Samantha

My name is Sam, I’m 21 and a mum to two beautiful Babies; Brydon who is almost 2 years old, and Macie who is almost 7 months old.

Throughout my life, there have been a lot of challenges that I have had to overcome.

I attended Southland Girls High School in Invercargill and did really well there; achieving Level 1, 2 and 3. However I did not gain my UE and as much as I would like to blame that on my kids dad, it was my choice to start ditching class, although he was not a great influence.

I had just turned 18 when he came back into my life. We instantly got together, I moved out of town to live with him and within 3 months I found myself expecting our son. At the time I really did not know what to think or do. How to feel or anything. I had taken on his daughter from a previous relationship and I found that challenging, how was I going to handle a baby.

My relationship with Brydon’s dad was always meeting challenges, and 90% of them were to do with money and drugs. I had grown up not having a mum and dad and I didn’t want that for my son, so I stayed with him, even though deep down I knew that leaving him was ultimately what was best. In 2017 we welcomed Brydon into the world.

When Brydon was 8 months old I found out I was expecting Macie. That’s when their dad and I’s relationship completely fell apart. I moved back to town, got on a benefit and found out about MYPLC (Murihiku Young Persons Learning Centre).

I started at MYPLC at the beginning of the year in 2019, 3 weeks before Macie was due. I did the daycare visits for Brydon and then I started. Those first few days leaving Brydon really tore me. He didn’t understand that I would be back for him at the end of the day. And if he really needed me I was only next door.

I gave birth to Macie a week early. I took 6 weeks maternity leave, and then I went back to course. I had so many conversations with my partner James about going back, was I doing the right thing? Leaving Macie at such a young age? I knew I had to do it. I had plans for my life and I wanted to achieve them.

During my very short year at MYPLC I will have gained my UE and found other classes to pick up that interested me. MYPLC gave me many opportunities. The Incubator Program at the hospital which also lead into 2 days of work experiences. I gained a leadership role at MYPLC and have excelled with that. I intend to enrol at Southern Institute of Technology and become a registered nurse.

If it wasn’t for the teachers at MYPLC constantly encouraging me and helping me when I needed it then I know for sure I would not be where I am today. I have learned how to manage being a mum and a fulltime student. I have expanded my knowledge on how to be a good mum. They have helped me when I have had issues around co-parenting with my ex. They are always there for you and offer a mass amount of support. I will forever be grateful for them taking a chance on me.