Yimeng Xu (Sarah)
3rd-year student, Bachelor of Arts in Education
She chose to study education because of her love for children and to fulfil a childhood dream of becoming an educator, says Yimeng Xu (Sarah) who came to AUT as an international student from China.
“Inspiring guidance from one of my primary school teachers showed me the profound impact education can have. To me, teaching goes beyond imparting knowledge – it’s about innovating and driving meaningful change in the educational system to maximise its value, creating a lasting, positive impact on children and society as a whole. After graduation, I plan to enrol in further study to become a primary school teacher. I’m passionate about guiding children and inspiring them to find true joy in learning.”
Drawn to AUT for its strong emphasis on practical skills and innovation, Sarah has thoroughly enjoyed her studies so far.
“The courses in the Bachelor of Arts in Education have been immensely meaningful. What I enjoy most is how they encourage deep reflection, guiding us to look beyond the surface of educational issues to explore deeper causes and spark critical thought. Our coursework bridges theory and practice by having us engage with children and write reflective assignments.”
Opportunities and support
Sarah says studying at AUT has opened up more opportunities than she ever expected.
“I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Amokura Vice-Chancellor’s Leadership Programme. As someone naturally introverted who often hesitated to speak up, this programme has challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, helping me build leadership skills and gain confidence that will stay with me for life. I’ve also appreciated the wide range of career fairs offered to AUT students – these opened my eyes to diverse companies and organisations, giving me a much broader view of future career possibilities.”
She is grateful for the support from AUT staff throughout her studies.
“At the start of my studies, as an international student newly arrived in a foreign country, a check-in call from the AUT Student Hub brought me immense warmth. They asked about my wellbeing and whether I needed any support, and even thoughtfully arranged a Mandarin-speaking staff member. That thoughtful gesture instantly made me feel welcomed and supported.
“My lecturers’ passion for education and their dedicated, responsible attitude have profoundly inspired my understanding and pursuit of teaching. I’m deeply grateful to my lecturers, Dr Judy Bruce and Associate Professor Neil Boland, as well as every teacher I encountered throughout my university journey. Judy taught my very first course on social education when I entered university. It was my first time encountering this concept, and it resonated deeply with my vision of education. Judy’s encouragement and guidance profoundly inspired me, giving me absolute clarity and determination in my future career path.”
Advice for other students
Sarah, who expects to complete her Bachelor of Arts in 2027, has some great advice for other students.
“My advice is to step out of your comfort zone, and make full use of the incredible resources and opportunities AUT offers. Don’t be afraid of challenges – they help you discover that the world is far more exciting than you might imagine. Turn the ‘impossible’ into possible, and you’ll always see the rainbow after the storm.”
She wouldn’t hesitate to recommend AUT to others.
“I’d highly recommend AUT! What makes AUT special is its balance of academics and genuine personal care – the lecturers are truly attentive to students’ needs and always ready to support us.”
