07 May 2024 Good things come in pairs at graduation

When sets of similar-looking smiles cross the stage, you know there’s been some special stories along the way.

This week's morning ceremony promises double delight with pairs of sisters graduating: Tara and Tyla Willans, and Melanie and Sarah Stevenson. 

Originating from rural Papakaiko in North Otago, sisters Tara and Tyla Willans, shared their time at Lincoln along with their brother Jack after going their separate ways. 

“Tyla and I have a 3.5-year age gap,” Tara explains, “but attending Lincoln University simultaneously allowed us to spend quality time together after years apart.” 

Tara pursued a Master’s in Environmental Management and Policy while Tyla began her tertiary journey with a Bachelor's in Agribusiness and Food Marketing.

We studied quite different degrees at Lincoln, but we were both drawn to the university for its focus on the relationship between land, primary industries and the economy.

Conversely, sisters Sarah and Melanie Stevenson, just a year apart, grew up on a sheep and beef station in Malborough. Homeschooled during their primary years, Sarah humorously recalls it as “mostly eating dirt and digging up bunny holes.” Eventually, they moved to Canterbury together to further their education.   

“I thought I’d escaped from Melanie,” Sarah jokes, “but after an hour at another tertiary provider, she switched to Lincoln and moved in next door to my flat on Farm Road!”

While Sarah pursued a Diploma in Farm Management, Melanie opted for a Bachelor of Science. Their time at Lincoln was full of fun moments, including some unexpected encounters.

Flatting together in our second year created some unforgettable memories," Mel recalls, "like the time Sarah was attacked by a ferret on our way home from the pub!

Sarah adds, "Despite the occasional distraction, it was reassuring to have Mel studying with me, especially for results. As the smarter one, I could rest assured Mel would be the one to disappoint the parents!”

Meanwhile, the Willans enjoyed some catch-up meals while getting stuck into their own endeavours. 

“A highlight for me was an ecology field trip to a high country station to study pest presence in aub-alpine environments,” Tara shares. 

“I enjoyed making lots of new friends through the halls, social events held by the university, and achieving the Dean List in my final semester at Lincoln,” Tyla adds. 

Looking ahead, Tara is excited to continue representing Aotearoa New Zealand internationally and promoting multilateral environmental action as a foreign policy officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Tyla has jumped across to the Gold Coast, aspiring to work in the food industry for a company dedicated to sustainability and community enrichment. 

Melanie plans to use her conservation and ecology degree to assist farmers in navigating biodiversity regulations, along with gaining life experience overseas. Sarah is loving her time shepherding on a muzzle station in Kaikoura and aims to get more farming experience under her belt. 

As graduation day approaches, both sets of sisters eagerly await celebrating their achievements with whānau and friends. 

“There are not too many people in our family who have attended university,” Tara says. “Our parents invested a lot of time and energy into us and our education, so it is really exciting to be able to celebrate us both graduating on the same day.” 

The Stevenson sisters add, “We were both on the fence about going to uni, so graduating together with our family is unexpected but will be remembered forever!” They joke, “Just watch out for our grandma on the wines!” 

Congratulations to both sets of sisters for your graduation and for keeping your sisterly bond throughout your time with us!

Tyla and Tara Willans

Melanie and Sarah Stevenson