Well this is the last blog for the living like a student challenge. Well done to WSU for creating the concept and to fellow participants Sue, David and Angeline, I think we've demonstrated between us that the experiences of students albeit with the same profile can be wide and varied.

The definite highlight was getting a speedbump and using my "student" problem solving skills to make some very practical decisions (it will take a while yet before that window gets fixed). The lowlight was realising how much money got spent and without the costs of the last day which I guess amounted to about $31 I reckon that I was seriously over budget. So the reality is that overdrafts and scholarships do make a difference.

As I said in my previous blog the whole experience has confirmed my resolve that the measures the Government are taking to set a cap on tertiary fee increases, wiping interest on student loans, increasing the threshold on eligibility for student allowances and progressively moving towards a universal student allowance will continue to make a difference for many students who pursue tertiary education.

Moreso the investment the Government is making to retain more maaori students in secondary education and work towards ensuring that those students leave with higher qualifications will continue to push up on the ceiling of opportunity so more talented young maaori can pursue their dreams and aspirations. All in all a great experience!!!!!

No reira ko aaku whakaaro hei whakakapi i teenei kaupapa kia kaha taatou ki te kai i te matauranga.

Mauri Ora, Pai Maarire.