Chia Ngo Aye Phuting (Jessica)

Early Childhood Educator, MyKindy
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching)

She decided to study education because she loves children and enjoys being around them, says Chia Ngo Aye Phuting (Jessica) who studied a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching).

“Working with children is my favourite occupation because they make me happy just by being around them. They help me forget about any issues and constantly make me smile. It makes me glad to be able to support children in their life development, nurture and empower them in meaningful ways, so they can face and conquer the problems of the future.

“I’d absolutely recommend this degree to others because it has taught me so much about life lessons, and how children learn and think differently. The most interesting thing I've learnt has been how to assist children with special needs. It's also taught me a lot about how children are learning in general.”

After graduating from AUT at the end of 2023, she now works as an early childhood educator and says she considers herself extremely fortunate to work at Henderson's MyKindy.

Supported to thrive
Jessica has come a long way since first arriving in New Zealand as a teenager.

“My family and I came to New Zealand as refugees from Myanmar when I was 15, after living in Malaysia for almost five years before arriving in New Zealand. When I started at Massey High School in Year 10, I didn’t know much English but I was able to pass all the NCEA levels and then continue on to university.

“My favourite part of my time as an AUT student were the friends I made. These people are truly friends for life and like family to me. Being a student at AUT has been the best experience of my life. I had a great time at AUT, and made friends and memories in the process. It's been an amazing experience, and I wouldn't change a thing!”

She is grateful for being awarded a Sir Robert Jones Refugee Daughters Scholarship to support her studies at AUT.

“My studies have been made so much easier by this scholarship, and I've been able to focus on university without being concerned about my financial situation. This scholarship not only makes it easier for me to study, but it also makes life easier for my parents since they don't have to worry about paying the tuition fees. I’ll always be appreciative to Sir Robert Jones for giving me this scholarship.”

Advice for other students
Jessica has some great advice for other students.

“Always strive to do your best. Make the most of the present since you never know what the future holds.”

There’s plenty of support available while you’re studying at AUT, she adds.

“I knew that AUT would be able to support me in my studies, which was one of the reasons I chose AUT. One of the services I’ve benefitted from was the AUT academic advice service – for example, they were able to help me better comprehend an assignment for one of my courses in the second year.”