PLAN YOUR
PATHWAY WITH TE WĀNANGA O AOTEAROA INTRODUCING: JEREMY SIULEPA / AGE: 24 / ETHNICITY: SAMOAN
Tell us about yourself…Background- Family, Interests, Music etc I was born and bred in Tokoroa. My Samoan background consisted of church and family. I am passionate about sports, and represented Waikato in rugby throughout intermediate and high school. I also took the opportunity to play rugby league in Australia. During high school, I played basketball, touch and volleyball. In addition, I was a leader of the Polynesian group during high school. I also have an interest in music and I am the father of a six year old son. I am a mentor in the youth programme held by Raukawa. I love being around friends and in good company. Being active is also an important part of my life and I aim to be physically active every day. What do you want to do in the future? In the future I want to be involoved with sports and people. I hope to share my knowledge of the sports I love with others. I enjoy working with people, and want to be in the health and fitness industry. What’s has been your favourite part about studying with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa? My favourite part would be the assessment we did which was to manage a sports event. My class chose to do a six week challenge. This challenge involved daily training sessions which were based on the trainings that we had done in class throughout the year. The challenge was open to the community, for anyone who was keen to try a different approach to training. Seeing the changes and results in people was really overwhelming and rewarding. From this event, I found a passion to help people transform their lives for the better. What skills and abilities have you developed since studying at Te Wānanga Aotearoa? Good communication skills, confidence, preparation, people skills, and organising. I also found myself more involved in the community with different events.
What did you think of your tutor? My tutor was awesome. He helped me with everything. Whenever I was stuck on something I didn’t understand he explained everything in detail and made it so I understood. I’m more of a practical learner, so he helped me to understand the theory side of things a lot better. He was able to come down to my level as well as approach me from a Kaiako (tutor) perspective. In five years what do you see yourself doing? In five years’ time I see myself working for Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and drawing more people to our sports course. We have so much to offer here and I’m sure that we are creating something special within our community. Sports and helping people is my passion so doing both in one is straight mean! What has been the weirdest, funniest, craziest thing that’s happened to you so far since studying at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa? The craziest thing for me that’s happened since studying here is probably being the Tauira (student) one year and then being the Kaiako the next. What would you say to those that are thinking about studying at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa? I would encourage everyone to come and study here because it creates so many opportunities for you whether in sports or any other course that we offer. It prepares you for other courses so you can study at other tertiary institutes. Studying here was one of the best choices I’ve made. I am working here as a Kaiako for the Certificate in Sports, Fitness & Health Level 2, for Youth Guarantee and loving every minute of it. I am grateful and thankful to Te Wānanga o Aotearoa for allowing me this opportunity.
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