Close-knit community shows the meaning of support
I originally hail from the Deep South, in Invercargill, but when I was 2 my family moved up here so we could be closer to my dad’s family. One of my fondest memories from childhood was when we first moved up here. I was learning to ride a bicycle along Taupata Place, surrounded by family and friends. It resonates with me a lot as it’s one of the first memories in the town I’ve come to love.
All of my earliest memories of this town seem to come from Taupata Place, such as Mr Whippy driving through, or us kids just causing commotion wherever we went. There’s no doubt to me that this time in my life taught me some of the values that I hold dearly even now.
Most of my proudest accomplishments come from my time at Kaitaia College. I am a house captain, and help lead the school’s health committee. My time at the college has helped shaped my morals into what they are today, with an emphasis on kindness and respect.
Treating others with kindness and respect has always been a huge part of who I am. I believe in giving what you want to receive. These ideals that I hold have driven me to try and get the best from all people, no matter who they are.
As most people would know, I lost my sister Georgia to cancer back in 2016. Although this moment in my life was tremendous, it truly was the support of this amazing community that helped me get through it. I can’t thank the community enough for everything they did for me and my family during this time. This loss also made me truly realise how important life is, and gave me a new perspective on how every single person has potential, which plays into my own personal ideals.
I can’t wait to head into my tertiary studies. I wish to study pharmacology, and eventually go into researching drugs to help cure all kinds of cancer. Outside of my own family experiences with cancer, it affects all kinds of people throughout New Zealand. I have seen it throughout our community, affecting many people. This is how I can give back to our community, as well as the wider Northland region.
My biggest challenge right now is organising for the inevitable big jump from our little town to the vast world of university. The idea of going from a close-knit community to a teeming area of university students is somewhat frightening, though the support systems at school, and everywhere I go, help put my mind at ease, not to mention my amazing parents, who have helped support me with every step.
My time in this community has really taught me the meaning of support — how it feels and looks — which I have no doubt I’ll apply in the future. To me, kindness and respect are the values I hold dearest to my heart. Helping one another wherever and whenever. In a world that’s so consumed with hate at the moment, it’s so important to be kind.