I am currently studying a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology, with the goal of becoming a practitioner who can serve my community in a culturally grounded and meaningful way. A key part of this journey for me is also becoming fluent in te reo Māori, so that I can support Māori and Moana nui-a-Kiwa communities in ways that honour our language, identity, and lived experiences.

I am the first in my family to attend university and complete a degree, and now I am continuing into postgraduate study. I am also the first in my whānau to pursue te reo Māori at this level, and I am committed to integrating it throughout my psychology journey, including working toward completing my studies in te reo Māori. This path has not always been easy, but it is deeply important to me.

This opportunity makes a meaningful difference in my life by enabling me to continue my studies with greater stability and less stress. More importantly, it would allow me to keep moving toward my long-term goal of giving back to my community. I want to lead by example and show others, especially those who come from similar backgrounds, that these pathways are possible, regardless of social and financial barriers.

There is a real need for culturally competent mental health support, and I aspire to be part of a generation that helps bridge the gap between Western psychology and Māori ways of knowing and healing.