I've spent my entire life having to justify my identity as a kiwi and my place in Aotearoa. Despite having a kiwi father, my appearances take more from Filipina mother. I've always had to prove myself as a Kiwi. I no longer feel the need to justify myself now that I am an adult but I still feel it is my responsibility to help preserve the native language of the land I call home. If I didn't feel a part of this country before, I'd surely feel part of it now taking on Te Reo. I want my identity to be more than a descendant of New Zealand settlers, I want to practice a way of living and speaking that is unique to Aotearoa - that's what I want to be part of my identity.
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