Cherellein Kanokwan Misipati
3rd-year student, Bachelor of Business in Management and Leadership, with minors in Marketing and Hospitality
She has always wanted to pursue entrepreneurship and run her own business one day, says Cherellein Kanokwan Misipati who is studying a Bachelor of Business.
“Business was one of my favourite subjects in high school, and it sparked my interest in understanding how organisations operate and what it takes to become an effective leader. But my motivation for studying goes beyond building a career. My mother is Thai and my father is Samoan, and both my parents came to New Zealand to build a better life and create opportunities for our family. Because of the sacrifices they made, my brother and I have been fortunate enough to grow up with opportunities they never had, including the chance to attend university. That is something I never take for granted and it motivates me to make the most of my education.
“Over the years, my mum embraced Samoan culture, particularly through food, and has an incredible talent for combining the flavours and traditions of both cultures. Watching her passion for cooking has inspired my own dream of opening a restaurant where she can share her talent and showcase the unique fusion of our cultures. My goal is not only to build a successful business, but also to help my mum fulfil a dream she has always deserved. I hope to create a space where people can experience the cultures I grew up with while enjoying high-quality dining. Ultimately, my dream is to create something that not only makes my family proud, but also leaves a lasting impact on the community.”
What she has enjoyed most about her studies so far is seeing how everything she has learnt brings her closer to her long-term goals.
“Every course has given me knowledge that I know I will use in the future, making my studies feel purposeful and relevant. I’ve also enjoyed the sense of community at AUT. It’s comforting to be surrounded by people from different backgrounds while also seeing strong Pacific representation on campus. It has made university feel welcoming and gives me a real sense of belonging. Most of all, studying has helped me grow as a person. It has challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and has given me confidence in my ability to achieve my goals.
“I’ve also enjoyed the practical learning opportunities. Being able to apply what I’ve learnt has helped me build confidence and better understand how business works beyond the classroom. For example, for the workplace experience in my degree I secured a placement at Tala, a newly Michelin-starred Samoan fine dining restaurant. I feel incredibly fortunate to be learning from the talented team, particularly chef Henry Onesemo, whose passion, creativity and dedication have been a true source of inspiration. Being able to complete my placement at a Samoan fine dining restaurant has made the experience even more meaningful, as it combines my passion for hospitality, my cultural heritage and my long-term goal of opening a restaurant of my own.”
Supported to thrive
Receiving the Des Graydon Memorial Scholarship to support her studies has been an incredible honour, Cherellein says.
“Being one of the inaugural recipients, and the first recipient from South Auckland, showed me that where you come from doesn’t define what you can achieve. Knowing that some of my education costs were covered allowed me to focus more on my studies instead of constantly worrying about finances. It gave me peace of mind and encouraged me to make the most of every opportunity throughout my degree.
“Beyond the financial support, the scholarship has given me a greater sense of confidence and responsibility. It reminded me that others believed in my potential, which motivated me to work hard, maintain a high standard in my studies and make my family proud. Receiving this scholarship has strengthened my belief that my goals are achievable and has inspired me to continue striving for success long after I graduate. I hope that my journey encourages other students from communities like mine to believe in themselves and apply for opportunities they may not think are possible. If my story can inspire even one person to pursue higher education with confidence, then that’s something I’ll always be proud of.”
There is one AUT staff member whose support also made a particular impact on her.
“During my search for my work integrated learning placement, I found a great source of support in Rachael Marsters from the business student success team. She gave me a strong foundation to begin my search, regularly checked in on my progress, offered advice, and suggested different options whenever I felt unsure. As the placement deadline got closer, I naturally became more anxious. Rachael constantly reminded me to stay optimistic and reassured me that I was more than capable of achieving my goals. She took the time to listen to my concerns, which made me feel genuinely supported. I’ll always be grateful for the time and care she invested in helping me succeed.”
Advice for other students
Expecting to graduate later this year, Cherellein has some great advice for other students.
“Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and take up opportunities, even if they feel intimidating. University can be challenging at times, but growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. I’d also encourage students to ask for help when they need it. AUT has staff and support services that genuinely want to see students succeed. Finally, trust your own journey. Everyone moves at their own pace, and comparing yourself to others only takes away from the progress you’re making.”
She says she would highly recommend studying at AUT.
“Coming from Māngere, where many of us are Pacific Islanders, university can sometimes feel intimidating, and imposter syndrome can be difficult to overcome. However, AUT has created an environment where Pacific students feel seen and supported. The Vā Pasifika spaces and Pacific representation in leadership, including Vice-Chancellor Damon Salesa, demonstrate that diversity is genuinely valued. Seeing people who share similar backgrounds succeed has given me confidence that I belong here and that my aspirations are achievable.
“The university provides a strong balance of theory and practical learning, which has helped me develop skills I can confidently apply beyond the classroom. I’ve also appreciated the supportive environment and the opportunities available through the workplace experience programme, which enables students to gain valuable industry experience before graduating. Most importantly, AUT has given me the confidence to pursue my goals and has prepared me for my career.”
