A lesson in dedication for new grad

Last weekend young Mangawhai woman Jackie Hayes (pictured) lined up with her classmates to be capped a Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood Education. 

This has long been a course Jackie has chosen to take, but her achievement is the culmination of a long road to recovery when, at just five years of age, Jackie suffered severe head trauma after being kicked by a horse. 

Though living in Kumeu at the time of her accident, Mangawhai played an important part in her rehabilitation. Visiting grandparents meant lots of time in the water and rolling down sandhills as part of the therapy which helped her regain strength and her equilibrium. 

The family moved to Australia in 1999 and her parents were able to access further high quality care and maintain and monitor Jackie’s progress. 

Moving back to Mangawhai in 2005 and completing her schooling at Otamatea High School with great support from her teachers and parents Laureen and Shane, Jackie began her training at Whangarei’s Regent Training Centre.

Beginnig with school work experience, then part-time at several pre-school centres while studying for her qualifications, Jackie has reached a well-planned goal and is now a part of the team at Small Poppies, Kaiwaka; a lesson in dedication and hard work. 

Her smile says it all.