High School (2018–2022)

I attended Taradale High School in Hawke's Bay, where I focused heavily on digital technologies and academics. I earned NCEA Levels 1 and 2 with Excellence, Level 3 with Merit, and several subject awards in Digital Media, Computer Science, Accounting, and more.

In my final year, I was the Student Head of Technology, managing the school’s AV systems, supporting staff and students with tech, and organising events like school karaoke. It was a role that pushed me to grow as a leader and gave me the confidence I didn’t know I had.

I spent most of my breaks fixing tech and working on projects like stage lighting software, a Minecraft remake, and a game called Teacher Tap. High school was also the period I turned my programming passion into a reality, teaching myself how to code; starting with simple web projects and eventually moving into Node.js and Unity.

Lifeguarding (2023–2025)

From 2023 to 2025, I worked full-time each summer as a pool lifeguard at Splash Planet, clocking over 1,000 hours on duty. Ironically, I started out as a weak swimmer. As a child, my swim teacher called me "unteachable." But after enjoying a season as a Slide Guard, I decided to challenge myself, train hard, and become a certified lifeguard.

I earned my Pool Lifeguard Practising Certificate, Comprehensive First Aid, and Oxygen & Airways certifications, along with completing defence training. On the job, I was responsible for everything from facility prep and enforcing safety rules to responding to emergencies, including drownings, unconscious customers, injuries, and more. Every day brought something unexpected, and staying calm under pressure became second nature.

The best part? The summer energy: sunshine, teamwork, and meeting new people every day. Lifeguarding taught me how to lead, handle tough situations with empathy, and stay sharp in high-stress moments. It made me more confident, capable, and street-smart. And honestly, there’s nothing cooler than saying your job is literally saving lives.

University (2023–Present)

I'm currently studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington, majoring in Software with a specialisation in Cyber-Physical Systems. I started in 2023 and plan to graduate in 2026.

I’ve been programming since I was a kid, so software engineering was the natural next step. What I love most about uni is finally getting answers to all the questions I use to ask myself, like why we do things a certain way, or how systems actually work under the hood. Low-level programming has been especially rewarding for me. It’s logical, challenging, and exactly my kind of fun.

University has also helped broaden my understanding of what it means to be a good engineer, from ethics to proper software design, testing, and real-world development practices. I’ve served as a class rep for a few courses, which has been a great way to support others and stay connected with my peers.

Balancing the constant flow of assignments is definitely a challenge, but I’m learning to find rhythm and motivation even in the more repetitive work. Looking ahead, I’m open to postgraduate study, maybe a Master’s or even a PhD someday.