Tuesday 22 May 2018 8:54pm
Shaun Markham, who graduated over the weekend with a Master of Economics degree.
Otago graduate Shaun Markham encourages people to reassess their assumptions about the impact of disabilities.
Mr Markham graduated over the weekend with a Master of Economics degree with distinction – an impressive achievement for anyone, but even more impressive when you consider he has cerebral palsy which affects his speech and fine motor skills.
However he is quick to point out that his disability is a part of him, but does not define him, and says it has not impacted his ability to study at a top level.
“I believe that everyone has a talent; it just so happens that mine is academia - particularly economics,” he says.
“Of course I'm unable to write, so I need writers for exams and note-takers but that doesn't slow me down. I type out my assignments alone and generally revise for exams pretty effectively.
"People assume that it's a lot harder for me due to the cerebral palsy. In reality, it's not as I back myself and adapt quickly."
“People assume that it's a lot harder for me due to the cerebral palsy. In reality, it's not as I back myself and adapt quickly.
“Getting a master's is a big achievement for our whole class, so it should be about that and not about my cerebral palsy. That's what I like about my economics friends; my disability is never mentioned or is an issue, we help each other out in our work and enjoy some good banter.”
His thesis, completed under the supervision of Professor Dorian Owen looked at how capital accumulation affects economic growth and how different statistical/econometric techniques affect this relationship.
Professor Owen says the whole department is proud of Mr Markham’s achievements.
“He has overcome significant challenges, but has achieved outstanding results through his high level of academic ability, determination and strength of character, plus the support of his family, his writer, Jane Ashman, and the team at Disability, Information & Support.”
He says supervising Mr Markham has helped him to appreciate more clearly that there are many dimensions to ‘ability’ and that any individual can be challenged in some dimensions but excel in others.
The University’s Disability Information & Support office is also very proud of Mr Markham and his achievements.
Manager Melissa Lethaby says he is “an exceptional young man” and that it has been “an absolute pleasure working alongside him during his academic journey”.
“Shaun’s can-do attitude and diligence is inspirational and we wish him all the best for his future endeavours.”
"Shaun’s can-do attitude and diligence is inspirational and we wish him all the best for his future endeavours."
For his part, he is very appreciative of Disability Information & Support for their help, which has allowed him to go about his business like any other student.
“Everything was so smooth for me, which I greatly appreciate. My writer was also great and we will remain good friends.”
Mr Markham, who was dux of King’s High School in 2012, and has an undergraduate degree in Economics, is now completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Finance. He lives at home with his parents and sister, and says he owes a lot to his family for all of their support.
"They have set me up with a mindset that I can achieve what I want. I also owe a lot to my high school economics teacher, Garry Kyle, who really believed in me and spurred my passion for economics."
He says his next step is to find a job in Dunedin - hopefully as a research assistant in the economics department.
“I'll do this whilst I work on my living situation. Then up to Wellington to the Treasury or Reserve Bank of New Zealand, then see how far I can go.”
If his achievements thus far are anything to go by, it will be a long way.