Zascha’s Story

I’m on a journey of self-discovery and being involved with What Hope Youth has helped me a lot in this area. I used to hide away from anything that would involve leadership but I’ve developed a new level of confidence to lead.

I’m on a journey of self-discovery and being involved with What Hope Youth has helped me a lot in this area. I used to hide away from anything that would involve leadership but I’ve developed a new level of confidence to lead.

I am 24 years old, born and raised in Manurewa. I am Cook Island Maori, Tahitian, Niuean. I grew up with a big family but several years ago the majority of my family moved to Australia and I currently live with my grandparents. I have a strong passion for music as well as youth work. As a teenager I faced a lot of challenges, especially finding out that I lost my mum to suicide when I was three. This caused me to make bad decisions at school, I was influenced by negative crowds and eventually isolated myself from everyone. My only circle was my family because I felt safe with them. In all honesty, I didn’t even know the community existed until I got involved with What Hope when I was 15 and I have been with them ever since. Now I’m employed as a Youth Worker by What Hope.

My hope and desires are no longer just for myself but to influence others. I’ve felt a strong sense of family with the crew at What Hope, as well as the young people we connect with. Through this I feel safe enough to be 100% myself because I’m strong in who I am and my potential.

“In order to change the world, you need to change yourself.” I used to think about the things that were missing in the world and how I can be part of making a change, but I struggled a lot with my identity and low self-confidence. I knew that I needed to grow myself, even if it’s challenging. But eventually I took the courage to overcome the things I feared the most and through that, I found the leader inside.

I’ve just completed my Diploma in Youth Development. I want to support other youth they way I have been supported. If it wasn't for What Hope I wouldn’t be as confident in myself, I wouldn’t have made the same meaningful relationships with people, my community involvement wouldn’t be as strong, my passion for music and youth never would’ve existed, I never would’ve had the same life changing experiences and I wouldn't be strong in who I am. I wouldn't be the person that I am today.