When he started Tamaki College as a Year 9, he was nervous because he didn't know what he would expect from the students. The year thirteens would welcome all of the Year 9's with a warm welcome and the prefects would look out for all of the year 9's so they would feel the aroha for them. Raenan inspired each and everyone of us to put lots of effort into our school work and to make sure to stay out of trouble.
The most important thing about college that Raenan taught me, is that if you set yourself a goal, then you just need to put all of your hard work to it and you would achieve it. Raenan gave us lots of helpful tips for college and he inspired all of us year 8's to take the opportunity given to you. Mr Patterson told us that schools like Girls Auckland Grammer school has lots of students, but less opportunities given to them.
Mr Patterson showed us a video about a boy who went with Raenan on a boat to sail around New Zealand. When he was 7 years old, his father was put in prison because he was in trouble with the police. He was growing up with his older sister and was a really troubled student. Until one day, the principal of Mangere college, gave him an opportunity to experience the things that he has never done.
For example, he was on a boat for the first time, getting his first passport and getting to meet new and amazing people. The prinicipal of Mangere college was grateful enough to give him the chance to experience these things. Since that faithful day, his bad habits and his attitude changed forever. He never got to see his father since he was 7 to 15. His speech was really inspirational and it inspired.
If there are problems in your life, you need to work hard to be able to achieve your goals. Even if the boy was having a hard time without his father around, he still tried his best in school and he never gave up his goals. He didn't even think negative thoughts once he entered college, like what most year 9's would do.
