WelCom February 2024
Three students have been awarded the Meri Hōhepa Suzanne Aubert Tertiary Scholarship to assist them in completing their studies in 2024.
The Sisters thank the Home of Compassion Trust Board who make this possible, and congratulate the following students on their successful applications.
Atawhai Lynch is a student at Massey University. In 2024 she will be studying her third year of Nursing.
Atawhai says, ‘I have enjoyed my time as a student nurse and I am really looking forward to my final year. I hope to contribute to Aotearoa by being the most compassionate, kind and caring nurse I can be. I would love to work with children on a general medical ward when I graduate, as I have a passion for looking after and protecting our tamariki. Receiving this scholarship is an honour and I will continue to look up to Mother Suzanne Aubert, with her compassion and courage, forever inspiring me along my nursing journey.’
Imilia Ruocco is a student at Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka. In 2024, she will be studying a Master of Health Psychology.
Imilia says, ‘Studying a Master of Health Psychology will enable me to gain further knowledge of the intersections and connections between mental, physical, and spiritual health. I will also be focusing on Māori health and health promotion in Aotearoa.
With this qualification I hope to work in community environments such as hospitals, mental-health sectors, or within the public sector like the Department of Corrections. Specifically, I want to focus on health for women, especially Māori and Pasifika women in the workforce.
‘This is an important cause for me as I have been raised and taught by many amazing women and because of this, I am passionate about uplifting women. Receiving this scholarship is very meaningful to me as I grew up in Island Bay and have visited the Home of Compassion many times. And I have heard Meri Hōhepa’s story many times, I know she will be an inspiration for me in the years to come. I am so grateful to receive support from an organisation I have grown up with and the support from the sisters means so much to me. With this scholarship, I feel confident to continue my educational journey.’
Leona Coral is a student at Whitireia Polytechnic Porirua. In 2024, she will be in the last year of her Bachelor of Nursing degree.
Leona says, ‘Once I complete my three-year-degree course, I hope to continue serving the community, helping, and caring for those who are vulnerable, sick and dying, with compassion, kindness and determination. I want to be able to make a difference in Aotearoa New Zealand with my nursing profession, using the knowledge and skills I have learned and gained in nursing school. Receiving this scholarship really means a lot to me as this supports and encourages me to work harder in my nursing studies.’
