For Ashni Marsh, age is just a number.
The Ngatea woman graduated from the Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) on May 21 with a Bachelor of Applied Social Work, a year shy of her 50th birthday. And having thoroughly impressed her lecturers, she was also chosen to give the valedictory speech.
Returning to study as a mature learner is a daunting enough task on its own – but with her son only three years old, her partner dealing with health issues, an elderly relative to care for, and working part-time in their business, Ashni was facing a more difficult journey than most.
“Returning to study in my late 40s was just overwhelming for me and at first I didn’t want to do it,” Ashni told The Profile.
“The questions I asked myself – was I too old, if I was capable, and how was I going to juggle with balancing study, family life, business responsibilities?
“Despite all that I still had this vision for me that I wanted to do more with my life.”
Having taken the plunge, Ashni made sure she showed up, making the long weekly commute to the South Auckland campus, and completing all her assignments and placements.
Ashni reflected on the years of hard yards in her valedictory speech.
“It was such a proud and emotional moment for all of us… not just a celebration of qualification, but also a celebration of resilience, sacrifice, late-night tears, and determination,” she said.
“I realized that life is short and sometimes we have to take chances on ourselves. Even when we are scared.”
Ashni is now a registered social worker. Her work at CAPs Hauraki gives her life purpose, she said, and having seen what she can do she now has her sights set on further studies.
“My five-year plan is to either get my Master’s degree, or go into a supervisory role,” she said.
“I love advocacy, to know that people have a voice. It’s something that I’m really, truly passionate about.”
And whatever she does next, Ashni knows she has help.
“None of this would have been possible without the support and encouragement I received throughout my studies,” she said.
“My husband has been my greatest support in [his] constant encouragement. And MIT became a very safe space for me… if you feel supported and accepted and respected, you thrive.”
Ashni hoped her own journey would help inspire others who are thinking of returning to study in their later years, as well as being an inspiration to her son.
“To people that are thinking of studying at a later age of their life… Age is just a number. It doesn’t define your ability to succeed,” she said.
“It’s never too late to follow your dreams.”
