Keanu's journey into Law
The University of Auckland was always Keanu’s top choice. His brother attended uni here and loved it, but Keanu had not intended to pursue Law. One big decision brought him to that pathway. And now he’s thriving as he prepares for the challenges of helping his people.
“Originally I wasn't enrolled in Law, I was only doing a BA. My first week in, I had two of my friends doing Law. They would come back after class and tell me how much they liked it. So I thought to take a stroll down to Law School. The Pacific Law Student Support Advisor enrolled me then and there into Law.”
Keanu’s start in Law shows just how much encouragement and direct support the Uni gives undergrad students. We don’t abandon you the minute you pay your fees. We’ll support and advise you as you chart your way forward. If you join with us we’ll join with you!
Because I'm from South Auckland I see first-hand the cards that we’re dealt, the perceptions that we get in the society that we're in today. So giving back for me means speaking for the voiceless in my community.
“Being brown in Law school is our super power. Me and my friends doing Law, we know that we deserve a seat at the table. My goal is to give back. Because I'm from South Auckland I see first-hand the cards that we’re dealt, the perceptions that we get in the society that we're in today. So giving back for me means speaking for the voiceless in my community.
“Career-wise I would say I’m aiming more towards advocacy in the legal/law world; and right now in terms of law that might look like defence. I feel like the best way to advocate for my people is to defend them. And not even just my people, but my community at large; those that need voices, those that lack representation. I feel like I deserve to take up that space and be an advocate.
“The piece of advice that I’d give to my 16-year-old self is probably to take chances. A lot of students in high school tend to doubt themselves. Not even just when it comes to university but also just life in general. So I would say take chances. Don’t doubt yourself. And that will help you to realise your full potential.
“You never know what awaits you until you take that leap. You’re bound to find your people, and that makes the journey worth it.”