Paulo Antonio V. Pulido

2nd-year student, Bachelor of Sport, Exercise and Health in Health and Physical Education with a minor in Youth Development and Coaching

A career in healthcare and almost a decade serving in the United States Navy taught Paulo Antonio V. Pulido the importance of helping others. Now studying health and physical education at AUT as an international student from the USA, he wants to use his passion for sport, coaching and education to inspire the next generation.

“Sport has always been a big part of my life because of the teamwork, discipline and sense of achievement it brings. Although I followed in my parents' footsteps into healthcare, my heart was always in sport. During my nearly 10 years of service in the United States Navy as a hospital corpsman and advanced radiologic technologist, I had the opportunity to play and coach our unit’s volleyball team and mentor new players. Seeing them develop their skills, gain confidence and achieve things they never thought possible brought me an incredible sense of fulfilment. That inspired me to take a new direction in my career.

“I want to inspire students, athletes and young people to believe in themselves, reach their potential and lead healthier, more active lives. My goal is to become a health and physical education teacher while continuing to coach volleyball and other sports, creating environments where young people can grow both on and off the court. I want to help students and athletes develop not only their physical abilities but also their confidence, resilience, leadership and love for lifelong learning.”

With this goal firmly in mind, he soon found himself drawn to AUT in Auckland.

“I chose AUT because of its strong reputation for practical, hands-on learning and its commitment to preparing students for real-world careers. I wanted a university where I could learn not only in the classroom but also through meaningful experiences in coaching, community engagement and leadership. I learn best by experiencing and applying what I've learnt, rather than only studying theory, and AUT's approach to combining academic learning with practical opportunities really appealed to me. The chance to work with real organisations, build industry connections and gain real-world experience made AUT the perfect place to pursue my goals.”

Countless opportunities
Now in the second year of his studies, Paulo is thoroughly enjoying his time at AUT.

“Learning about the theories, pedagogies and research in sport, education and coaching has given me a much broader perspective on the important role sport can play in improving health, wellbeing and communities. A highlight was collaborating with Basketball New Zealand on a marketing project, where my team developed and presented innovative ideas to help grow the sport. One of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been learning about mātauranga Māori. Coming from the Philippines, having lived in the United States and now studying in Aotearoa New Zealand, I’ve been able to integrate my own cultural experiences while gaining a deeper appreciation for how culture shapes the way we learn, teach and see the world.

“AUT has provided countless opportunities outside the classroom, and I’ve always tried to make the most of them. I’ve been able to coach volleyball at the high school level, facilitate volleyball sessions at another university, volunteer with community organisations and take on leadership roles as both an academic student representative and an AUT peer mentor. These opportunities have given me the confidence to step into professional environments and reinforced my passion for building a career that positively impacts others through sport, education and coaching.”

He says he has been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by lecturers and staff at AUT who have genuinely invested in his growth, both academically and personally.

“Dr Amy Kaukau has been one of the most influential people during my time at AUT. She has been a role model and mentor whose passion for teaching, leadership and student success is something I deeply admire and hope to emulate in my own career. Learning about mātauranga Māori challenged me to think differently about teaching and learning, and showed me how education can be grounded in culture, tradition, the environment and meaningful relationships. Beyond the classroom, Amy has consistently believed in my potential, encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and entrusted me with opportunities that have strengthened my confidence as a leader, coach and educator.

“Tristan Brotherton and Dr Tony Oldham have also had a profound influence on my development. Through their teaching and mentorship, they challenged me to critically reflect on my coaching philosophy, question my assumptions and embrace evidence-informed practice. They’ve fundamentally reshaped the way I approach coaching, athlete development and leadership, helping me become a more reflective, intentional and effective coach. I’m also incredibly grateful to the Student Hub, Fees and Enrolments Team, the International Office and Visa Team, and the entire School of Sport, Exercise and Health.”

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

“Never let your circumstances or the opinions of others define who you are or what you can achieve. I believe that only God truly knows who you are and what your potential is. Don't allow your surroundings to dictate your trajectory or limit your aspirations, and don't let where you started determine where you can finish. Don't be afraid to fail. Failure is not the opposite of success; it is an essential part of learning, growth, and development. Every setback teaches you something valuable about what works, what doesn't, and who you are becoming. Those lessons can only be learned by having the courage to try.”

Embrace every opportunity that comes your way, he adds.

“Challenge yourself, step outside your comfort zone and remain open to learning from every experience. University is about much more than earning a qualification; it's about discovering your purpose, growing into the best version of yourself and preparing to make a positive difference in others' lives. AUT opens many doors, but it's up to you to walk through them. If you're willing to get involved, be curious and challenge yourself, you'll find opportunities that can shape not only your career but also who you become as a person.”