Post by University of Canterbury

Edred Marley Reyes left the Philippines at 17 to start a new chapter in Aotearoa New Zealand — now he’s graduated from UC 🎓   Edred’s journey began when he moved to New Zealand to live with his dad, step mum, and brothers. Behind that decision was the sacrifice of his biological mother, who remains in the Philippines. Despite the difficulty of being apart, she supported and encouraged Edred from afar, making this achievement all the more meaningful.   After attending Catholic Cathedral College, where he built confidence, connections, and became a student leader in Year 13, Edred went on to study at UC. Following his passion for computer programming, maths, and physics, he pursued a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Mechatronics.   University life brought new challenges, requiring him to adapt, manage pressure, and find balance — ultimately shaping a more sustainable and rewarding approach to success.   “Whenever I doubted myself, my parents reminded me of my abilities and their trust in me,” Edred says. “My dad and step mum left their own families and the life they knew to give my brothers and me a better future.”   Supported by friends, mentors, and the UC community, Edred has now graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering with Second Class Honours (Division One) in Mechatronics Engineering. This milestone also honours his family in the Philippines, whose support made his move — and success — possible.   “I would like to give a special mention to Chris Houghton, my former high school teacher and now Student Advisor at UC, who was always willing to help whenever I needed guidance.”   Join us in congratulating Edred 👏 #UCGrads #StudentSuccess UC Engineering