William | Māngere

“Probably school, I don’t know. I felt like I’ve been surrounded by bad influence, and then because I’ve chosen to kind of restrict myself from that, it allowed me to grow more, to find myself, or just evolve, or something like that.

Like positive people definitely, my family they’ve definitely been the one to at least be like, I’ll have a home to come to, and just to know that I’m safe and that, I’m not bothered by anything that’s out there that could bring me down. Alongside that, you also have your close friends, too that pretty much stick by you and hear you out.

My years at primary from all the way from Year 1 to 8, I used to go to Viscount School, just down the road, and honestly it’s actually been pretty good, other than the fact that I felt like I was an outcast, or separate from everyone else. I’ve had to go through those years to eventually gain more confidence in myself. Like I managed to actually put myself out there, compared to everyone else, and it’s been a bumpy ride. Not going to lie. Then, high school was just where the adolescence kicks in, eh? To just really grow, find yourself some more. Up to now, the uni life’s finally hit me. So, studying on that level now, compared to the previous years it’s a lot of hard work that you have to put in. It’s a lot of time and effort, and next thing you know, when you’re fully pushing yourself through all that, then the rewards are endless.

Me personally, I don’t really have one particular role model. I just feel like I have a whole lot of supportive people, Because everyone has their positive impact on my life, which has helped me to grow. Personally, I don’t have one particular role model. You know, no favourites. We don’t like to do favourites around here. I’ve had a lot of supportive people in my life that’s just helped me through a lot.

So, right now, I study at AUT. So, I’m based in the city. I’m studying a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in children and learning, and just through that, hopefully I can be able to work with the youth, or probably get into social work. I’m keen on helping our people, you know? I feel like I’m relatable to some people, I like to listen, pretty much. Just truly want to be that helping hand that someone can come to and it may not be the biggest difference-maker, but you know, it’s a start. It just adds on to what can happen along the way. So, yeah it’ll be nice.

I was born in Auckland. So, it was me and Mum and Dad, and so all together there’s seven kids, and I’m the youngest of seven. So, you know, a small two-storey house. Obviously couldn’t fit everyone, so six months after I was born, I moved here. This is where I really call home along the way. Māngere’s home.”