Vicky Taplin is one of four recipients of the annual University of Waikato Vice-Chancellor's Adult Learner Awards, presented this week in Hamilton.

She was recognised for her very high work ethic, excellent academic achievements and for the mentoring and support she has given other students.

Tauranga student Vicky Taplin receives her University of Waikato Vice-Chancellor's Adult Learner Award from Vice-Chancellor Professor Roy Crawford.

Now in her final year of a Bachelor of Social Work based at the University of Waikato in Tauranga, she says the award of $1500 to each recipient is 'wonderful recognition”.

'As a mature student I'm passionate about encouraging others to make the most of the opportunity to study and become equipped to make a difference in their own lives,” says Vicky. 'The award is wonderful recognition and will also help financially with my student overdraft.”

She has been an active volunteer within the Whangamata community, especially working with families and youth.

She says when she heard about the Bachelor of Social Work degree starting in Tauranga in 2009, she leapt at the opportunity to study something that inspired her and she urges other mature students to pursue opportunities for life-long learning.

'The older we get the more we tend to want to put our energy into something more meaningful and this was certainly the case for me,” she says.

'The degree complemented my voluntary work and ethos of building strong families and communities, and by studying through the University of Waikato, I knew I would also be receiving a qualification that was academically robust and well-recognised.”

Despite a busy home life supporting children and grandchildren living in the family home and managing accounts for her husband's joinery business, Vicky says she has found the course inspirational and has thoroughly enjoyed fitting the study into daily life.

With her daughter at Tauranga Girls' College until earlier this year, she made the daily commute into Tauranga and, whether she had lectures of not, spent the school day immersed in her books.

Lecturer Sonya Hunt says Vicky's high work ethic has paid off.

'She has achieved extremely well academically and brings so much knowledge and experience to our class discussions,” says Sonya.

'She is also very supportive of the other students, and is often seen helping and encouraging them with their studies.”

Currently completing her last semester of academic study on campus, Vicky is about to start a fieldwork practicum placement at a local community agency and will complete her final placement next year.

She is optimistic about the career prospects ahead, believing there are many opportunities and openings for qualified social workers.

She also hopes to undertake post-graduate study and research over the next few years.