![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![Emre smiling in front of a view of the White House](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2020-09/Emre%20alumni%201.png?h=ae66eb30&itok=vEUPvKim)
Emre has taken his Masters to the world (and the White House)
As a Muslim Australian, Emre Celik has spent his career working to increase understanding, acceptance and celebration of his culture, not only in Australia but across the world.
![John smiling while pruning a bush](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2020-09/john-horticulture%204.jpg?h=c12e0b96&itok=3P-1zazX)
John's digging his way to a new career
John Hogarth is no stranger to digging in the dirt. For 14 years he worked fly-in-fly-out worker in the civil and mining sector. But when long hours and a grueling FIFO roster took their toll, he knew it was time for a change.
![Shuanghon at Mindil Beach Markets](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2020-09/Web_image_Shuanghong_900x600%20%281%29.png?h=c1f4291a&itok=S0WdwB1K)
Shuanghong boosts her skills by learning on the job
Shuanghong took a chance on herself when she moved from China to Australia to study at CDU. The first person in her village to follow a path to university abroad, CDU’s supportive learning environment and practical work experience has changed the direction of her life.
![CDU student Nancy Soliman standing in the drafting studio in front of a model building.](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2020-08/cdu-student-nancy-soliman-1000x600-1.jpg?h=d8e17833&itok=Z843wj0y)
Nancy is achieving her architectural design dreams
The support and flexibility that comes with a CDU arts degree in architectural design is setting Nancy on the path to success to pursue a career in architecture.
![International student Ellie](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2020-08/Launchpad%20Article%20images_Ellie.png?h=d1ee6398&itok=hrSSnVl9)
Ellie finds business opportunities and a new home in Darwin
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in France, Ellie lived, worked and travelled abroad. She had lots of great experiences, but nothing measured up to studying in Australia.
![International student Manfred](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2020-08/Launchpad%20Article%20images_Manfred.png?h=d1ee6398&itok=e7Mkavz1)
How Manfred found his voice at CDU
This shy business student from Estonia has worked hard to become a representative voice and advocate for international students.
![Zach Davies - Automotive apprentice](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2020-07/ZACH-1453.jpg?h=5d4e6309&itok=STWtr1w4)
Zach's roaring his way to success
Zach Davis has a passion for working with cars. Through CDU’s VET for Secondary Students, Zach was able to start studying a Light Automotive Certificate whilst he was in high school. After graduating, he went to the Gold Coast 600 to work with the Red Bull Holden Racing team.
![CDU student Felix Oryema smiling](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2020-07/CDU_2015_10_Felex_Oryema-14.jpg?h=bc816b12&itok=NZCkN_PQ)
How I got into the swing of study before starting uni
Felex completed our Tertiary Enabling Program (TEP) in order to gain the skills to succeed at university after moving from Uganda. We asked him about his experience studying TEP, VET and Higher Education with CDU.
![CDU student Enggar Daranindra in a graduation gown and cap smiling at the camera](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2020-06/cdu-student-enggar-daranindra-2.jpeg?h=21333aa2&itok=7SSBOg7d)
Enggar switches from numbers to music notes
When Enggar realised that accounting wasn’t her future, she moved straight into a teaching degree at CDU. The switch was easy, but it was the support of CDU and becoming a student ambassador that really made the difference.