Ko Maunga taniwha te maunga

Ko Mamaru te waka

Ko te moho te awa

Ko Tokerau te moana

Ko Parapara te marae

Ko Ngati tara te hapu

Ko Ngati Kahu te iwi

No Te Taitokerau ahau

My name is Precious Bassett and I am a past 2004-2006 graduate student of Te Ara Poutama Alternative Education Centre.
At the age of 14, I was involved in an incident at high school which resulted in me being expelled. Due to the event, the board of trustees considered me a threat to the school. This left me with a bad name on my education record, making it hard for me to find an education provider that would accept me with this mark on my name.
After several months of being excluded from school, I found myself scared for my future, one because I was young and two I was rejected of several enrolments knocking my self-confidence. People looked at me like I was a no life, low life and as an effect, I began to display negative behaviours, also told that I was going nowhere in life. Living a street gang lifestyle, doing things to make me feel better and to survive mentally and emotionally, I connected with others who could relate.
During this process, I knew that if I wanted to get out of that state of mind, education would play a crucial part in a successful future and I was determined not to give up.

Through word of mouth, my mother and I discovered Te ara poutama which lead to an appointment and just like that, I had an interview and was accepted on the spot. The staff was non-judgemental, welcoming and made me feel comfortable enough to start the following week. Thanks to TAP, they worked hard to help me complete my NCEA levels 1 & 2. The staff took time to learn about each one of us students, teaching to accommodate the level of our specific learning style, as we learned at different paces.
I believe, because of the time, patients and support given to us students this contributed to the success for those of us who graduated. I felt that I did not receive this type of support in high school setting me up to fail. I was never looked upon at TAP and my mentors were encouraging believing that I had the potential to achieve anything I set my mind to giving me a sense of hope.

After many years of being looked down upon, I was proud to say that the year of graduation I received the certificate for student of the year. I built a strong whanau connection with the students and teachers in which I remain in contact with thirteen years later. The whanau from te ara poutama have continued to support me throughout my journey with other tertiary educations.

Thank you TAP for accepting me and giving me a chance, setting that educational foundation so that I could progress forward in my academic career.

Today I am honoured and privileged to say that on the 20th of April 2018, I graduated my Bachelor of Social Services (Biculturalism in Practice) with Te Wananga o Aotearoa. I am walking proof that no matter what anybody thinks of you and despite all trials and challenges, anything is possible.
I used the negativity to motivate me so that I could prove everyone who doubted me wrong. Success is not an easy road and good things do not come easy but find that passion to inspire you and keep focused! The result will be rewarding so go hard, surround yourself with supportive people and don’t give up...

Mauri Ora!!!