Lika Falakiseni
3rd-year student, Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing)
Studying nursing has been one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of her life so far, says Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) student Lika Falakiseni.
“My family has always emphasised that education creates opportunities, empowers people and allows us to give back meaningfully to our communities, and I feel incredibly blessed to have grown up in an environment that prioritised those values. I’ve been especially inspired by my older brother, who is an AUT alumnus and, after graduating in 2016, spent many years working within the health sector. Watching his dedication to helping others and seeing the impact healthcare professionals can have strongly influenced my own decision to pursue nursing.
“Choosing AUT for my studies felt natural because of its strong reputation within healthcare education and its emphasis on practical, hands-on learning. One of the things I appreciate most about AUT is how connected the programme is to clinical practice. From early in the degree, students are exposed to real healthcare environments that challenge us to develop confidence, professionalism, critical thinking and compassion. The nursing programme has pushed me to grow in ways I never expected, and every clinical placement has strengthened my passion for patient-centred care.”
She says what she enjoys most about studying nursing is the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life and to apply theory to real patient care.
“There’s something deeply fulfilling about being able to support people during vulnerable moments and knowing that even small acts of care and compassion can make a significant difference. I’ve especially valued the diverse placement experiences AUT provides, as they’ve exposed me to different areas of healthcare and enabled me to develop confidence within fast-paced clinical environments. Beyond academics, I’ve also genuinely enjoyed student life at AUT. The friendships, sense of community, and support from lecturers, clinical tutors, and peers have made the experience incredibly memorable.”
Supported to thrive
Lika is grateful for the scholarships she has received to help her achieve her goal to become a nurse.
“Throughout my studies, I’ve been blessed to receive both the Pacific Health Scholarship and Ann Ali Nursing Scholarship. Receiving these scholarships has been incredibly meaningful to me because they represented recognition of the hard work, commitment and values I bring to my studies and future career. Studying nursing can be demanding academically, emotionally and financially, especially while balancing placements and personal commitments, so having that support enabled me to focus more intentionally on my learning and professional development.”
Now in the final year of her studies, she already has a good idea of how she sees her future after graduation.
“Looking ahead, I hope to continue building a meaningful career within healthcare as a registered nurse, with aspirations to continue learning, specialising and growing professionally over time. I‘m passionate about delivering compassionate, culturally safe and high-quality care, and I hope to make a positive impact within the communities I serve.”
Advice for other students
Lika has some great advice for other students.
“If I could give any advice to future students, it would be to trust yourself and embrace every opportunity for growth. Nursing isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding journeys you can take. Stay grounded, remain open to learning and never underestimate your ability to achieve things that once felt out of reach.”
She says she would highly recommend AUT to other students.
“AUT offers more than just a qualification. It provides an environment that supports growth, ambition, resilience and opportunity. The university’s commitment to innovation, diversity and student success is something I truly value, and I feel proud to be part of a community that is preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.”
