Mel Powell’s success in her tertiary studies began with a certificate through distance learning, which then led into a degree.
Originally from Dunedin, Mel moved to Invercargill in 2020. After attaining NCEA level 2 at high school, she joined the workforce as a cleaner in the hospitality industry. Keen to start tertiary study, Mel began by completing the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) through SIT2LRN distance learning.
During 2020 Mel had also gotten into physical exercise and going to the gym, resulting in her losing 30kg. This piqued her interest in personal training and gave her the confidence to enter further study. “I‘ve always wanted to do something that would help people,” she explains. After a friend suggested SIT’s Bachelor of Sport and Exercise (BSE), Mel enrolled. “I was nervous ... it was something I really cared about and didn’t want to fail,” she says, but she embraced the learning experience and flourished. “You can do anything you set your mind to, it just may take a bucket-load of effort, but it’s often worthwhile,” Mel added.
She thought the broad range of topics covered in the BSE helped to make the programme successful as there was something of interest for everyone. Nutrition, Rehabilitation, Surfing, and using skills learnt on the job, were her personal highlights from the course.
“Every single tutor ... was incredibly supportive, there to help push us through and understand the different topics. No question was off limits and they celebrated your successes alongside you.”
Mel says the facilities at SIT were incredible. “We had great equipment to facilitate client exercise needs, as well as some extra special items, such as the anti-gravity treadmill.” Having Zero Fees took away a lot of the stress of studying. Gaining exceptional knowledge without a big student loan, was the icing on the cake for Mel.
She also loved meeting so many people on campus. “...I really want to give a shout out to SIT Student Support Services, who go above and beyond to not only welcome students, but walk beside them and support them ... Also, Scooter (the campus cat) is the best!”
Whilst she “absolutely loved it”, Mel says at times she had to manage potential burnout from her full schedule of work and study, and is grateful for the support she received from SIT tutors, friends, family, and work colleagues.
“I struggled with work-life balance ... even though I was so lucky with the opportunities I have received through study, it was still a rough ride. If I could change anything, I think it would be to work less and enjoy a bit more rest... “
Mel advises slowing down and savouring the process. “Study is such a journey, take your time and take your own route through the journey. You know you best and what works best for you.”
Mel finished her degree with multiple accolades. She was awarded second prize at SIT’s three-minute thesis contest, where she spoke on ‘The Green Prescription (GRX): New Zealand’s Time-Tested Health Ally’, and also received two awards at SIT’s 2023 award ceremony: Joint Top Student – Excellence in Sport and Exercise Year 3, and the SIT Award for Outstanding Progress in a full-time, full year programme.
Now working in the sport and exercise sector, Mel picked up roles during her degree through volunteering. It opened the door to employment with Active Southland and Primal. At Active Southland, Mel works with people who’ve been given a Green Prescription and referred by their GP. “We help them with goals around healthy eating and physical activity, covering topics such as portion control, cost, and by providing healthy recipes - it’s a very individualised approach,” she explained. Mel also loves her role at Primal, where she coaches people in resistance training. “... it’s so rewarding getting to be a part of the client’s journey, [they] hold such a special place in my life.”
Mel enjoys health promotion and providing scientifically backed information. “Now that I’m past the trauma of my research,” she laughs, “I’ve really loved being able to gain insight and make recommendations in my current role. I can’t wait to dig deeper, to keep potentially improving the service for future clients.”
Also interested in rehabilitation for people who have barriers to participating in physical activity, Mel says “ ... I like finding ways to adjust activities to meet their needs.” Her motivation is improving quality of life. “I think that’s the connector between all these things,” she adds. “As long as I’m in spaces to walk alongside people ... helping to better their lives ... I’m happy.”
While Mel is always open to new opportunities and would like to do her Master’s in the near future, she feels fulfilled with her current roles. “I know I will always be learning, which makes me excited, as growth can be scary, but so rewarding... I could never have imagined ending up where I am now.”