Return of the Alumni

Name and background
Ko Tainui te waka
Ko Waikato te awa
Ko Tūrangawaewae te marae
Ko Taupiri te maunga
Ko Ngāti Mahuta te hapū
Ko Tainui te iwi
Ko Hylan Te Whanau Pani Potts tōku īngoa.

Your last year at HGHS
2019

What is it that you currently do outside of school?
I am currently studying Sports and Human Performance at The University of Waikato. I am also a support worker for mental health patients.

What was your favourite thing about being a student at HGHS?
My favourite thing about being a student at HGHS were the co-curricular opportunities that the school provided. Because of this, I was able to be a part of many successful school sports teams such as touch, sevens, Ki-O-Rahi and netball. I was also part of the Kapa Haka at kura, Te Maurea Whiritoi, from Year 9 through to Year 13.

What was your greatest accomplishment at school as a student and why?
My greatest achievement at school was being part of the Executive Council as Service Captain in Year 13. Taking on this role helped develop many useful leadership skills that I could then apply to Kapa Haka and to the Premier Touch team.

What are you looking forward to most about being a staff member at HGHS?
I am looking forward to being on the other side of the school, not as a student but as a teacher and learning my role within this space. I am also looking forward to teaching our students the importance of tikanga Māori and te ao Māori .

What advice would you give to current students?
My advice would be to give things a go. Whether this is a new sport or joining a group within the arts. I have learnt a lot by joining these types of groups as it has shaped me into the person I am today. Leadership, confidence, and whanaungatanga are key attributes I have learnt and have held on to. So like I said, give it a go, it could help shape you into the person you want to be.