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Saturday, Sat, 15 MarchMar 2025
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‘Overwhelmed’ by trip for graduation

Natalie Morgan’s family were so proud of her graduation from Otago Polytechnic they came all the way from Wales to celebrate it.

The bachelor of nursing graduate’s mother Beverley Smith and aunt Jacqueline Fox had known about the pending graduation for some time, but Ms Morgan said she was still "overwhelmed".

"It’s such a long way to travel and it means the world to me."

Ms Morgan said it had been a "challenge" juggling a family and studies over the past two years, but it was worth it.

Natalie Morgan (centre) celebrates her graduation with aunt Jacqueline Fox (left) and mother...
Natalie Morgan (centre) celebrates her graduation with aunt Jacqueline Fox (left) and mother Beverley Smith, both from Wales.
She managed to secure a job as a nurse working in community mental health for older people in Dunedin.

"There's a lot of us that didn't actually get jobs, so my advice to them is just keep going."

Graduating students (from left) Hannah Gilroy, of Invercargill, Courtney Henderson, of Dunedin,...
Graduating students (from left) Hannah Gilroy, of Invercargill, Courtney Henderson, of Dunedin, Emma Moses, of Dunedin, and Brydie Kennedy, of Dunedin, share their excitement during the parade yesterday. PHOTOS: PETER MCINTOSH

More than 650 graduates participated in Otago Polytechnic’s ceremonies yesterday.

The celebrations were split across two ceremonies to help accommodate the large numbers.

Another 54 students graduated in absentia.

Otago Polytechnic students march in the graduation parade.
Otago Polytechnic students march in the graduation parade.
Otago Polytechnic executive director Dr Megan Pōtiki said there was a feeling of pride in the air.

"The graduation ceremonies together with Pasifika, Māori, and school pre-graduations are an amazing and emotional roller-coaster, as you often hear and see people’s stories of hardship in pursuit of completing their qualification.

"It’s an honour to be a part of it, but it’s also a humbling experience.

"As the vocational sector undergoes ongoing change and pressure, this graduation week is a welcome reminder of why and what we're all here for."

matthew.littlewood@odt.co.nz

 

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