Simaima Paongo
Housing Specialist, Emerge Aotearoa Group
Master of Education with Honours
Bachelor of Arts in Education
Deciding to come to AUT for her studies was easy, says Simaima Paongo who completed a Bachelor of Arts in Education, followed by a Master of Education.
“I'm frequently asked why I chose to study at AUT. The simple response is that AUT is home. Coming from a Pacific family, I carry a full bundle of culture, identity and values with me; all of which are recognised, acknowledged, respected and welcomed at AUT. AUT's support system is so impressive that all students will be able to navigate their academic journey and graduate with confidence.”
Simaima says what drew her to education was a desire to improve the education system for Pacific learners.
“Unfortunately, Pacific learners have been underachieving for a long time within the New Zealand education system. As a Pacific woman, I have lived experiences of dealing with inequality in education, and I knew studying education would allow me to bring forward what needs to be done. I want my Pacific brothers and sisters to fully realise that they’re capable and to see possibility rather than being restricted to what they’ve always known.
“After I completed my Bachelor of Arts, I decided to take my studies further and my desire to build a more equal education system for diverse learners is what kept me going. What I cherished most about postgraduate study was the ability to dive deep into the area I was most passionate about. I admit that postgraduate courses can be challenging, but I was truly grateful to my supportive AUT lecturers, family and friends for pushing me through.”
An exciting new chapter
She thoroughly enjoyed her time at AUT, says Simaima who completed her Master of Education at the end of 2022.
“I’d 100% recommend the education programmes to anyone. These programmes give you a chance to reflect on your own journey and recognise the impact that we as people can have on others. The education programme helped me discover why I do what I do.
“Throughout my time at AUT I also completed the AUT Edge Award, a programme that equipped me with relevant tools and skills to make a real difference in all areas of my life. However, the biggest highlight for me at AUT were the memories and friendships created over the years.”
Since graduating, she is now using her passion for creating a more just society in her role as a housing specialist for Emerge Aotearoa; a national provider of mental health, addiction, disability, offender rehabilitation, wellbeing and housing services.
“Witnessing the transformation from uncertainty to security in people's lives fills my heart with immense joy. Every day at work, I’m reminded of the profound impact a safe and stable home can have on an individual's wellbeing. It's a privilege to play a part in restoring hope and dignity to those in need, and it fuels my passion to continue making a meaningful difference in the world.”
Advice for other students
Simaima – who received an AUT Postgraduate Scholarship to support her throughout her master’s degree – has some great advice for other postgraduate students.
“Success isn't just about the big moments; it's about the small steps you take every day. Embrace the grind like it's your greatest opponent, because it is. Every struggle, every obstacle, every setback – it's all a test of your resilience and part of the journey. Don't just endure it; thrive in it. Let it toughen your spirit, sharpen your mind and fuel your determination because the tough moments you've faced are what makes the journey worthwhile.”
You need to balance study with your other commitments, she adds.
“My biggest difficulty was definitely juggling life commitments and university demands. As a university student, I sometimes feel obligated to study at all times, but this isn’t sustainable as I also have a life outside of university. Thankfully, AUT has a range of understanding lecturers who have made my journey a breeze.”
