Rise above what ties you down

“I've had stereotypes surrounding me my whole life. I was born in China but grew up in South Auckland. In primary school I would be told to “go back to your country”. In intermediate the comments moved to “Oh you are Asian, so you must be super smart, can you help me with my homework?” Now at Manurewa High School, if someone was told to go back to where they came from, it would not have the same effect. Most of us have roots somewhere else but we all have equal opportunity here. Just as there are stereotypes surrounding my culture, there are stereotypes about South Aucklanders. No-one sees our good side. They only ever see 'Southside'. 

"My message to anyone held down by opinions; whether it's your own, or someone else's, is to rise above what ties you down. Don't let anybody or anything place limits on you and what you can achieve."

Aimee's message has proven to be very popular on Facebook, with many Likes and Comments.

Aimee is indeed having a great year at MHS. She is a member of the Future Problem Solving Group which won the opportunity to compete at the FPS World Champs next year.