Teaching by example

Jess Steadman decided that sacrificing her own ambitions for the sake of her daughter was selfdefeating.

Becoming a clinical psychologist had been her aim since a teenager, but to Steadman the career path also offered an opportunity to show 5-yearold Willow how to fulfil her own potential.

‘‘Since I was 17 I wanted to be a clinical psychologist so she’s motivated me to do that, because I also want her to follow whatever she wants,’’ Steadman says.

It’s hard to miss the challenges associated with Steadman’s enrolment in a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology at Massey University, which sees her travelling over nine hours every week between temporary accommodation in Glenfield and her home in Rotorua.

‘‘Willow’s generally OK with it, she just wants me to take photos of where I amso that she can see what I’m doing,’’ Steadman says.

Despite the hurdles, help comes from different directions. The most recent has been a scholarship from Graduate Women North Shore for $3000.

‘‘I was ecstatic, it’s such a big help, I really like the Graduate Federation of Women because it’s women helping other women in education.’’

Six months into her PhD, Steadman’s thesis is looking at a potential trend of perfectionism among gay males.