Kath Teepa

NZ Certificate in Study and Career Preparation

Now studying Bachelor of Health Science Māori Nursing

It’s never too late, you know. I’ve wanted to be a nurse since before I became a full-time mama at 16. I have five children, and I got my first job – at The Warehouse – only eight years ago. Then I saw people graduating from the nursing programme, and some of them were the same as me. It inspired me. I thought, if they can do it, then I can.

I’m really glad I started with the NZ Certificate in Study and Career Preparation. I didn’t have a lot of confidence, and the course helped me to realise that I can do this if I really try – and I can, I am! Finding my passion for learning has been amazing, and my confidence in my own ability to learn is building. I am amazed at myself.

The learning – including our history and the treaty – has expanded my world, opened my eyes, made me want to go out and pass on that knowledge. The kids are loving seeing what mum’s doing, and it’s good to be a better role model for them. Now I’m halfway through my first year of a nursing degree, and I’m loving it. It’s really exciting.