PRESIDENT’S Column

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young”. Henry Ford

If you are new to this campus I would take this opportunity to say hello and welcome to Massey University Albany. If you have returned for another year, welcome back!

I am Rawa Karetai your Albany Students’ Association President for 2009. By choosing to study at Massey Albany, you have been given one of the best opportunities in your life. I urge you to take it and seize the many opportunities available here to you at Massey. Being here is a fantastic experience for you, and we here at the Albany Students’ Association (ASA) are here to help you, support you, represent you and entertain you while you are experiencing University life.

I have lived in Auckland and studied at Massey Albany for two years now, during which time I have served as the Education Representative on the ASA and have also been involved in nearly every facet of student life, from clubs on campus, to volunteering for many different events and sports days. Currently, I am in the middle of my Bachelor of Business Studies with a double major of Human Resource Management and Management, with the aim of having a career in Organisational Change and Development. However, I am taking a break away from my studies to focus on my presidential role.

This magazine you’re holding now is one of the many services that the ASA provides for our members. We do much more then the obvious services like Satellite Magazine, Orientation and the University Games. We’re your advocates, facilitators and cheerleaders. Use us because we are here to serve you.

As president for 2009, I have decided to focus on Student welfare, student debt and the quality of education, as these areas are some of my biggest concerns. I will endeavour to remain focused on the issues that students face. My primary aim for this year is to make ASA a stronger organisation for our members by strengthening our campaigns, our clubs and the social activities on campus. Get out there and get involved. ASA and the University provide many different opportunities for student involvement. Become a class rep, write for our student magazine (Satellite), volunteer for events, join a club or sports team or join the student leadership scheme.

Come and say hello to the Executive every Wednesday lunchtime either outside the Atrium or inside the Round Room in the Atrium, at a campus event or while we’re passing by; I’m not a scary person and I love to chat. Call me, email me or drop by our office as I am really eager to get to know the students I am representing.

Have a fantastic Orientation,

Rawa Karetai

President