Alexandra Cooper
3rd-year student, Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing)
Nursing is a career where you can truly make a difference in people’s lives, says Alexandra Cooper who is in the final year of her Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing).
“Growing up, I helped care for my mum who lives with type 1 diabetes. Going to appointments with her, testing her blood sugars and simply watching how she managed her condition day-to-day shaped my understanding of health, resilience and the importance of compassionate, person-centred care.
“I chose to come to AUT for my studies because of its strong reputation in nursing, and its emphasis on both theory and real-world experience. From the beginning, it has felt like a place where I’m supported to grow into a confident, capable nurse. Being in real healthcare settings for my clinical placements has pushed me to grow in confidence, communication and critical thinking. It’s where everything starts to click – where the theory becomes real, and you’re reminded why you chose this path in the first place. There’s nothing quite like the moment when you’re able to clearly and confidently educate a patient or communicate important information to the healthcare team. In that moment, you feel like, ‘Yeah, I’ve got this’.”
Supported to thrive
The sense of support and shared understanding is what she enjoys most about studying nursing, Alexandra says.
“The connections I’ve made with other nursing students have meant everything. We’ve been through the long shifts, the intense exams and the early mornings together, and that kind of bond is pretty special. I’ve also been really lucky with the clinical educators I’ve had, Nikki Ely and Cindy Dinley. They’ve been so supportive, and their guidance has honestly helped carry me through the tougher moments, especially when I’ve been pushing myself to learn as much as I can, or trying to stay grounded during exams and long placements. Having people like them believe in me has made such a difference.”
She is also grateful for being awarded a Southern Cross Nursing Scholarship – Undergraduate to support her studies.
“I applied for this scholarship because I wanted to push myself to do something that was out of my comfort zone, and when I saw it was offered by Southern Cross, I knew that it was right for me. Southern Cross is known for its high standards of care, and I wanted to be a part of something that aligns with the kind of nurse I want to become. The scholarship has changed my life. Not only has it relieved the financial burden of everyday life expenses, but it has also been really encouraging for me. To be seen and supported in this way has made me feel even more motivated to succeed.”
Advice for other students
Alexandra’s advice for other students is simple: trust yourself.
“Doing a nursing degree is really challenging but you don’t have to be perfect, just willing to learn. Celebrate the small wins, ask every question you have and lean on your support networks. You’re more capable than you think, and every tough day is shaping you into the nurse you’re becoming.”
She wouldn’t hesitate to recommend AUT’s Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) to other students.
“AUT has a really strong, practical nursing programme. The staff are supportive and approachable, and the placements are incredibly valuable. The way the programme is structured means you're constantly applying what you learn in class to real-life situations on placement, which has been so important for building my confidence and clinical judgement. What I’ve appreciated most is how AUT gives you the space to grow into the kind of nurse you want to be. You’re not expected to be perfect, you’re supported to learn, to reflect and to find your own voice in the process.”
