Mia’s Story
When Mia first stepped into her role as a Stars Peer Mentor, she was filled with nerves, especially at the thought of speaking in front of a whole class of younger students. But she reminded herself of the purpose behind her involvement and pushed through that fear, determined to grow. That courage paid off in ways she hadn’t imagined.
One of Mia’s favourite parts of being a Stars Peer Mentor at Tawa College was the friendships she formed along the way. She found herself connecting weekly with people she wouldn’t usually talk to, and the sense of accomplishment after completing the Stars programme in 2024 was immense. Overcoming her fear of public speaking gave her a powerful confidence boost.
The biggest challenge Mia faced was the very thing she wanted to conquer: speaking in front of groups and socialising. Through perseverance, she pushed past these obstacles and discovered the joy of mentoring others. The highlight for her was seeing the gratitude from the Year 9 students she mentored; their appreciation for the time she and the other mentors spent teaching and having fun made all the effort worthwhile.
Being part of Stars has helped Mia grow not only as an individual but also as a leader. The valuable lessons she learned have equipped her to take on leadership roles at school, where she serves as a prefect and house leader in Year 13.
More recently, Mia joined the Graeme Dingle Foundation’s National Youth Advisory Group (NYAG), and although she’s only been involved for a short time, the experience has already expanded her understanding of leadership. A particularly meaningful moment for her has been the opportunity to share this story, a moment she looks forward to sharing with her family as well.
Looking ahead, Mia is focused on making the most of her final year at Tawa College, embracing her leadership roles with enthusiasm. Beyond school, she has big dreams of studying nutrition at Otago University, rowing for the university team, and hopefully winning some medals along the way!
Mia’s story reminds us that growth happens when we push ourselves beyond what feels comfortable. Her story continues to inspire those around her, showing the remarkable dedication and leadership she embodies every day.
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