A brief introduction from members of our 2022 Executive Council answering the question "What does the phrase 'own your identity' mean to you?"

To me, owning my identity looks like being true to myself, and acting in accordance with the values I’ve grown up with. To own my identity is to remember my roots as I find my place in our world, in ‘Generation Z’. As I enter my final year of high school, I can confidently say that it’s become easier to ‘own my identity’.

As a young woman of Chinese descent born and raised in New Zealand, I feel incredibly blessed for all of the opportunities I’ve had. While I’ve struggled to balance and embrace both of my cultural identities, I now see the strength in the duality of these two backgrounds. I’m passionate about film; having the ability to view our world from different perspectives allows me to provide my own insight in my storytelling, and help celebrate inclusivity. I believe that in our generation, the recognition and appreciation of all identities is critical; it emphasises the need for acceptance and highlights the unique challenges different groups in our world face.

Therefore, I encourage you all to have the confidence to embrace everything that shapes your identity. Be unafraid to show others who you are. Have the confidence to share your thoughts, and have the courage to follow your intuition as you navigate your way through the world. I’d like to leave you with this Chinese proverb: 'shu shan you lu qin wei jing, xue hai wu ya ku zuo zhou. Diligence is the path to the mountain of knowledge, hard work is the boat to the endless sea of growth.'

Rebecca Yuan (Head Girl)

E ona lou fa’asinomaga - own your identity. Growing up in Generation Z has been both a challenge and a rewarding experience, navigating the space in finding out who I am as a part Pasifika, part New Zealand European young woman. This experience has shaped my belief that who we are is both buried within our roots, but also the decisions, choices, wins and losses we make along the journey. In a generation filled with so many voices trying to speak to who we are, it is undoubtedly clear that owning our identities does not always come easy. Personally, the strength of my whakapapa remains a stronghold to who I am. It is incredibly important for me to be connected to my roots, amongst the diversity that they hold. E leai se mea e sili atu i lo lo’u aiga - Nothing is more important than family. This is a value I believe allows me to own who I am. Within our identities, it is critical to acknowledge all those who came before us, alongside paving a way for all those who will follow. Although it isn’t easy, to own your identity is a daily choice and there is absolute power in being who you are!

Alex Matai’a (Academic Captain)