My mother named me after the Lady of Lourdes a Shrine in France because she was a devoted Catholic. It means kind-hearted, patient, and a good friend to be with.
I came from an extremely strict family in a country that is ruled by Martial Law. Despite the poverty, all of us were educated. I earned a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Literature, have taken postgraduate studies, and was able to teach in a Catholic school.
When I came to New Zealand, I took Level 7 subjects from Unitec understanding NZ history and some Treaty of Waitangi. Later, I took a course and finished it last year.
I did not know New Zealand at all, I was invited by my friend who lived and worked in NZ. I came to like New Zealand because of its green surroundings, the beaches, and eating fish and chips while watching rugby and cricket. Met my future husband while working for the bank got married and started my family.
One day I got injured while working, and this changed my life forever. I had to undergo multiple surgeries. To be injured is too depressing, my in-laws, husband, and our two boys were my only family. I eventually fostered another child in 2001.
After my spine surgery, I was advised to get involved in the community in order to have a normal life. I did what was advised and organized a community group, attended workshops, seminars, and how to apply for community grants, I also attended workshops on Strategic Planning and collaborations.
I am happy with the training I learned from William Buck, the Legal workshop. I gained cultural understanding through events I organized and the cultural dancing we presented. From there on the engagement flourish within the community, and I felt successful.