Semaema Lomani
Well before she’d even crossed the stage at graduation to receive her Bachelor of Applied Science, Semaema Lomani had a fantastic job lined up in Darwin, Australia.
Her new role as health promotion officer, which will see her working with the First Nations community in Katherine, was a well-deserved outcome for the hardworking 37-year-old.
Semaema—known as Sem—started her degree at Ara in 2021. She opted for the health promotion speciality of the Bachelor of Applied Science which also has specialties in human nutrition and sport and exercise science.
Sem already had experience in the field of health promotion, having worked as a healthy lifestyle adviser for Tangata Atumotu Trust, but wanted to get more in-depth expertise to make an even bigger difference.
“I was driven by a deep-seated desire to contribute positively to the wellbeing of individuals and communities, particularly within the Pasifika context,” she says. “Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the health outcomes affecting our families, which fuelled my passion for addressing health disparities.”
Sem, whose family hails from Lutukina village in Fiji, says fostering awareness and encouraging healthy lifestyles can make a significant difference. “My goal is to empower individuals to take control of their health and wellbeing, ultimately creating a ripple effect that positively influences the overall health of the Pasifika community. Studying health promotion isn’t just an academic pursuit for me; it’s a personal commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of others.”
Choosing to study at Ara was a ‘natural decision’, Sem says, in large part due to the exceptional support provided by tutors, and Ara’s Cultural Home, designed specifically to support Pacific learners.
“The welcoming atmosphere at Ara made me feel instantly connected and supported throughout my academic journey. I had access to assistance whenever needed, and the tutors went above and beyond to provide guidance and encouragement. The presence of Cultural Home further enhanced my experience, offering a sense of cultural belonging and understanding.”
Sem says Ara is more than just an educational institution. “It's a community where people genuinely care about your success. The wealth of expertise and resources available here ensured that I had the support I needed to overcome challenges and succeed in my academic pursuits.”
Sem was surprised at how ‘hands on’ her degree was, having initially expected a theory-heavy curriculum. “The programme pleasantly surprised me with its emphasis on practical application through extensive group work. Collaborating with fellow students allowed us to plan and implement initiatives aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of our peers at Ara. This hands-on experience not only deepened my understanding of health promotion strategies but also provided a real-world perspective on the challenges and successes of implementing health initiatives within a community.”
Her tutors also made an impression. "They were instrumental in shaping my educational experience, and their teaching style has left a lasting impression. What stood out to me the most was their approachability and genuine dedication to student success. The open communication channels they maintained made it easy to seek clarification and guidance whenever needed. Their teaching style was dynamic, incorporating a mix of traditional lectures and interactive sessions that encouraged active participation.”
Frequent guest speakers from the health promotion space also added to Sem’s positive learning experience. “Listening to professionals share their experiences, discuss challenges, and illuminate the pathways that led them to their roles was both inspiring and informative. It not only broadened my perspective on the diverse career opportunities within health promotion but also helped me envision my own.”
Sem’s dedication to her studies not only saw her successfully achieve her degree but also win the Academic Achievement and Community Commitment Award at Ara’s annual Eke Panuku event and to be shortlisted for the Supreme Award.
As she prepares to head to Australia to take up her exciting new role, Sem reflects fondly on her time at Ara.
“What I enjoyed most about my time at Ara was the sense of community and the opportunity to forge meaningful connections with fellow students. From day one, I found myself surrounded by a diverse group of individuals who eventually became not just classmates but an integral part of my support system. The inclusive and welcoming environment at Ara fostered friendships that extended beyond the classroom, creating a sense of camaraderie that enriched my overall experience.”