Andrew Isger knows a bit about the ups and downs of life

The third-year Otago Polytechnic student, who is about to graduate with a Bachelor of Social Services, specialising in Mental Health, is therefore keen to use his experiences -- and the skills he has learned -- in a positive way. 

“I’ve experienced depression and anxiety so I was inspired to study through my own experiences with counselling,” the 24-year-old says. 

“I moved from South Africa to New Zealand when I was three and that was pretty momentous. It led to abandonment issues that I carried around for many years until, at the age of 21, I had a breakdown and moved back into my parents’ home in Oamaru.

“I spent about a year and a-half going through hell.

“Through the support of my family and my experiences with various mental health services, I chose to study this stream,” Andrew says.

“I’d like to be able to help people who are going through similar experiences.” 

Andrew says the Bachelor of Social Services programme has also helped him gain a deeper understanding of himself, which in turn means he is able to make deeper connections with others.

“I think this programme has really helped me grow as a person. It is definitely a case of practising what you preach. Having gone through some tough times will help me help others.

 “I have applied for a few jobs. In fact, I have an interview next week."