Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
6 days ago
Receiving a scholarship after five years of study at EIT is “extra-rewarding” for Bachelor of Nursing student Jessie Tomoana (Ngāti Kahungunu), who left school at 15 before later returning to education as a mother.
The 36-year-old from Waipatu received the Te Maari Joe (Nursing) Scholarship and will graduate in April.
“To end my nursing degree by receiving a scholarship felt really rewarding. It was a good ending – a high note to finish on,” she says.
Bachelor of Nursing student Jessie Tomoana has received the inaugural Te Maari Joe (Nursing) Scholarship.
The scholarship was one of two introduced by Te Kupenga Hauora Ahuriri last year to honour the legacy of Whaea Te Maari Joe and Audrey Robin, who were instrumental in founding the organisation more than 30 years ago.
Prior to enrolling at EIT in 2020, Jessie had not returned to study since leaving high school at the age of 15. During that time, she worked in a range of roles while raising her then three children as a solo mother.
Despite always wanting to pursue nursing, Jessie says the timing was not right earlier in life.
“I’ve always wanted to do nursing, but the timing wasn’t right earlier on. When the time finally came, I knew I had to give it a go.”
Her pathway back into education began with a level 4 certificate at EIT, which helped her gain entry into the Bachelor of Nursing. During her studies, Jessie also took time away following the birth of her fourth child, and to recover from two major surgeries.
“There was a lot happening in between. Trying to manage study at home with four kids was a struggle for me personally, but I still managed to get through.”
Despite the challenges, Jessie says the support she received from EIT staff made a difference.
“I do not think I would have made it through without that encouragement.”
Through her clinical placements, Jessie discovered a strong interest in community-based Māori health, including two placements with Kahungunu Health Services (Choices), which helped shape her future career direction.
“I definitely want to do Māori health. I find working in the community and helping bridge gaps for our people to be really rewarding.”
Now preparing to graduate, Jessie says she is taking her time to find a role that aligns with both her values and her children aged 15, 12, six and three.
“When the right role comes along, it will be a good fit.”
Jessie hopes her story encourages others, particularly Māori women and adult learners, to consider returning to study.
“If I can do it, then anybody can.”
Asked what the highlight of her degree has been, Jessie does not hesitate.
“Finishing,” she says. “It is still kind of surreal. But getting this scholarship makes it much more real, and my kids seeing me achieve this means everything.”
Nathan Harrington, Te Kupenga Hauora – Ahuriri Chief Executive, said Jessie is a very deserving and fitting recipient of the Te Maari Joe scholarship.
“Jessie is the epitome of the vison of Te Kupenga Hauora – Ahuriri which is to have the courage to sail beyond the horizon, in pursuit of our taonga (education). Many of the whānau that we work with would be able to relate to Jessie’s story and we feel that she is a true inspiration not only to her whānau but also her whole community.”
“We believe that by supporting more people like Jessie to pursue a nursing career, we can help address the negative statistics that unfortunately impact Māori health and wellbeing and carry on the work of two key people who shaped Te Kupenga Hauora – Ahuriri, Te Maari and Audrey.”
Nathan said he was grateful for EIT’s ongoing support and believed the scholarship would further strengthen the relationship between the two organisations.
“Our relationship is long and rich with Te Maari and Audrey being previous EIT Council Members. We have had many students come to Te Kupenga Hauora – Ahuriri for their nursing and social work placements, we train our staff through EIT, and we have recently re-established the student health centre that we are running as a nurse-led clinic. The scholarships are another way of forging a great relationship.”
Katie Rongonui, Acting Head of School – Nursing, said: Jessie has demonstrated dedication and commitment in completing the Bachelor of Nursing at EIT.
“We are immensely proud of the hard work and perseverance she has shown throughout her studies. Jessie is an inspiration to her whānau and the wider community, and we wish her every success as she begins her journey as a registered nurse.”