![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![Alumni awards finalist, illustrator Jonathon Saunders](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2021-09/Accelerate%202016%20Melbourne.jpg?h=2f6d618e&itok=8o17Zw26)
Picture perfect: Meet illustrator Jonathon
Illustrator Jonathon Saunders has talent at his fingertips and a visual arts degree from CDU under his belt. Jonathon's animated TV series about an Indigenous superhero from Darwin has been turning heads and winning awards.
![Alumni awards finalist Dr Anna Fletcher teaching](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2021-09/Screen%20Shot%202021-08-12%20at%2011.50.34.jpeg?h=6d2f9379&itok=Yd5KQTRM)
Dr Anna Fletcher is teaching by example
Dr Anna Fletcher is no stranger to the university environment. With multiple qualifications under her belt she’s excelled in her career as an academic and early career researcher. Education is in her blood.
![crystal](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2021-08/myself.jpg?h=24a28c38&itok=-8dLD0u8)
Crystal’s “life changing” CDU experience
When Yuqing (Crystal) Zhao came to Darwin, she was already an accomplished student and volunteer. Moving here to complete her Master of Teaching, she soon found lots of new ways to give back to her new community.
Johanna's building an engineering career in the Territory
After travelling around Australia on her gap year, Johanna decided to study engineering at CDU instead of going back home to Germany. She’s now working for a global engineering company in Darwin while finishing her degree.
![Toby Snaire engineering graduate](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2021-08/Lab%20coat%20cropped.jpg?h=372043dc&itok=GwkVZA61)
From miner to dream career: Meet engineer Toby
If you told a younger Toby Snaire he would one day win the prestigious Engineers Australia Graduate Award, he never would’ve believed you. Fast forward a few years and Toby has an engineering degree to his name and his achievements are proof that it’s never too late to change your life.
![CDU Alumni Award Finalist Professor Yin Paradies](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2021-08/12109_0091_ImmigrationWall_H.jpg?h=e9faa708&itok=ufVensT2)
Professor Yin Paradies is driving change for the better
Recognised as an international expert on racism, Professor Yin Paradies is passionate about educating the newest generation of academics, policy makers and government representatives for a more inclusive society.
![CDU graduate Jigme Tshering](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2021-08/67596827_10219308427205503_7186088436397244416_n%20-%20Copy.jpg?h=dd30f85c&itok=_ZXZa787)
A walk on the wild side: Jigme's story
A passion for conservation led Jigme Tshering to pursue studies in environmental management. He aims to make change in his home country of Bhutan, one project at a time.
![Dr Brian Street](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2021-08/2nd%20research%20excellence%20day%20CSUB.jpeg?h=c19c76be&itok=G6XFxpou)
When education and research combine: Meet Dr Brian Street
For Dr Brian Street, every day is a day for learning, researching and educating. By sharing his knowledge and skills, he’s empowering today’s students to create a better tomorrow.
![Engineering student graduate Tuan Thai Darwin waterfront](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2021-08/20210528_162057%20-%20PP.jpg?h=d4ec986e&itok=g4qBtskY)
Building his way to a better future: Tuan's story
From as early as Year 9, Tuan knew he wanted to pursue further study to broaden his career opportunities and better himself as an individual. Tuan applied to study engineering at CDU and has never looked back.