Self Belief Grew Through AUT Edge Award

AUT Edge Award Personal Growth Prize Winner Khadija Alqassabi receives her certificate from  AUTVice Chancellor Damon Salesa

When Khadija Alqassabi initially joined the AUT Edge Award she was looking for a solo extracurricular activity to challenge the social anxiety that had taken over her previously confident life.

As she progressed through the programme she found herself plunged into activities that pushed her way outside her comfort zone. Roles such as student ambassador, RUOK adviser and Oman student club (OSAA) leader forced her to dig deep to overcome her anxiety and find a way to be a leader as an introvert.

Khadija conquered her nerves about student ambassador training by taking on the persona of a successful confident person to hide her terror. It worked.
“I almost forgot I was scared and had so much fun engaging with the team and new students. As I got involved more in award activities I realised the award gave me a chance to look within, reflect and grow. I found myself enjoying the journey of developing new skills and meeting new people and learning about myself.”

It was this change that led to Khadija being awarded the AUT Edge Award Personal Growth Award at the recent 2023 AUT Edge Award and Beyond AUT Award graduation ceremony last Wednesday (6 December).

“I have learned to believe in myself and that I have the skills and resilience to navigate different and difficult situations, I learned to believe I can stand in the discomfort of learning, change and making mistakes. I learned to believe in who I am as a person and a character and showing up just as that,” she states.

Receiving the AUT Edge Personal Growth Award was an exciting moment, says Khadija.
“I am very grateful to have received this recognition and I am truly humbled by the acknowledgement of my efforts.”

Khadija encourages students to enrol in the award and use its resources to build their capability.
“AUT Edge Award symbolises the potential within each of us to make positive change and impact.  It hugely encourages you to continue pushing to explore new potentials and embrace challenges with enthusiasm.”

What's involved with the AUT Employability Awards?

Employability Awards specialist Horowai Broederlow says the AUT Edge Award is open to all undergraduate AUT students, while the Beyond AUT Award is for postgraduate students.
“The Awards encourage students to be active either on campus or in their communities which increases their transferable skills and helps them connect. They can participate in a variety of ways – including in clubs, volunteering for charities or conservation activities – and once completed the award is formally acknowledged on their academic transcript.”

*The AUT Edge Award involves a minimum of 50 hours of volunteering, 18 hours of leadership, 14 employability workshops and a personal reflection.
*The Beyond AUT Award involves 35 hours of volunteering, 12 hours of leadership, seven employability activities and a personal reflection.
*Once completed the award appears on students’ academic transcript.

Want to know about our services?

Find out more by contacting autedge@aut.ac.nz or looking at our webpage.
Come and visit us at the Employability Lab at WA202 on the city campus
Use Elab Online, our online portal, to book into events and appointments that are offered in person and online.

We look forward to meeting you.