In the tapestry of challenges, one learner's triumph becomes a resounding anthem of success, echoing through the generations and marking a historic first for his whānau.

This is Dylan's story, a Ko Taku Reo student for the past 13 years who is heading off to Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in 2024 for Business. Dylan received the Hiki Ake scholarship, up to $24,000, awarded to students who have shown strong academic results and leadership potential and are experiencing barriers to undertaking tertiary study. Dylan attributes much of his success to the support he received from his mum and his previous Resource Teacher of the Deaf (RTD), Justine Gibson. Working with Dylan for the past year, it is apparent that his outstanding achievements have come from his personal determination, motivation, and inner desire to support those around him. I'm excited to see the future successes this young man has. 

Dylan's Story
My hearing difference began at three, when I contracted pneumococcal meningitis and became profoundly deaf, inevitably turning my family's life upside down. My mother was by my side in hospital for three weeks, sacrificing my other siblings to be looked after by friends and family while deciding if to get me cochlear implants. Following this, I had to start from the beginning again and overcome a 3-year developmental and language delay through intensive speech-language and occupational therapy.

From a young age, I was told by the audiologists that it would be impossible for me to be on par academically with my hearing peers.

The university pathway was something I thought was never within my reach, but I realised I had more potential than I'd been told through my experiences and successes. In Year 7, I received the most honours, was placed in an accelerated class in Year 8, and won an academic scholarship to my college. I did face challenges and struggled to gain motivation in Years 9 and 10, with my attendance falling to 54%. I realised I would only achieve my goals if I took school seriously. From Year 11, I turned things around, achieving 100% attendance, receiving an Excellence Endorsement for both Levels 1 and 2, and now aiming to become the first person in my family to attend university.