Malo e lelei,

On Wednesday, 27 March Sam Price, Aleesha Fa’atea, India Smith, Adrienne Atoa, Josh Burte, Fern Fuimaono, Shontel Leota, Mollie Tagaloa and myself were given an eye opening opportunity. I was shocked when I was first asked to attend the Year 13 P.I.L.O.T. (Pacific Islander Leaders of Tomorrow) Day held at AIS in Mt Albert.

I was very nervous, anxious and wanted to say no, but I went along and I’m glad that I did. Throughout the day we were given the opportunity to meet Pasifika Students from other schools from around Auckland. We shared, collaborated ideas, and also learnt to take out as many things from the day as we could.

The course was dedicated to the future of Pacific Island Students with leadership potential, and giving us support throughout our last year of High school, along with being able to support us moving towards next year.

The main three things that we learnt about were Financial Literacy, Accountability and Transferable Skills, I think it is very important to learn about this because a lot of us don’t know anything about it. Moving on from high school in 2020 could be a big shock, and if we are taught about life outside of school before we get there, we can only benefit.  I think every Year 13 student should be taught about this throughout their last year of high school.

I am so grateful for this opportunity, as I am very shy, and this was a massive step for me coming out of my comfort zone, and meeting new people.

Being a part of this group and being surrounded by positive energy from everyone, gave me a huge sense of belonging and for that I am grateful. I took so many messages out of this day and one message that I think is important is that ‘Growing with others, you go faster, but Growth by yourself you go further’. Think about whether you want to go through things faster or go further?

All in all, I’m grateful for the day and the fact I was able to gain so much knowledge and I was able to understand a few things that will be helpful for me when I move on from Rutherford College.

Grab every opportunity your given and never be afraid to do something different.

Malo ‘aupito
Harmony Tuakimoana-Potae