Like so many other people my age we were taught that we needed to discard our Māori identity in order to make it in the pakeha world. I have drifted in and out of my Māori side as it suited me over the years. When I began working for different Māori agencies and them allowing me to continue my journey in an encouraging and non-judgemental way I have now made te reo and all things Māori a priority. I have begun to use my Māori lense and I am so glad that I have. I work for a Māori agency now and every year we celebrate Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori and every year I know I have improved. My goal is to be as fluent as others and to hold complete conversations with ease.