When a lack of NCEA credits left the then 18-year-old former St Hildas Collegiate pupil unable to enter university, she decided to head to Brisbane to earn some money - and bide her time.
"I knew the university would take me when I turned 20, so I stayed and earned a bit of money."
Working as a courier driver for two years not only helped her save, but also inspired her to return to study.
"I was delivering to accountants and businessmen and they all seemed to have nice offices and a nice lifestyle.
"I couldn't wait until I had the opportunity to study again."
At the age of 20, she returned to Dunedin and enrolled as a finance and accounting student at the University of Otago.
While it was initially difficult not being in the same year as her friends,"I think I did better [at university] by having a few years off," she said.
With plans to work in the investment banking industry, the third-year student said she hoped the rules regarding special entry would not change at the university.
"I would hate to think I would miss out again"
