Qualifications: Social services Level 4 certificate, Business Admin and Tech Level 4 - Otago Polytechnic and a Bachelor of Social Services, Te Pūkenga - Otago Polytechnic
Hobbies: Tramping with my Grandma. I was a very social butterfly, so spent most of my time with friends. Earlier school day I loved Athletics - Sprints, hurdles and relay, Netball and Basketball
Favourite food: Thai curry and chocolate
Hobbies: Tramping with my Grandma. I was a very social butterfly, so spent most of my time with friends. Earlier school day I loved Athletics - Sprints, hurdles and relay, Netball and Basketball
Favourite food: Thai curry and chocolate
I was born and bred in Dunedin. I am of Dutch and Samoan heritage, my Grandad is from Lufilufi, Samoa. I went to Queens High School, where my favourite subjects were cooking, and history (Social studies) and I disliked Math. Reflecting on who had the biggest impact on me during my school years, it would have to be my third form dean at Queens High School, Ms Fountain. She was a very caring woman and took it upon herself to spend time getting to know and understand me as a young student who didn't quite fit into the education system.
When I finished school, I had no idea about what I wanted to do, I had no goals and lacked confidence in my abilities to pursue further education. I left school at 15 years old, I went on to alternative education where I attended the Salvation Army programme - Future Focus, which no longer exists. My tutor at the time was very encouraging, saw potential in me and prepared me for the workforce. I went on to work in cafes, fish factories, retail, sales, telemarketing, support roles and childcare. I then went on to complete a Social services Level 4 certificate, Business Admin and Tech Level 4 and a Bachelor of Social Services at Te Pūkenga (Otago Polytechnic).
I had never believed that I had the capability to do a degree, it was never even something I considered a possibility. It was the people around me who encouraged me to apply, thank goodness for these people, they saw the potential in me to do something greater than I would have ever imagined for myself.
I now work as a Career Practitioner (Career Advisor) at Te Pūkenga (Otago Polytechnic) where I provide individual career guidance and planning for current and prospective students. Not everyone knows what they want to do for a career and sometimes we don't think we are capable of studying at a tertiary level. That's when my role comes in handy, I can provide programme/industry information and support people to seek a career that is aligned with their interests, values and personal attributes. I facilitate workshops for many of our classes preparing them for the workforce, such as CV's, interview preparation and Identifying skills. Essentially, I can be the person who meets the learner from the start of their tertiary journey to when they are about to complete their study and are ready to seek employment or further study.
The part I enjoy most about this role is meeting and connecting with new people! I love our student support here; we all really care about our learners and do what we can as a team to make the journey for our students as smooth as possible. Another favourite part is providing a safe space where people can explore who they are, what they represent and aligning all of this with a career that they feel connected with and want to pursue. These are the moments that I feel privileged to be a part of the "AHA' moment when a person gains clarity about themselves and the direction they want to head!
I am Dutch/Samoan and haven't always connected to either culture. When I was younger, I never knew who or what to identify as, it was a confusing space to be in. Encouraging people to feel a sense of belonging is something I am deeply passionate about, as I can very much relate. I also know that not everyone feels confident navigating through high school, some leave early and can feel a little lost along the way. I just want to put my story out there for anyone who feels they can relate and give hope that there are always other options to succeed in life.
If you could give some words of wisdom to your younger self - what would you say?
When I finished school, I had no idea about what I wanted to do, I had no goals and lacked confidence in my abilities to pursue further education. I left school at 15 years old, I went on to alternative education where I attended the Salvation Army programme - Future Focus, which no longer exists. My tutor at the time was very encouraging, saw potential in me and prepared me for the workforce. I went on to work in cafes, fish factories, retail, sales, telemarketing, support roles and childcare. I then went on to complete a Social services Level 4 certificate, Business Admin and Tech Level 4 and a Bachelor of Social Services at Te Pūkenga (Otago Polytechnic).
I had never believed that I had the capability to do a degree, it was never even something I considered a possibility. It was the people around me who encouraged me to apply, thank goodness for these people, they saw the potential in me to do something greater than I would have ever imagined for myself.
I now work as a Career Practitioner (Career Advisor) at Te Pūkenga (Otago Polytechnic) where I provide individual career guidance and planning for current and prospective students. Not everyone knows what they want to do for a career and sometimes we don't think we are capable of studying at a tertiary level. That's when my role comes in handy, I can provide programme/industry information and support people to seek a career that is aligned with their interests, values and personal attributes. I facilitate workshops for many of our classes preparing them for the workforce, such as CV's, interview preparation and Identifying skills. Essentially, I can be the person who meets the learner from the start of their tertiary journey to when they are about to complete their study and are ready to seek employment or further study.
The part I enjoy most about this role is meeting and connecting with new people! I love our student support here; we all really care about our learners and do what we can as a team to make the journey for our students as smooth as possible. Another favourite part is providing a safe space where people can explore who they are, what they represent and aligning all of this with a career that they feel connected with and want to pursue. These are the moments that I feel privileged to be a part of the "AHA' moment when a person gains clarity about themselves and the direction they want to head!
I am Dutch/Samoan and haven't always connected to either culture. When I was younger, I never knew who or what to identify as, it was a confusing space to be in. Encouraging people to feel a sense of belonging is something I am deeply passionate about, as I can very much relate. I also know that not everyone feels confident navigating through high school, some leave early and can feel a little lost along the way. I just want to put my story out there for anyone who feels they can relate and give hope that there are always other options to succeed in life.
If you could give some words of wisdom to your younger self - what would you say?
1. Believe in yourself.
2. Spend more time with family that keeps you grounded and connected to your culture.
3. Keep playing sports!
2. Spend more time with family that keeps you grounded and connected to your culture.
3. Keep playing sports!