Year 9 and 10 students were privileged to have New Zealander of the Year, Mike King, speak to them on Wednesday morning.

Inspirational speaker, comedian and I am Hope Ambassador, Mike King spent 90 minutes speaking to  the junior students on Wednesday in the Kings' and Queen's Performing Arts Centre.  Mike spoke about dealing with the inner critic - the voice in our heads that has us second guessing everything we do. 

Mike's I Am Hope campaign is all about supporting each other every day not just when things are really challenging.  They aim to share the message that having a challenging time is normal and often that is just for a short period of time but for us all to be checking in with our friends regularly and if concerned making an extra effort for them.  Mike's message to the Queen's students focused on getting students to understand that self-doubt is completely normal and encouraging them to be good friends to one another.

I am Hope is a branch of The Key to Life Charitable Trust, a fundraising and advocacy organisation that supports young people develop positive mental health. They aim to help connect young people with existing counsellors or therapists and provide funding, so that young people get help as soon as they need it.