of study before leaving in 2022 to support her whānau.
“I had some family members pass away in 2022, and my family was also struggling financially so I needed to leave and start working to help out,” says Shelby (Ngāti Porou). “It wasn’t an easy decision to leave, but at the time it was what I had to do.”
Shelby Te Aho (Ngāti Porou) graduated with her Bachelor of Business Studies at EIT this year.
Although she initially thought she had failed, Shelby says the idea of finishing her degree returned over time.
“I really didn’t think I’d go back. I felt like I’d failed. But over time I kept thinking about it. I had already put in so much effort, and eventually I built up the courage to email my lecturer Russell and ask if there was any way I could finish.”
With support from EIT and its Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process, Shelby was able to complete the final component of her qualification – an internship. This was based on her role and experience at Lineage Logistics in Whakatū, where she continues to work managing frozen export container logistics
Instead of a formal graduation, Shelby marked the moment with a private celebration on campus.
EIT graduate Shelby Te Aho with Bachelor of Business Studies Programme Co-ordinator Russell Booth.
“It was perfect. I preferred it that way.”
The former Hastings Girls’ High School student is the first in her family to earn a degree.
“I’ve always dreamed of owning a bakery or clothing business. Studying business felt like the right step, and I’m proud I came back and finished it.”
She says it feels good to show her two younger siblings what is possible.
“It feels great. I always think about it. But as the oldest, I am glad to be able to show my siblings that you can do whatever you dream.”
Shelby says she loved her time at EIT and would recommend the programme to others.
“I loved my time at EIT. Russell was my favourite lecturer, but all the lecturers were great. They really want to see students win in life. I also enjoyed the marketing aspect of the degree, especially the practicals. They were really cool.”
Her message to others is simple.
“Do not be afraid to come back and keep pursuing what you want. You can still chase your dreams, even if there are challenges.”
Russell Booth, Programme Co-ordinator for the Bachelor of Business Studies at EIT, says he was “absolutely thrilled” when Shelby contacted him again to enquire about completing her internship and finally her BBS.
“Even though it had been a couple of years, she was an excellent candidate for the RPL process. Shelby impressed us with the work she had been doing at Lineage over the last two years, and the responsibility Lineage had given her. This is a fabulous achievement for a young woman who always works hard. We all believe in the School of Business here at EIT that Shelby will go far and realise her dreams for sure.”