Pakuranga College Team

Ashley Balderston

Part Time Youth Worker

Favourite Movie? I LOVE the Lord of the Rings.  Books and the movies.  I'm a LOTR geek!
 
Favourite Food?  I'm actually just one of those girls who is not fussy.  I generally love everything.  Recently I have really been into mexican tortillas however...
 
What do you love about being a Youth Worker? I just love the privelege it is to get alongside youtng people and help shape them into adults.  I feel that with Youth work, I have the opportunity to make a difference in their lives and lets face it, the world could do with a few more decent people!  Any way that I can make that a reality is my passion.
 
What was your reason for getting into School Based Youth Work? Coming out of school recently I was very aware of the harsh environment a school can be.  I don't want any highschool kid to think they have to suffer alone, and for them to realize that infact, there is much more out there.  I have a real passion to break down all those barriers that arise in schools among nationalities, age groups, sporty kids etc etc.  I don't want anyone to feel they are alone in highschool because they don't fit into a "group".
 
What would be your greatest piece of advice to young people?  Don't underestimate the value of your relationships with others.  If you can create a positive relationship with your peers, they will respect you greatly for it and you will also reap the rewards.  :)