Xaeda Dilirang Hokulele Ikertang
2nd-year student, Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Mechanical Engineering
Her studies will help her contribute to her home country Palau in meaningful ways, says Xaeda Dilirang Hokulele Ikertang who is completing a Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Mechanical Engineering.
“In my home country, there are very few qualified engineers, especially those who live permanently on the island or who are of Palauan descent. Because of this, we often lack professionals who can address the many issues with our basic infrastructure and public utilities. With my studies I hope that I can work in Palau and be the help my community needs to improve the facilities.
“When I graduate, I’d love to work in the waste management and clean energy industries as both systems are often inconsistent and unreliable in my country. I’m passionate about using my studies to help improve them as these are areas I genuinely enjoy learning about.”
She has thoroughly enjoyed her studies so far.
“What I’m enjoying most about studying engineering is going deep into the subjects we study in class. This has helped me better understand the world around me. Being able to understand the reasons why objects react in a certain way when in motion, how different objects are manufactured, or how fluids behave when under certain temperatures and conditions has been the most interesting and enjoyable part of my studies. Classes are generally smaller, and the staff are incredibly approachable, which creates a welcoming environment that feels far less intimidating than more traditional universities. I’d definitely recommend AUT to others, especially international students.”
Supported to thrive
Xaeda says she has felt welcome at AUT since the very beginning.
“At the end of 2023, I was selected as a preferred candidate for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship and had to contact the universities I had initially selected to continue with my application process. Out of all the universities I had contacted, AUT was the only university and scholarship office to reach out to me and help me prepare for my university career. Because of this, I knew AUT was the place I wanted to be. The care I received showed me that my experience at AUT would be nothing but a positive one and I’ve never once thought otherwise since coming here.
“The AUT Scholarship Office and the tutors in the engineering, computer and mathematical sciences study zone have been an incredible help throughout my time here. No matter what situation I may be stuck in or what question I have about a subject, they’re more than happy to help and always take the time out of their own busy days to assist me, which I appreciate greatly.”
She has also appreciated the wide range of programmes and clubs that support students from diverse backgrounds and help them feel at home at AUT and in New Zealand.
“I’ve had the amazing chance to be part of two amazing clubs, AUT Niu Collective, the AUT club for Pacific students, and AUT MAPS, the AUT club for Māori and Pacific students in STEM. I’m the Micronesian rep for AUT Niu Collective and the public relations officer for AUT MAPS. Being part of these clubs has helped me form strong friendships and taught me valuable lessons I carry with me every day. Because I’m studying in New Zealand alone, I’ve had to learn how to be independent and care for myself. I’ve built strong friendships and experienced valuable life lessons because of my life here, and those both are extremely valuable to me.”
Advice for other students
Now in the second year of her studies, Xaeda has some great advice for other students.
“My biggest advice would be to make friends with the people in your classes. Join clubs and get to know people. Not making close friends with people in my classes during my first year is still one of my biggest regrets to this day. During your first year, you’re still learning how university works and the subjects you’re learning are most likely completely new to you. Having a friend who is also going through the same situation as you and doing the same subjects makes navigating uni life a million times easier and a more positive experience.”
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, she adds.
“I’ve always found it difficult to ask others for help, not out of pride, but because I worry about being a burden or inconveniencing them with my constant questions. Being at AUT, I’ve learnt the importance and the benefit of asking questions, even those you may think are useless questions. The lecturers and tutors are more than willing to help, and they prefer to have students ask questions during lectures or by email. This was a big relief when I came to understand this, and it’s completely changed the way I go about my studies.”
