Stella Williams-Terei
Currently completing her Master of Nursing with a research focus on Māori Cancer Nurses, Stella hopes that her work inspires future generations of Māori health professionals in Aotearoa.
“After completing my NESP (Nurse Entry to Specialty Practice: Mental Health and Addiction) training, I did my postgraduate certificate here at Waipapa Taumata Rau l University of Auckland. I went off and did my postgraduate diploma somewhere else before eventually coming back to Auckland. I think one of the reasons why I came back to study here was because I had made some really good relationships with the academic staff within the School of Nursing. They made a big difference for me in choosing to come back.
“I think for Māori, you always want to push yourself – sometimes, you feel like you need to prove yourself more to be considered equal to others. I want to be a role model to other younger Māori nurses who are coming through the programme. We also need more Māori supervisors, so I'm plugging for that, too!
The connections with others at the University make me feel comfortable in this space and give me a sense of belonging. As a result of my postgraduate study, I am able to financially support my whānau.
“After I did my Nursing 782 paper (Research Methods in Nursing and Health), I came into this thinking I knew what to do, but you really don't. It felt like I was going back to being a novice nurse again. However, I’m slowly getting there, knowing what I need to do. For example, setting my deadlines and working out when I want to get my ethics in. You really have to be proactive with how you manage your own research.
“There can definitely be anxiety about coming back to study after some time away, but the thing is, it doesn't matter where you’ve come from; you still have your clinical skills, you still have your nursing foundations, and we’re all just building upon that knowledge together.
“Postgraduate study has enabled me to advance my nursing career to senior positions. I have experienced what it is like to be within an academic environment, surrounded by academic staff and lecturers, doctors, scientists, researchers, and peers who want me to succeed.
“Stand in your own mana, lead the way for your whānau and make it safe for them to follow you to reach academic heights. It is not an easy feat, but the rewards will benefit not only you but your whānau, hapū, iwi and future generations – Kia kaha kia māia kia manawanui! - Be strong, be brave, be steadfast!”