The highs and lows of a humanities journey
When Louis Lagaluga Hutchings was six years old, he decided he wanted to be Prime Minister.
“I knew that meant moving to Wellington,” he says. “I learned that Wellington is a great city with lots of diverse people, important institutions, and plenty to see and do.”
Unsurprisingly for someone aiming for Prime Minister, Louis chose to study Political Science and Economics.
“Political Science was something I’d always been interested in, but not something I could really pursue at high school. Economics, on the other hand, was something I’d enjoyed at school and wanted to learn more about.”
Louis hadn’t planned to study any other subjects, but a conversation at the 2018 University Open Day led to a third major in Pacific Studies.
“I loved all my majors, but Pacific Studies really surprised me. It went from a personal experiment to something that I think will be a core part of the rest of my life. It added a really vital lens to my other majors and helped me explore my identity.”
Louis says the people he met studying at University have been amazing.
“They were not just people that I could bond over similar passions and experiences with, but also people whom I wouldn't have had the chance to meet if it wasn't for my tutorials, group assignments and crowded lecture theatres.
“People really make all the low points surpassable and the high points life changing. I know I am not alone when I say that I have made my life-long friends here.
“I have also met many more people that, even if I don’t see them often, I will always have the utmost love and respect for them and be grateful to them all.”
Louis also says his family were supportive from a young age and helped him do well and love learning.
“Juggling everything at university was challenging, and apart from leaning on support from family and friends, I also had to find new methods of doing everything. It took some mistakes to get here, but it’s definitely a skill I’ve learned from University that technically isn’t included on my slip of paper.”
One of the highlights of Louis’ time at university was working as an Economic Development Intern for WellingtonNZ, working on initiatives to support Pasifika businesses.
“I worked with Pacific organisations in the region to create two initiatives that have since been approved by councils. Excitingly, I’ve been asked to stay on part-time while I complete my Bachelor of Arts with Honours.
Louis got the internship through the Tupu Toa programme, which he says was invaluable in supporting him through the entire process.
“I really learned how to have confidence in myself. It was a taste of professional life in a safe environment that has built me up to feel prepared for my future.”
Louis no longer wants to be a politician—instead he wants continue working for and with Pacific communities.
“I am not completely set on how that will look, but I have the direction, knowledge, and people that support me, so I look forward to seeing where I land.”
Louis advises anyone thinking about university study to “resist feeling immobilised from fear or uncertainty, and push yourself to know that you’re here because you’re capable of achieving your goals.”
“You might start and find that certain aspects are not your thing, you might change a major or two, or you might even find that this model of learning isn't for you. That's all fine. Just don't let self-doubt and feeling like an imposter define your choices. Have faith that if coming to university is something that you want to do then you will be more than capable of it.”
Louis spoke at the humanities graduation ceremony in May 2023 as the student speaker.
"If I am honest, I didn't expect it at all. In a weird way the greater honour was that my long-time lecturer believed in me enough to nominate me. Although actually getting it was obviously also amazing.
“Speaking at graduation is a lot of pressure because it's not really about me. It's about everyone else graduating, the whole cohort and many experiences that people had as they worked towards graduating. I am honoured to be graduating amongst my peers and I really hope I can give everyone the recognition they deserve."
Want a cross-disciplinary degree that helps you achieve your dreams? Find out more about the Bachelor of Arts.