"I spent a bit longer studying than most people," Dr Borren said.
But just learning at tertiary level wasn't enough, he also held numerous positions at institutions during his study and after. He kicked off his career as a lecturer at the same place where he studied to be a teacher and also taught at Papanui High School.
"I always wanted to be a teacher. I always say once a teacher, always a teacher."
He realised that he preferred tertiary teaching to secondary school level but said he had the utmost respect for secondary teachers because it was such a challenge.
Dr Borren reckons they are under-valued.
"Secondary teachers start teaching kids then take them to adulthood. It's a difficult job but an extremely important one.
"[Tertiary] students want to learn.
"They mostly know what they're giving up to study."
He taught for two years before changing direction and becoming a professional economist.
But education was never too far from his mind and guiding students at the same places he was taught also became a bit of a theme in his life.
Dr Borren was also a lecturer in economics at the institution where he studied for a few years before starting up his own economics consultancy business, specialising in health economics.
While he loves economics, he never studied it until he went to university.
He said he believes that's the right thing to do because you don't appreciate the subject as much when you are younger.
"It shouldn't be taught at high school as a subject, certainly not before seventh form [Year 13]."
In 2000, a position as a director of the school of business arose at the Christchurch College of Education. Dr Borren saw it as a great way to get back into the education industry.
After two years, Dr Borren headed to the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology where he was the dean of the commerce faculty before becoming deputy chief executive.
In 2006, he took on another challenge, becoming the chief executive of Waiariki Institute of Technology.
Dr Borren said education management allowed him to mix his education and economics backgrounds.
"I've always enjoyed my work and I've always felt challenged."
He proved he could also guide people through more than just education by coaching hockey teams during a 20-year period.
Dr Borren played competitive hockey in the New Zealand University men's team and has now coached the sport at just about all levels, including the New Zealand Women's University team, club hockey and secondary hockey. He gave up coaching about six years ago.
Dr Borren, the youngest of eight children to Abe and Helena Borren, was born in Holland. He and his family moved to New Zealand when he was 1. He grew up in Wellington, moved to Christchurch after his final year at Wellington's Scots College in 1978, where he stayed for 27 years.
