Emma
“Don’t grow up too fast, slow down and just be young!”
Emma is incredibly driven - she’s determined to challenge herself. When she’s not at work, she spends her spare time devoted to her course work, studying te reo Māori (the Māori language). Emma has continued to advance levels in this course; she’s passionate about widening her understanding of Te Ao Māori (the Māori world) and learning about how she can integrate it in her daily work as a public servant. In her personal life, she’s an incredibly loyal friend - she’s someone you want in your corner. You can always count on Emma - whether that be for a shoulder to cry on, or for an incredibly fun time. She’s someone you make memories with. When Emma’s not working, or studying, you can catch her embarking on a spontaneous adventure, having a dance, a wine or just making the most of every opportunity life throws her way. Meet Emma. This is her story.
P: Please introduce yourself!
E: Kia ora e hoa mā! Ko Emma Blake tōku ingoa. Hello friends! I’m Emma, a 24 year old psychology and criminology graduate from Victoria University of Wellington. I am a public servant working for the Ministry of Education and a student at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa studying te reo Māori.
I grew up in Whanganui but have lived my best life in Te Whanganui a Tara | Wellington for the past 7 years.
P: Describe or define yourself in your own words.
E: I work really hard, but I also play hard! I’m hard working and reliable - I take my work and studies really seriously. I value feeling accomplished and will work my butt off each week to make myself proud. But when that week is done.. I am always more than ready to let my hair down.
I’m totally a summer girl - nothing makes me happier than being in 25 degree heat at a summer music festival with a cold drink in hand and surrounded by my best gal pals.
P: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
E: I love my spontaneity - It doesn’t take much to convince me into anything that involves being in the sun, travelling, live music, or a wine tour.
In 2019 I travelled to Thailand, Bali, Vietnam, Cambodia and the Phillipines. Travelling is such a freeing feeling and I can’t wait to get on another international flight some time soon!
P: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?
E: I wouldn’t say this experience defined me, but it for sure taught me a lot. My parents split up when I was younger. Of course it was difficult seeing my friend’s parents together and wondering why mine weren’t - but it taught me so much and I wouldn’t change it for the world. My parents handled it so well and are still friends to this day. It taught me that no matter what happens in life you have to put yourself first. Never stay in a relationship that isn’t working . You have to do what works for you. No one will thank you - even your children (trust me), and especially not yourself if you stay in an unhappy relationship.
P: What is one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
E: Don’t grow up too fast, slow down and just be young!
P: What does being a woman mean to you?
E: Being a women means being strong and outspoken even in the face of adversity. Being a women means being a boss - of your life and your body. Being a woman is beautiful and empowering.
P: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
P: Of course this has to be my mum. This superwoman went out and got herself a career and studied her ass off while being a single mum. I would say thank you - thank you for being such a boss and showing me that I can do anything if I put my mind into it. Thank you for showing me what it is to be a true woman.