A journey from US military to Māori Studies

When Darrien Jerard Mitchell – better known as DJ – stepped off the plane in Aotearoa from Houston Texas in 2022, he had no idea the move would transform his future.

On 8 September, DJ graduates from Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, with a bachelors degree in Māori Studies, a degree he says has offered him a new way of living and understanding the world compared to his American roots.

Born in Houston to Cuban, Native American, and American Samoan parents, DJ joined the military at 18, serving in Korea and Hawaii. Alongside his service, he mentored young people, though he admits he didn’t fully grasp the responsibility until he left the military at 25.

“I’d been mentoring youth since I was 18, but I honestly didn’t really know what it meant,” he reflects. “It wasn’t until I left the military that I started to grasp the responsibility of guiding young people and I wanted to deepen my understanding.”

That understanding, he says, was amplified when he arrived in Aotearoa. Immersing himself in Māori Studies empowered his mentoring style and reshaped his approach to life.

“Where I’m from, people often think there’s only one way to do things. But here, Māori Studies showed me different perspectives, multi-layered approaches, and a level of support I wouldn’t have received back home.”

Observing a marae was especially informative for DJ. He describes being struck by the way everyone on the marae has a role and a purpose, and how everyone contributes to the collective success of the community.

“Everybody has a job, whether it’s the karanga, preparing the food, or being on the paepae. Being immersed in that showed me how everyone matters – and I carry that into my youth mentoring programmes.”

DJ mentors through the Youth Impact Programme in his hometown, an initiative that blends life skills, schooling, STEM and football. His time in Aotearoa, he says, softened his once strict, fast-paced American style and helped him become more patient and culturally responsive.

“My role is to make sure the kids are safe, their role is to enjoy themselves and learn. Most importantly, I tell them to have fun – because if you’re not having fun, what’s going to bring you back?”

His personal journey has also been profound. DJ speaks openly about struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, and how learning in Aotearoa gave him new ways to process those challenges.

Heritage, too, has been a source of reflection. His parents have roots in both the Comanche and Sioux peoples, and while there are suspicions of Māori whakapapa in his family, DJ is cautious.

“I don’t claim Māori whakapapa until I know for sure. For me, it’s important to walk that path respectfully,” he says.

That respect was a driving reason for choosing a Bachelor of Māori Studies. “If I’m going to be in Aotearoa, it makes sense to learn from the Indigenous people here."

Having spent years of service in Hawaii, DJ says: “In Hawai‘i, we know our way is different from the mainland. Māori here have that same sense of identity and tikanga.”

Key mentors, including Erana Foster and Paora Sharples, inspired him throughout his studies, especially with te reo Māori.

“I wouldn’t be finishing if it weren’t for them. They saw I was willing to put in the work and met me halfway.”

His faith in God has been important.

“Coming to Aotearoa has been where I’ve struggled the most but also grown the most. God has kept me here for a reason. I believe I’m being called to do something – I just don’t know fully what it is yet. I’m finding that purpose step by step.”

Looking ahead, DJ wants to honour Indigenous knowledge wherever he goes – whether Māori, Native American, Samoan, or Cuban.

“It’s all about respect and keeping culture alive. Humbling yourself and being teachable.”