Keri Mahuika was among 27 recipients awarded a Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō Trust Education Grant in the 2019 round. It’s great to hear from whānau and what they are up to – have a read ...
Ko Keri Mahuika toku ingoa, No Ōtautahi ahau. I come from a large whānau, many of whom are involved in education. I have worked in education as a support staff member for many years and decided to take the next step and study at the University of Canterbury to become a teacher.
Last year was my first year of tertiary study and was quite a challenging one. I did not complete high school and had never studied before so I was quite nervous and unsure if I could return to education as an adult student. Being able to juggle fulltime work, study, whānau and whare was a handful, but was made possible by the support I have received from my whānau and work colleagues.
This is my second year of my three-year degree and I am looking forward to gaining more knowledge, learning new skills, and meeting new people. I hope to graduate in 2021, return to my community school and help guide the tamariki on their journey to finding their passion.
Ngā mihi
Keri
Pictured above: Keri with her dad George Mahuika.
