Tessa Morris has made great strides since enrolling in the New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 5) at Otago Polytechnic.

“I definitely was not a sporty kid. I always felt uncoordinated and out of place in sports, so it wasn’t until I starting exploring different types of exercise in my final year of high school that I really started to take part,” Tessa reflects.

After trying a range of gyms, classes and approaches to exercise, she slowly grew more comfortable. Now, she has reached a point where she’s excited and inquisitive and keen to educate others on the many benefits of exercise – feelings she says shares with many of her classmates.

“It’s a very encouraging and happy place to be. The type of learning that happens at Otago Polytechnic is personal, interactive and hands-on. I personally learn better that way.”

Tessa is enrolled in the six-month full-time option (would-be learners can also study the same programme part-time over a year).

I’ve loved meeting everyone involved in the course, instructors included. Everyone has been supportive and encouraging. Everyone is happy to chat, help, and listen – and that can be a lifesaver some days.
Tessa’s long-term goal is to become a secondary school teacher, and she would love to combine her enthusiasm for exercise into her teaching ambitions.

But she’s keeping her options open, too:

“For me, if the right opportunity in the fitness industry comes along, I would love to take it.

I would be interested in taking a role in group fitness, such as classes or a boot camp.

“There is so much to learn in and around the exercise industry. Hopefully, I can spread the skills and knowledge I gain to others and help them achieve their goals.”