Judith – I needed my NCEA levels and Vision College was the best option for me to get these. The style of learning is very different compared to school; I honestly think it is better. There are less people here which allows me to function better.

Dylan – I was the same, I needed the NCEA levels, but once I come in for my interviews the atmosphere stood out. It seemed like a good environment and felt inviting, which made me see myself coming here for study.

Judith – It really suited my learning style, what I was looking for, and my needs when it comes to a learning environment.

Dylan – I really like that it wasn’t so much like traditional school but you instead work together with the teachers. There is still structure, but the authority is different to school, here the tutors support you and work with you to get it done. In school its often you either get it or you don’t get it, whereas here the environment is more relaxed, and you feel you can ask those questions. They never make you feel stupid for asking questions and you move at your own pace, so you aren’t being left behind.

Our day starts at 9, when we get in we crack on with our learners guides and any assessments that we need to complete. We spend the day working through at our own pace, with assistance from the tutors when we need it.

If you can put your head down and get work done, you have a lot of freedom. At the end of the day class finishes at 2:30

Judith – For me it has probably been trying to get comfortable when I first started. Having not been in school for a while it was hard to adjust to being back in a class environment. Another challenge was getting to know the people around you.

Dylan – For me there wasn’t much that I found challenging, transitioning back to a learning environment was not bad. I had known I wanted to take this path for a while and so I had my mind set on getting it done. Everything I learnt at work translated into managing myself and my workload at Vision College.

Judith – I don’t think I have gotten through this challenge yet; I am still working towards it. I am just trying to talk to classmates more and asking questions rather than sitting back.

Dylan – This is an environment to suit everyone, you see all sorts of people here and everyone gets along and gets the job done

Dylan – I am wanting to go to university, either at Auckland or Waikato and study business or architecture.

 Judith – I am wanting to do an early childhood course after Vision College and work in early childcare.