Friedreich ataxia did not stop Bachelor of Entrepreneurship graduate Flynn Mitchell from experiencing university life to the fullest.
Flynn Mitchell came to university with a point to prove.
The Otago Business School tauira, who has the rare degenerative neurological disorder Friedreich ataxia (FA), wanted to prove that a wheelchair was no barrier to a fulfilling university life. Flynn was diagnosed with FA in 2018 while at high school in Auckland.
“Even though I'm in a wheelchair, I can still do things. I wanted to show people that I can be independent.”
That independence and drive led him to the graduation stage, which he crosses on Saturday, to receive his bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship.
While “anywhere but Auckland” was a deciding factor for picking a university, Otago was his choice for two reasons.
“The business school and Otago’s culture really stood out for me.
“That, and my father who attended Otago a long, long time ago, really sold it to me.”
Entrepreneurship, with a focus on sustainability, caught his attention because he was “really keen to pave my own way through the business world”.
“I am passionate about preserving the natural world. I don't just want to work on the solution. I want to create the solution.”
Flynn describes his time at Otago as “very, very, special”.
“I've made some of the best friends that I could have ever asked for. I have a super strong community around me, and I'm so grateful for it.”
His community was also a big part of helping him overcome challenges and make the best of university life.
“One of the major challenges I faced when I first got here was my hesitation around how people would react to me.
“I found that as long as I was myself, the right people would be attracted to you.”
Another challenge was living by himself in his first year of flatting.
“It was a big step for me, but it all came down to time management.
“My friends helped too. Some of the parties in the first year were upstairs and the boys would carry me up.”
Flynn and his friends have raised a significant amount of awareness and money to go towards research for a cure for FA.
“May is FA awareness month and through the Lend Us Some Muscle Global Challenge my mates have raised over $15,000 so far, with a goal of hitting $25,000.”
Juggling studies, fundraising, and university life was a challenge too, but it came down to making the right choices, Flynn says.
“I did put my foot down now and then and say no going out this weekend, time to do your studies.
“I’d say work hard, play hard is how you get through university, whether you're in a wheelchair or not.”
The people he’s met are the highlight of his time at Otago.
“My friends are God's gift. They are awesome. They will do anything for me, and they are always there to help me.
“Coming to Otago was a huge step for me. As soon as I got here, everyone took me under their wing and supported me.
“I never felt left out, and that's just amazing.”
Flynn is continuing his studies at Otago, pursuing a master’s in Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Otago Business School Economics Professor and DCC Chair Professor in Entrepreneurship Nathan Berg says Flynn’s original insights and historical knowledge impressed him greatly.
“Flynn’s ambition to create novel value-add that protects biodiversity while creatively envisioning new ways to nurture its enjoyment and appreciation by many, including generations to come, is extraordinary.”
Recreations Services Manager Daniel Porter says Flynn is a regular visitor to Unipol who is always happy to have a chat, particularly if it’s about the Sydney Roosters Rugby League team.
“Flynn is passionate about Sydney as that’s where his roots are.
“While not always complimentary about Dunedin’s weather he seems to have thrived in keeping his core body temperature steady by attempting to pull the cable machines over each time he visits.”
Staff enjoy seeing Flynn and he has established a routine which sees him maintain his social strength and be a role model for others, Daniel says.
“Flynn has kept us informed about how our spaces work for everyone, and how the Warriors will no doubt lose form as the season progresses.
“We wish Flynn all the best, as long as he doesn’t forget his Ōtepoti roots and his puffer jacket.”
~ Kōrero by Sandra French, Adviser, Internal Communications
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