![CDU student on Sydney highrise](/files/styles/hero_very_small_phone_320x228/public/2021-05/Student%20stories_Michelle.png?h=fe5fcd1e&itok=gg6kAo0T)
Student stories
![CDU nursing student at her locker in a hospital](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2021-04/IMG_1077_LR.png?h=1229afd8&itok=Zpeh4GaP)
A quick step into nursing with an online degree: Meet Michelle
As a busy mum and trained dancer, Michelle never dreamed that a different career would be possible. But CDU changed all that. Waltzing through a flexible online nursing degree, she's now dancing to a different tune working as a nurse.
Read more![Karina Gray Alumni Awards Finalist Outside Starwin](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2021-09/DSC05217.jpg?h=14124024&itok=NlYKhqhI)
An inspirational community member: Meet Karina
Karina used the knowledge she gained during her legal studies degree to create Starwin, a female-led community enterprise in Darwin. Its growth and success are testament to her hard work and dedication to others.
![Madalena Costa Soares Alumni Awards](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2021-09/Presidente%20CVTL%20foto.jpg?h=23faff9e&itok=TYvx9Q4i)
Madalena's working on healthy outcomes for all
Madalena spends her life improving the lives of others. Thanks to CDU's flexible learning, she was able to study a Master of Public Policy at CDU while working as Vice Minister for Health in the Timor-Leste government.
![Alumni Awards finalist Emma Bell](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2021-09/IMG_2690.jpg?h=8615976e&itok=flahkWDu)
Emma's career has become a never-ending project
With more than 15 years of experience working in infrastructure and the built environment in planning, design development and construction Emma’s passion for project management knows no bounds. And it all started with a Business degree at CDU.
![Sabaratnam Prathapan Alumni Awards finalist](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2021-09/EDIT_002_2.jpg?h=ab018332&itok=KMXYvQze)
Educating engineers and making change: Sabaratnam's story
Sabaratnam’s passion for educating young engineers and helping others has made him an integral part of the community. His selfless nature has earned him respect and admiration at CDU and beyond.
![Sami Azam Alumni Awards finalist](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2021-09/EDIT_001_0.jpg?h=7b53d204&itok=JLGJJ2b3)
The gift of giving: Meet Sami Azam
Sami is dedicated to ensuring his students have the best experience. His forward-thinking approach to learning is reflected in the success and wellness of his students who carry his positive influence long after they graduate.
![Alumni Awards finalist Loan Nguyen](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2021-09/EDIT_002_0.jpg?h=b9137bac&itok=S5QMlkMF)
All that glitters is gold: Loan's story
When Loan Nguyen started selling cosmetics online while studying English, she gained a whole new appreciation of the beauty industry and wanted to learn more. What started as a hobby quickly turned into a passion and CDU was the answer to help her career soar.
![Alumni Awards finalist Janine Oldfield](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2021-09/Janine%20Oldfield%20volunteer%20cultural%20heritage%20crop_0.jpg?h=05c78307&itok=uQZUUhn3)
Janine Oldfield strives to teach for the better
Janine is a lecturer and educator passionate about transformative education that recognises Indigenous language education and positive educational access. And it all started with a Bachelor of Education at CDU.
![James Hay IT graduate and Alumni Awards finalist](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2021-09/EDIT_002.png?h=afb63929&itok=H6zXKV0q)
IT graduate James is a passionate frontline defender
James Hay is an expert in the industry of cybersecurity. Fuelled by the desire to protect organisations and backed by his CDU studies in IT, he works on the frontline as a silent defender. Nothing gets past him.
![Alumni Awards finalist Ira Racines on laptop at headspace Darwin](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2021-09/EDIT_001_2.jpg?h=54458295&itok=CNKc8SdE)
Leading the way to wellbeing: Ira's Story
Community champion Ira is committed to making a positive contribution to society. With a particular affinity for LGBTIQA+ issues, he’s extremely passionate about mental health in youth. Thanks to his studies at CDU, he’s turned his passion into action.