Augustus Greenslade is a father, former teacher and now a mature student at AUT New Zealand, studying nursing.
Starting a new chapter as a mature student in nursing while raising a young family is not the typical university experience. My name is Augustus Greenslade, and I’m a father, former teacher, and a passionate advocate for my fellow students.
Alongside my studies, I have the privilege of representing my cohort as an academic student representative and serving on the academic board of studies committee. I want to share insights from my journey and reflect on why flexible, after-hours academic support is crucial - especially for those of us who don’t quite fit the "traditional" student mold.
From classroom to clinic: Why I transitioned to nursing
I began my career as a teacher, where I developed a deep appreciation for education and youth welfare. Teaching taught me that everyone learns differently and has unique needs. While I loved my work, I eventually decided to shift my focus to nursing, seeking a more direct role in improving people’s lives. This transition brought new challenges, especially as I balanced academics with family life. I’m not just managing lectures and assignments; I’m navigating my roles as a father, partner, and advocate. Each role enriches my experience, and these intersections of my life have shown me that empathy and adaptability are key to success in any field.
Balancing parenthood, advocacy, and academic life
Being a parent, especially to a child with autism, has taught me a great deal about patience and resilience. My family is my foundation, and they inspire me to persist even when the demands of my studies seem overwhelming. Every day, I’m reminded that resilience isn’t only about enduring challenges - it’s about finding meaning and joy along the way, even in the small moments.
As an academic student representative, I’m committed to using my voice to advocate for all students. In my role on the committee, I strive to ensure that university policies meet the needs of the entire student body. This includes pushing for academic support that is accessible and adaptive to individual circumstances, not just one- size-fits-all. I believe that support services should be viewed as essential resources, not just optional add-ons.
The importance of after-hours support for all students
For students like myself, who have additional responsibilities, after-hours academic support has been a game-changer. Often, I study late at night after my children are in bed, and it’s a relief to know that services like Studiosity are available when I need them most. Having access to support outside of typical hours isn’t just convenient - it’s essential.
But the need for flexible support goes beyond mature students. Many students face unique challenges that make traditional support systems insufficient. For example, students with disabilities, those from diverse cultural backgrounds, or those who may feel isolated in university settings often benefit immensely from after-hours assistance. Personally, I live with Neurofibromatosis, which can add complexity to my daily life. Services like Studiosity offer tailored, accessible support that’s available when and where students need it, helping bridge gaps for those who might otherwise struggle to keep up.
Cultivating a sense of belonging
One of the most important aspects of student support is fostering a sense of belonging. In my experience as a student representative, I’ve seen how feelings of isolation can negatively affect students’ motivation and engagement. When students feel understood and supported, they’re more likely to thrive academically and socially. Many students face barriers to feeling fully connected to the university community, whether due to cultural differences, health challenges, or non-traditional pathways into higher education. After-hours support can make a difference here by providing peace of mind and reassurance. It helps students know they are not alone in their struggles, even if they study at unconventional hours or face additional obstacles.
Advocating for flexible, inclusive support systems
As an advocate, I’m committed to ensuring that the voices of all students, especially those who may not feel heard, are represented in conversations about academic policy. I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is to listen to students’ feedback on support services. Their insights help shape the development of resources that truly meet their needs, from after-hours assistance to improved accommodations for students
with disabilities.
To create a university experience that truly supports students, we must prioritise flexibility, inclusivity, and accessibility. Student needs are not static, and the landscape of higher education is always evolving. Universities must remain open to new ways of providing support, continually adapting to reflect the diversity and unique needs of the student population.
Education as an inclusive environment
Ultimately, education is about more than transferring knowledge; it’s about creating a welcoming environment where every student feels valued and capable of reaching their full potential. The support systems we build should embody this commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that students from all walks of life have access to the resources they need to succeed.
Finally, I’d like to emphasise that each student’s journey is unique. My path as a mature student, father, teacher, and advocate has shown me the value of flexible support. Services like Studiosity are indispensable for students who need academic help outside the standard hours, and I hope universities continue to expand and prioritize these resources for all students.
Find out if your education provider offers Studiosity here.
