Manukau and Papakura Courier

We can all have great lives: Ema

- JASMINE JENKE

The Facebook page Humans of South Auckland aims to tell stories that are real, raw and relatable. They have recently collected 140 stories to make a book that will be distribute­d back into the community for free in November 2017. More stories can be found on their Facebook page: Humans of South Auckland OFFICIAL or website www.hosa.co.nz. This week’s featured Human is Ema from Mangere.

Working as a Probations Officer made me passionate about working with people who had less opportunit­ies to make something of their lives.

In that role I often felt that people didn’t receive proper justice but I could do nothing to change that.

So I enrolled into law school. It was competitiv­e being accepted, especially coming from South Auckland where negative labels are attached to the stigma of my home.

I however chose not to allow this to determine or dictate what I achieved at law school.

I am a firm believer that we are all destined to live great lives and the key to believing this comes from knowing our identity.

Being a woman of faith has helped me overcome negative perspectiv­es and challenges while studying and throughout my life.

I am now a practising lawyer and I enjoy making a positive impact in South Auckland.

Humans of South Auckland is an idea based on Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York Facebook page. We are a team of volunteers who believe in developing hope and pride in our community.

 ??  ?? Humans of South Auckland this week features Ema from Mangere.
Humans of South Auckland this week features Ema from Mangere.

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