The Real World

Learning the ropes

Rink Tacoma is about to embark on her second year at uni, where she’s studying a Bachelor of Science. We caught up with her at Plant and Food Research, where she’s been working for two months during her summer break.

“I enjoy working out the method, finding a result in the end and passing on my knowledge,” she tells us. “I also enjoy the team work and I like the challenge of it.”

Rink would do first year at uni again, anytime! She had a choice between Massey and Lincoln but Massey was further from home so she decided to “fly the nest”. So what was first year like?

“I lived in the halls in my first year, it was very cool having all that freedom and I made the coolest friends!”

Rink has a busy schedule at uni.

“On Monday I start at 9am, go for lectures and labs the whole day and finish at around 5pm – or sometimes 9pm if I have a late lab. Then I do a bit of studying. That’s the same story 'til Thursday when we go out partying. Friday mornings are quite hard, but on Friday night I usually go up north with the Alpine Club, go climbing and get back on Sunday.”

She has some words of advice for people who want to follow in her footsteps.

“I worked hard at school chemistry, physics and biology, plus calculus and English, and I’m studying a Bachelor of Science. Taking this route provides lots of opportunities and keeps your options open so that you can specialise later in your studies or your career.”
Rink plans to travel when her studies are finished. When she gets back she’d like to study further or get a job in the animal science field.

Sounds like Rink has a really bright future in the dairy industry!