St Paul's has been nothing but beneficial for me because of the quality of teachers, guidance counsellors and coaches. I loved the fact that to play sports your grades and attitude in the class must be up to standard.  Sport is played for only a short time in your life, so it is important to be just as committed in class.

Reflecting on my time has made me realise how grateful I am. In 2018 when I first attended St Paul’s, I was nervous and shy but an excited boy from Northland not knowing what to expect. Although it was a hard decision to leave behind everything, I had up North, I knew it was going to have a positive impact on my life. 

In Year 13 I became a full school prefect and head of Williams House. I was very proud to lead the school haka after learning it in Year 11.  I became a member of the Over the Fence Ministry, a programme where St Paul’s students spend lunchtimes helping the local low decile primary schools – Bankwood and Fairfield. We would coach sport, help with reading and music or simply eat lunch with the students. I loved the mentoring as it kept me grounded and reminded me of where I am from and how far I had come. Someday I hope to be able to financially help kids that are just like me.

Five years ago, I would never have dreamed of being where I am today.  None of this would be possible if it wasn't for the Future Leader's Scholarship and my sponsor.