Following Her Heart: Fatima Haddadian’s Journey to Nursing in New Zealand.
Growing up in Shiraz, Iran, Fatima always had a nurturing spirit. Whether caring for her grandparents or being the ‘caretaker’ among her friends, she had a passion for helping others.
Yet, after graduating from high school, Fatima followed a more practical path, pursuing a career in accounting.
For years, she thrived in the world of numbers, but something was missing. When her sister moved to New Zealand for her studies, Fatima saw an opportunity to explore something new. Initially, she obtained a student visa with plans to complete a postgraduate diploma in accounting and then a master’s degree, aspiring to become a chartered accountant. But a burning question lingered: Was it time to follow her true passion?
Fatima remembers that pivotal moment clearly. Torn between continuing a successful career in accounting or taking the leap to retrain as a nurse, she chose to listen to her heart.
“I knew I would regret it if I didn’t make this decision now,” she recalls. “It’s brave, you know, because I had a good job and qualification. Returning to school to learn something new was challenging.”
Despite the challenges, Fatima’s easy-going and sociable nature helped her thrive in her new environment. In nursing classes, she found camaraderie with younger students and interacted with nurses from around the world. The friendly and welcoming staff at UCOL made the transition easier, creating a supportive environment where she felt she could truly belong.
One of the biggest hurdles was adapting to life in a foreign country. At first, Fatima struggled to understand the fast-paced Kiwi accent. A lecturer at her English language course advised her to listen to Radio New Zealand to improve her listening skills.
“It was great advice,” Fatima says with a smile. “Listening is something I love, which helped me a lot.”
Fatima feels a deep sense of fulfilment as she embarks on her second year of nursing studies. She now also works at a rest home, gaining valuable hands-on experience in New Zealand’s healthcare system, which she finds very different from Iran’s.
“Every job has its difficulties, but if you love what you do, it becomes easier,” she says.
One of the highlights of her experience at UCOL has been the friendships she’s made and the support from her lecturers. While essays and academic writing have been new challenges, the UCOL Student Success team has been a constant source of help, offering guidance and resources.
Beyond her studies, Fatima stays grounded by spending time with friends and swimming—a favourite activity that helps her relieve stress and stay active.
In the future, Fatima hopes to stay in New Zealand and continue working as a nurse. Her journey has taught her many things, but above all, she holds onto this piece of advice:
“Be brave. Be yourself. Don’t lose yourself in difficult situations. Trust your voice, believe in yourself, and follow your heart.”
Fatima reflects on her path with gratitude and pride, acknowledging the love and support of her family along the way. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I’m so proud of my family, and I want to thank them for always standing by me.”
If she could offer her younger self any advice, it would be simple: “Believe in yourself and do what you want. Aim high, today might be difficult, but tomorrow is beautiful.”
Find out more about the Bachelor of Nursing.