Alphonso Avauli - Graduate Diploma in Primary

"My parents decided to move to New Zealand to provide their children with better educational opportunities and to help us broaden our horizons,  believing that the country offered more in terms of education. 

"I’m the eldest of 13 siblings, with seven sisters and five brothers. At 21, I became a father to my eldest son, Jeremy, who is now one of six children.  Over the years, I held various jobs, from telemarketing to office administration, but none felt fulfilling. 

"Encouraged by my wife, Krystle, I enrolled at the Manukau Institute of Technology, where I earned a Diploma in Business and a Degree in Human Resource Management.

"After a few years in the Security Industry and Logistics, I felt a calling for something different. One evening, I shared with my family how unfulfilled I felt in my job.  My wife suggested a Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work and Education.

"Despite concerns about finances, my family encouraged me to pursue it.  With all the excitement and mixed emotions, I applied. My journey was supported by my faith, family, and friends. The motivation to finish my studies came from
remembering my purpose. My “why!”

"I discovered the Pacific Centre - Pasifika Success - on campus, where the team
provided indescribable support, especially during challenging assignments. 

"Whether through emails, messages, phone calls, or face-to-face discussions, the Pasifika Success team was always there to support me. I also want to take this opportunity to thank my fellow peers, lecturers, and support staff at the University of Auckland. 

"Today, I work amongst the most amazing team as a beginning Teacher for Years 5 and 6 at Oranga School in One Tree HIll, Auckland.

"The hard work I put into my studies at the University of Auckland has been
immensely rewarding, and I wouldn’t change my path for anything."