Kasidy Wipani

3rd-year student, Bachelor of Arts in Education with a minor in Health Promotion
Diploma in Arts

As someone who is passionate about both education and health, Kasidy Wipani wasn’t entirely sure what she wanted to do after high school. Enrolling in a Bachelor of Arts enabled her to do both.

“I’m passionate about both health and education but was unsure what I wanted to do at the time. By studying a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a minor in Health Promotion I could further my understanding of the deeper values of education and health, and how these contribute to society. I loved having the opportunity to include health promotion as part of my degree, especially looking at Māori and Pacific points of view.”

For Kasidy, her university journey started with a Diploma in Arts before she then transferred into the second year of the Bachelor of Arts.

“I started my studies with a Diploma in Arts because I was on the fence about studying at university level. I found my last year of high school – during the COVID-19 pandemic – really difficult. I was unsure if I wanted to continue studying further, but was really passionate about my area of study and wanted to see if I would enjoy studying at AUT and at university in general, which I certainly have.

“I really enjoyed the fact that the diploma enables you to study wider options in your area of interest. I was able to take education courses, but also study some courses from health and sign language. The diploma was my first step into a university degree but offered the support I was seeking fresh out of high school.”

The right choice
Kasidy says she initially chose AUT because of an AUT spokesperson she met at one of the career days at her high school.

“She was open and honest about the difficulties I might experience during my studies, but also offered support and made AUT feel like a comfortable place to do my degree. I instantly knew that this was the place I saw myself gaining a degree as other universities sometimes made me feel as though my questions about studying were a hassle. I also know a lot of people who studied at AUT and they highly recommended it to me for the support and cultural atmosphere compared to other universities.”

It’s decision she definitely hasn’t regretted.

“I‘ve made many lifelong friends here that have encouraged my study and supported me whenever study became tough. I love the fact that everyone is very welcoming and willing to help each other. The lecturers at AUT are also very supportive and always willing to help, whether or not it involves study. I’ve made friends with many of them and enjoyed taking their classes. I’d recommend AUT to everyone – it’s a great place to study, acknowledges people’s culture and values, and the support here is the best.”

Advice for other students
Kasidy has some great advice for other students who are only at the start of their university journey.

“My advice is to back yourself 100% and don’t let people tell you that you can’t do it. Studying is hard, so even if you feel as though you aren’t working hard enough, you really are. Studying at university had some of my best memories, so just put yourself out there and work hard.”

Her other piece of advice is simple: study what you’re passionate about and what gives you purpose.

“It honestly makes the journey of hard work all worth it in the end and you’ll find yourself loving what you’re doing.”