I think it's important for me (and everyone in Aotearoa) to be able to understand and speak some Te Reo. Language helps to create world view and I think having that knowledge is the only way to truly connect with tangata whenua. I am a keen activist as well as I love languages and really enjoyed the short course 4 week course with Brenda. I want to keep up the momentum and not lose what I have learned! I've a lot of background vocabulary and pronunciation, but lack the tools to compose sentences. In a professional capacity, I work for the national office for the citizens advice bureau. We have a kaupapa called Mauri Manaia that I am part of a team that is responsible for making sure we are delivering on its goals of te reo and cultural competency among our CABs around the country. Having a better reo base helps me in this work too. Nga mihi, Lexi Taylor