Daeun Kwon (Dana)
3rd-year-student, Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing)
Helping others and connecting with people in the community is something she has always enjoyed, says Daeun Kwon (Dana), who came to AUT as an international student from South Korea to study nursing.
“I actively volunteered in school, church and different organisations, supporting diverse communities such as elders with dementia and children with intellectual disabilities, and I was honoured with Student Volunteer Army (SVA) badges and the Service Award Cup during my high school years. I wanted to pursue a career where I could be directly involved in helping others and making a positive impact on people’s lives. Nursing is a profession where I can combine my interest in health with my passion for helping and communicating with others.”
An AUT nursing graduate she knew through a sports club helped Daeun decide where to study.
“I chose AUT because they recommended the nursing programme to me. I heard that AUT offers a strong nursing curriculum, a supportive environment and a wide range of clinical experiences. What I’ve liked most is being able to directly apply the knowledge and skills I’ve learnt in lectures, tutorials and labs to real clinical practice. One of the best aspects of the nursing degree is the opportunity to gain clinical experience in a variety of hospitals and healthcare settings. During my placements, I’ve been able to work with different patient populations and experience a range of specialties, under the guidance of wonderful registered nurses and clinical educators. My surgical ward placement in my second year particularly stands out because I was learning something new every day.
“After I graduate, I’d like to work in a surgical or medical ward at a hospital, as these are the areas I’ve enjoyed most during my placements. I’m especially interested in respiratory and cardiac nursing and would like to gain more experience in these areas. In the future, if I have the opportunity, I’d also like to continue my studies and work towards becoming a nurse practitioner.”
Making the most of uni life
Daeun is proud of what she has achieved during her nursing degree, both in her studies and beyond the classroom.
“One achievement I’m especially proud of is maintaining good grades throughout my three years of nursing. Nursing requires a lot of time and effort, with clinical placements, assignments and exams alongside other commitments, and I’ve received mostly A grades. I’m proud that my consistent effort has enabled me to achieve results I’m personally satisfied with.
“I’m also very grateful to have been selected for the Amokura Vice-Chancellor’s Leadership Programme and to receive the $1,000 annual scholarship. I feel proud that my hard work has given me the opportunity to be part of this programme and improve my leadership skills. Before starting at AUT, I never expected to get involved in activities outside my studies. Through the programme, I’ve met students from completely different fields, gained new perspectives, made new friends and had experiences beyond my nursing studies that I never expected to have at university.”
She says the support she has received at AUT has also helped her make the most of her university experience.
“The Student Hub has been a great support throughout my studies, especially when I’ve had enrolment questions or needed help with an issue. During my placements, my clinical educators, lecturers and course leaders have also provided valuable guidance and encouragement. My clinical educators in particular have supported me through challenging moments and helped me feel more confident in my practice. I’m also very grateful to Hans Tommy for his support during the Amokura Vice-Chancellor’s Leadership Programme. He always made sure we could prioritise our studies, which helped me balance nursing and the leadership programme more comfortably.”
Advice for other students
Expecting to graduate from AUT in mid-2027, Daeun has some great advice for other students.
“Before coming to AUT, I was a person who tried to solve challenges on my own and seeking help felt like a burden to others. However, during my time at AUT, I’ve learnt that asking for help is never something to be ashamed of. I realised that by helping and receiving support from each other, we can learn and grow together. I also encourage other students to actively participate in new activities or programmes beyond their studies. These experiences can help you meet new people, see things from different perspectives and discover opportunities you may not have expected.”
She wouldn’t hesitate to recommend AUT to others.
“I’d 100% recommend studying at AUT because of the supportive environment. As an international student, I’ve felt well supported throughout my studies, with staff checking in to see how I’m doing and how I’m settling into university life. I also like that I haven’t felt like I had to manage everything on my own. The environment is supportive, which has made my university life more comfortable and positive.”
