It’s been a big week for Jesse. He’s been busy pushing towards his goals. He is aiming to complete his NCEA Level 2 and pass his Restricted licence.
Putting up a Givealittle means having to share your story and having everyone know and that’s not easy.
It’s been a shock for Jesse’s classmates to accept. On Tuesday Jesse’s Year 13 Hospitality class made Beef and Bacon burgers which they sold to staff, students and our Team Tamatea partners: Tamatea Primary School, Porritt Primary School and Tamatea Intermediate. One hundred and twenty delicious burgers were made under the watchful eye of Glyn Waterfield, Tamatea’s Hospitality teacher, who donated his time for the day. Thanks to other generous donations from our friends at Tamatea Pak n Save and The Mad Butcher, Napier, $625.00 was made for Jesse. This was topped up with staff donations and presented to Jesse at assembly yesterday.
Jesse wanted to make a really good speech of thanks and made notes and prepared. His big brothers (former students of the school) Justin and James with his partner Chanté and son Te Otinga, came to support him and his Mum, Pearl tried to get back in time from Palmerston North to see it too. The reality of speaking to a hall full of people hit Jesse and as he said, "his mind went blank”. With the support of his brothers and Matua Robin Fabish, Principal of Tamatea High School, Jesse finished his speech. Jesse told of his journey and in the final part of his speech he thanked the school and thanked me with a gift of a taonga, and that, combined with a rousing passionate haka made for a very emotional assembly for everyone.
As we all know it is easier to give than to receive. Jesse is finding it difficult to accept the generosity of others. We have talked about ‘Paying it forward’ and how his family has given generously to the community with their skills and talents and now the community wants to give back. When you are only 17 though it’s all a little overwhelming.
It’s also hard for Jesse and his family as they want to get on and do things with Jesse but they also need to stay close at hand for Dad.
