![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![International student Julie](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2020-10/Julie2.jpg?h=8d7a71b7&itok=YJIo4kf-)
Julie is on a mission to better healthcare in her hometown
Julie has always been inspired by travelling and learning from different cultures. She's studying at Menzies to pursue her career dream to improve the healthcare system back home in the Philippines.
![BP smiling in the garden holding a camera](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2020-09/PB%20Bhandari%2012.jpg?h=58c8a5e7&itok=YBGIP1pB)
From technology to photography: How BP’s switching careers
BP recently returned to study to find way to turn his passion for photography and filmmaking into a profession. Having a full-time job and a young family made study challenging but with support, BP found success.
![Close-up of Shailee smiling outdoors](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2020-09/shailee%201.jpg?h=d3e2533a&itok=9wve4Vfm)
Shailee’s path to a full-time IT career
Shailee was unsure about her future after finishing high school, but through a traineeship with NEC, she has successfully completed a certificate in information technology. This led to a full-time job and a nomination in the 2020 Northern Territory Training Awards.
![Sharni holding her son, Loki, in a field](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2020-09/sharni-woods-1.jpg?h=30c08e7f&itok=NIm-eK3J)
How single parent Sharni is getting her nursing degree
Sharni Woods knows all too well that being a mum is a full time job. With an active two year old, she has little time to herself. But that hasn’t stopped her reaching for her goals. Sharni’s currently studying an online nursing degree at CDU.
![Harita smiling in front of a view of the ocean](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2020-09/harita-sridhar-2.jpg?h=57384c97&itok=FJRm0E5h)
Power(ful) play: Why Harita is studying Indigenous languages
Criminal defence lawyer Harita Sridhar is passionate about helping and engaging with Indigenous communities. She started her career with a law degree and is now going a step further with a postgraduate certificate in Indigenous Knowledges at CDU.
![CDU student Ashleigh Abram at a news desk](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2020-09/ashleigh-abram-1000x600.png?h=5363a783&itok=lOP_wrM8)
That's a wrap: Ashleigh's path to ABC
Ashleigh's passion for media began at a young age when, with friends, she’d create short film clips dancing in the living room. Lights, camera, action were all part of their play. Fast forward to years later and not much had changed.
![CDU student Zoe White sitting at a computer the Waterfront campus](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2021-07/Zoe-White_1829_edit.jpg?h=9c610b38&itok=6D0scK2G)
I turned my gap-year job into a career: Zoe's story
After spending time working in the hospitality industry during her gap year, Zoe decided it was time to upskill with a vocational training course in hospitality and event management. In just two years, she's finished three TAFE qualifications and is a finalist in the NT Training Awards.
![Luke standing outdoors raising a large Aboriginal flag](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2020-09/IMG_0112%20PROPER.jpg?h=f82f07fc&itok=XwV0ELqX)
Finding his vocation: Luke's journey to full-time work
From bank teller to youth worker, Luke could be considered the jack of all trades! However, his decision to push himself further has brought him back into the world of study, this time to gain vocational training qualifications in business.
![CDU Engineering lecturer Hooman](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2020-09/Web_image_Human_900x600_0.png?h=6615a609&itok=q85hVK1H)
From solar research student to lecturer: Meet Hooman
Hooman's journey started with an interest in addressing global warming. Now with a PhD under his belt, he’s a part of world-leading research and sharing his passion for solving big problems with a new generation of students.