Waiariki Graduation: Emma's dedication pays off

CELEBRATION: Emma Smith has had to juggle a lot of commitments to gain her nursing degree from Waiariki Institute of Technology. PHOTO/ANDREW WARNER 2E4B6903

It's been quite a journey for Emma Smith to achieve her nursing degree from Waiariki Institute of Technology.

The wife and mother of three worked up to four part-time jobs while juggling her role as vice-president of the student association and studying full time.

Her hard work paid off at the graduation ceremony yesterday, when she accepted not only her bachelor of nursing degree but also the Rotorua Daily Post Spirit of Campus award.

The award recognised Mrs Smith's actions over the past three years helping students, whether it be in her role with Waiariki Institute of Technology Student Association or her classmates who needed help with study.

"I wanted to study nursing after my son became sick with an illness and we were in and out of hospital for four years. That inspired me and I thought that I could add to that profession," she said.

The 34-year-old said it was not easy studying, working various jobs, travelling for the student association and meeting the needs of her family.

"It was absolute craziness, I was working seven days and there were many late nights. My husband and kids got quite used to people coming out to our house who needed help with questions, having a meal and studying," she said. "I had to give a lot of apologies to my friends for not being able to attend things and they were really good. A couple of times I would come home and they had cleaned the house for me.

"My mother-in-law has been amazing and the support of my husband Stefan and family helped us get through it."

Mrs Smith is continuing to study a post-graduate diploma in infection control.

"What I really want to do is go into education for infection control issues. I have a passion for elderly and for elderly people to stay in their homes longer. So I would like to maintain ways for them to be able to keep as much of their dignity by being at home."

She said also being recognised for the help she gave other students was "totally unexpected".

"It blew my socks off because it's something I'm quite passionate about, so it's really lovely to be able to receive this award and for my children to see their mummy get up on stage and realise that this was what all the hard work and visits from other students wanting help and advice was for," she said.