Tessa Thompson (Ngāti Awa, Whakatōhea, Tūwharetoa ki Kawerau, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahungunu), tauira of social work at Tauranga campus, sees herself as an agent of change – for herself, her whānau, and eventually her community. She’s raising her children in Kawerau and is studying to be a social worker to become a better version of herself.

Tessa enrolled in Manaaki Tāngata back in 2019, and while unable to complete that year, knows that the programme gave her the strength to move from Porirua to Kawerau when heavily pregnant.

“Unfortunately, my whole world just came crashing down, and I had to come home. Manaaki Tāngata actually gave me the strength to pack up and come home.”

She was first drawn to the programme when she realised that her original plan – to go into nursing – wasn’t the right fit. Although she wanted to help and support people, she wasn’t comfortable with the physical nature of being a nurse.

“I found that social work helped me still be there to support and care. I still get the frameworks, and the stimulation of education, and working with people, but I don't have to touch them.”

When the timing was right, she was thrilled to discover she could complete Manaaki Tāngata in Kawerau with kaiako, Whaea Rawena.

During Manaaki Tāngata she learnt a lot about herself, and she now understands that pursuing social work is changing her life and that of her whānau.

“It showed me a way to deal with my emotions and bring to light that everything that I've been through has actually helped me to determine where I want to go. And where I want my children to go.”

She has progressed to the degree, Bachelor of Bicultural Social Work, and is in her second year.

Tessa has always had respect for the social workers who have helped her along the way and looks forward to the day she’s able to pay it forward and help others.

“I’ll always remember those steps that I took to get where I am. Social workers have always helped me, and I'd like to help someone else get there too.”

When she’s finished her degree, she’d like to work with young people, to change the future for her own tamariki, and others in Kawerau.

“I'd like to work with rangatahi, maybe as a school mentor. Something to do with fitness, being active, and keeping moving. Some of our kids are feeling demotivated because there's not a lot to do, and if there was someone to do something with them, they'd do it.”

Along her learning journey, she’s been supported by dedicated kaiako, and she appreciates the way they are real, share their own personal stories, and treat their tauira with compassion and understanding.

“It's what makes me feel like I can open up. They don't speak to you like you're just a student. They speak to you as if you are a human.”

Her background tells of a life that has had challenges but brings her to where she is today.

“The world is full of ups and downs, and you cannot control life. But you can control how you live your life after that. The social work frameworks keep me grounded in who I am and keep me strong in knowing where I want to be.”

Find out more about our Social Services programes.