Portia Sagote - Bachelor of Education

"My biggest motivation for becoming a teacher was my nana who is still
currently a teacher and has been in the field for over 30 years now.

"I wanted to be able to carry on her legacy and make an impact on the younger upcoming generation in our community. My village and my grandparents were the biggest motivation that helped me get through my studies.

"Their prayers, advice, lectures and unconditional love and support got me to the finishing line and I dedicate this success to them!

"The biggest challenge I had was trying to adjust to the COVID-19 online learning system. I knew that I thrived better in environments where learning was more socially interactive.

"However, I quickly learned how to be more flexible and digital savvy for
majority of my University journey, which worked out in my favor. Over my years studying I had great support systems. Firstly, I had a great group of friends (who are now family) that played a huge part in my overall University
experience.

"'Show me your friends and I will show you your future' - who you surround yourself with in University does matter, they impact you in so many ways!

"We were all fortunate enough to study together, pray together, fellowship together, struggle together and experience University life together.

"Although most of the time it was virtually, we all made it work. I was also very lucky to have had pastoral and academic support from Pasifika Success Team.

"Their hard work and dedication towards our Bachelor of Education Pasifika students was evident in our ability to get assignments done,
keeping ourselves accountable and ultimately crossing the finishing line.  

"Receiving a Bachelor of Education has allowed me to find my purpose and passion for teaching the younger generation. I am currently working at Kedgley Intermediate School in Papatoetoe teaching a beautiful bunch of Year 7 students. This opportunity has been a huge learning experience and I cannot wait to see what is still yet to come!  

"I have three pieces of advice I would pass on to students still studying.  

1. Don’t stress about it but pray about it, give it to God! He’s got you on
this journey. You are not alone.  

2. Plan out your due dates for assignments - work through your tasks/assignments at a suitable paste where you are able to balance your personal and student life. 

3. Remember your 'why' in life - Ask yourself: Why are you doing this? Why
are you on this journey? Why do you want to get to that finishing line? Why do
you want to make a difference and be of influence amongst our younger tamariki?"