Reflecting Spirit in our final week of Values Month

Throughout August we have acknowledged the four values underpinning NZTC, sharing stories from our community that exemplify Vision, Heart and Competence. In our final week of Values Month, we share how Spirit guides Health and Wellbeing graduate, Moana O’Dell, in her role as an activities coordinator in a care facility.

“Spirit aligns with my highest value which is freedom. Working in a rest home, many residents feel they no longer have the same freedom that those of us with good health enjoy. This motivated me to create activities and programs designed to restore their independence.”

Moana saw how many of her elderly clients were extremely lonely with little to look forward to. Guided by a strong desire to create a Spirit of hope in their lives, she finds great satisfaction in her role.

“Many of the residents suffer with depression largely because they spend their time reflecting on the past and as a result have nothing to look forward to. I saw it as my duty to provide them with plans and initiatives that made them feel a part of something, a goal if you will, something to strive for, something to make them want to get out of bed in the morning, a future!

“I saw the improvement in their lives and it gave me a greater sense of self-worth. I praise God every day for the skills and talents he has given me and I pray He will continue to provide me with opportunities to be a blessing to others.”

While our Values Month draws to an end, we are honoured to live and breathe Vision, Heart, Competence and Spirit on a daily basis and witness these in our students and graduates as they serve their communities.