Sports are easier to play here because you have a wider range of options to choose from, I can learn all kinds of skills in tech classes, and my personality is becoming more rounded.
During my first few months, I was shocked to discover that schools take students on camp (something I had never heard of before) to a different city or country. You are so well taken care of during the entire camp that you practically feel at home, and there were so many fun activities that I returned home exhausted.
At school I have also suffered some bullying — such as people calling me a terrorist, ISIS and a suicide bomber.
This made me quite upset and angry, to be bullied like this just because of my religion. No matter how hard I tried to stop them, they kept calling me names. I discussed it with my parents and teachers, and with their advice and support I was able to cope with it. I also thank my friends who supported me and argued on my behalf when someone tried to start this sort of conversation.
Thankfully it has slowed down to just the occasional reference now.
In Gisborne, my education has been phenomenal. I have received lots of attention and support from my teachers, got more involved in PE, and become academically strong. I made the speech competition semi-finals, and received merit in my ICAS exam. During my time at Gisborne Intermediate I have earned nine badges in academic and various extracurricular activities, due to the encouragement and support of my teachers, principal and deputy principal. My school has always acknowledged me in whatever I did or tried to learn.
New Zealand isn’t just filled with opportunities and fun, it also has lots of kind, caring and amazing people. My friends are examples of this, because they support me in every way, and treat me kindly and equally.
In the future, I will try my very best to pay back what this place has given me by being a productive and kind member of the community. After all, “Do good and good will come to you”.
