(Picture caption: Sacred Heart College dux Jaden Asiata is congratulated by her aunty Theresa Lealofi.)
Jaden Asiata intends to use her recent achievement of becoming the first Pacific wahine dux at Lower Hutt’s Sacred Heart College to inspire other young Pacific women in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The 17-year-old of Samoan and New Zealand European descent says earning the title of dux is an honour but being the first Pacific wahine to do so at the school is something she truly proud about.
“It gives me drive and determination to honour that and see what other things I can achieve to help inspire other Pacific wahine to aim high and be successful in whatever they choose to do,” Jaden says.
“Pasifika women are so capable of being successful, but in today's world they might feel that it is out of reach.
“I hope I can show we can definitely be top of the pile and teach others to invest more time into our young Pasifika women to unlock their potential and be the best they can be.”
Raised by her maternal grandparents, Jaden says they, along with her parents, have always supported her endeavours – be it academic, representing her school in Senior A netball, leadership roles at school, working a parttime job and maintaining a sense of balance in life.
“Becoming dux was not an occurring goal of mine throughout my years at school, and I have not faced any pressure from my aiga to accomplish such a feat, however, something my parents have always taught me and something I’ve seen both my parents do first-hand is to be committed to whatever it may be, and always give it 110 percent.
“Growing up I have also always strived for excellence, and through lots of tough lessons and rejections it has reinforced to get there, you must work incredibly hard and be committed.
“To me and my aiga, having the privilege of being named dux is recognition of my hard work I invested into my studies - not only this year, but the five years I’ve been at college, as well as my commitment to serving the school.”
Fortunate enough to grow up in a family where she did not have to worry about finances, Jaden says her biggest challenge this year has balancing a busy teenage schedule.
“Moving into the winter terms, everything seemed to pile up, and everything became more hectic.
“It was a struggle, however it taught me to be able to participate in all the things I wanted to do, I had to sacrifice things along the way.
“I also found by organising myself and having good time management, I could be prepared and get things done and handed in on time.”
Having completed her final year at Sacred Heart, Jaden hopes to study physiotherapy at university.
“I was drawn to becoming a Physiotherapist due to my love of sports and wanting to help others, and it has been a goal of mine for a long time.
“I hope to travel with my career and learn from people all over the globe.
“Through this role I also hope to give back to my local community and hopefully inspire others that want to choose this pathway or a career in STEM.”