Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti
4 mins ago
Harata Gordon is in her fourth year of the Bachelor of Social Work at EIT Tairāwhiti.
Living in emergency housing with her two young children has not stopped Harata Gordon (Ngāti Porou) from pursuing her dream of studying at EIT Tairāwhiti.
Thankfully, Harata has recently moved into a Kāinga Ora home with her two children, but her hardships have not deterred her from continuing with her studies.
Having left Campion College in year 12, Harata enrolled NZ Certificate in Beauty Therapy (Level 4) at EIT. She spent a number of years after that working in customer service and in a packhouse, however, she always wanted something more for her life and this has led her to pursue a career in social work.
“I’m a very simple person. Throw me in anywhere and I have the drive or the aroha to find a way to help.”
Harata, 29, is currently in her fourth year of the Bachelor of Social Work at EIT Tairāwhiti, but has decided to split the final year into two which means that she will finish up next year.
“Studying full-time made it a long year. It is just more manageable with my two babies as well. I can re-set my goals, so it makes more sense and is more fitting for me now.”
The journey has had a few disruptions with Harata splitting the degree between EIT and Ara Institute of Canterbury falling pregnant in her second year, and dealing with COVID. She did her first year at EIT before moving down to Christchurch for personal reasons where she did her second year at Ara. She returned to EIT Tairāwhiti for the rest of her degree.
Harata says that she believes the tough times she has endured with her children recently will shine through when she becomes a social worker.
“I think that having lived the way I have for the last year will give me more appreciation and make me more understanding.”
“I hope that I can inspire or give hope to a mama who hasn’t got anywhere for her or her kids to live to realise that she can do something with her life.”
Harata is enjoying her studies, especially her placement at Ngāti Porou Oranga where she got work experience in the community.
“It was such a positive experience and I was able to make some great connections and have some good networking opportunities.”
While the degree is taking longer than she intended, Harata realises that she needs to be patient.
“I have the same passion, the same drive, the same fire inside. I will always love helping people.”
Harata acknowledges that she could not do what she is doing without whānau or as she puts it “my village sprinkles everywhere”.
Charlotte Chisnell, EIT’s Social Work Programme Coordinator, says: “Harata’s journey is a powerful example of resilience and determination. Despite the challenges of living in emergency housing with her two young children, she has remained committed to her studies and her dream of becoming a social worker.”
“Harata’s perseverance, even in the face of adversity, is inspiring. Her ability to balance her education with being a parent, while overcoming significant obstacles, highlights her strength and dedication. Her story will undoubtedly inspire others, showing that achieving your goals is possible with passion, patience, and strong community support. Harata’s journey illustrates the profound impact that lived experiences can have in shaping compassionate and effective social workers.”
