Nicholas Llyod - Bachelor of Education (Teaching)

"In 2018, I started working as a learning support in a social service which helps kids to deal with the adverse effects of trauma. I quickly discovered that I have a passion for working with children, and especially enjoyed being in a classroom setting. The teachers there were amazing, and they pushed me to enrol in the Bachelor of Education (Teaching) programme at the University of Auckland.

"The whole team at Tai Tonga put in so much work to create a feeling of community, and it really shows. I've seen my cohort specifically grow as a group, maturing and learning together, and we've come to really feel like a whānau in this unique space that has been provided for us.

"One of the things I've learned from being in my cohort is that anyone can come and excel so long as you're willing and able to commit to the work. I feel very grateful to have this place and these people. Speaking for myself, I wouldn't be doing half as well as I am if I were anywhere else.

"The students are the best thing about working in school environments. After graduation I am really looking forward to having my own classroom. I’m leaning towards teaching older primary or intermediate aged kids as I've had such great experiences with years 5-8 across my placements so far.

"I have found relationships are foundational to any meaningful learning and being invested in the students as people makes teaching feel very rewarding. For anyone who cares about kids getting a good education, Te Papa Ako O Tai Tonga is an excellent place to learn to teach."