Ellen Yu

Master of Applied Management

A long-serving OPAIC staff member reached a major milestone when she graduated with her master’s degree recently.

Ellen Yu has been working at OPAIC since its inception six years ago.

She says her work is very rewarding because she gets to see students grow and complete their qualifications.

Ellen recently graduated with a Master of Applied Management with Merit.

She says her study has equipped her to answer students’ academic and course related questions more confidently and easily.

During her study she also learned how to deal with workplace challenges.

She says one of the best things about studying at OPAIC was the teaching quality. She also enjoyed gaining new knowledge.

Ellen had many responsibilities to juggle between work, study and raising her two sons. She says her Student Success colleagues supported her a lot. Without them, completing the qualification would have been impossible.

She advises anyone else thinking about furthering their education to hang in there and keep pushing themselves.

 “It is difficult but it is do-able. You just have to keep on pushing yourself.”

Ellen says graduating was an “amazing experience”. Her colleagues pressured her to attend the ceremony and spoiled her on the day, congratulating her and standing as she crossed the stage.

She says it was touching and very emotional.

Originally from China, Ellen came to New Zealand 15 years ago.

“This year is a big year for me, because this February I got my citizenship…and then April was my graduation. It’s a life-changing experience.”