Sreyleak Tip wanted to find the best university in Australia for nursing. She discovered Avondale ranked number one for overall experience. So, she "started to deep dive" and found new students get free on-campus accommodation and free access to a wellbeing program.
One-on-one career coaching and course advice from lecturers who "know me by name" also appealed. "I love my classes, especially the sim labs."
Getting a job as a community support assistant at an aged-care facility built confidence. "I saw what nurses do to care for residents. That’s when I felt nursing was really for me." And with English as a second language, Sreyleak sees a tutor to learn how to write better essays.
Living in the women’s residence has helped, too. "You’re never lonely."
Sreyleak’s mother in Cambodia is glad Sreyleak choose Avondale "because she can see how happy I am. With my new friends and the support I’ve received, it feels like I have a second family."
A community that cares. This is how Margaret Graham describes her new workplace. The primary school teacher feels the staff members have "confidence in my ability and back my decisions.” Margaret rates her experience at Avondale highly for similar reasons. The lecturers had a lot of time for you." Other students like her agree. They rank our teaching degree as number one in Australia for learner engagement and teaching quality.
Margaret, only 18 at the time, had limited experience and little confidence when she started studying. The turning point came during her last placement - the supervising teacher became a mentor. "If I wanted to try something new, or if I wasn't sure about something, he'd make time to answer my questions. It helped me apply theory to practice."
Now Margaret's a role model who seeks to build genuine relationships with her students. "I want them to know I care and that they are my number one priority."
Working as an intern makes John Fui a better business student. The accounting and marketing major is learning not only how to be professional but also how to relate practice to theory.
As part of the team at private health insurance provider ACA Health, John speaks with members who are seeking help, often at a vulnerable time of their lives. "Doing what I can to make someone's day better gives me a sense of purpose."
Manager Jody Burgoyne is happy to support John with his education. "It's great to have a capable and enthusiastic person to help." And help he has proved to be: John is "already contributing to the finance work of the fund."
John began his degree at another university but transferred to Avondale. "Seeing others embrace their faith has helped me do the same, and that's helped me become more settled."
