From shyness to leadership: Head girl’s journey to uplifting Pacific youth

Photo courtesy of Photo/Manuia Fox-Romia. Retrieved from pmn.co.nz

When Manuia Fox-Romia received the call confirming her selection as Head Girl of Māngere College, it felt surreal.

“I was at somebody’s prize-giving, and I was told that I would get the call that night. I was anxiously waiting, constantly checking my phone.

“When I was told the news, it was just so surreal to me because I think if I look back to year nine, somebody who did not know anybody, somebody who was so shy and just joined every extracurricular group they could, it’s such a gigantic leap for me.”

Now in her final year at Māngere College in south Auckland, Fox-Romia’s journey is not just a personal success story but also an inspiration to Pacific youth and a testament to the power of education and determination.

Building confidence through debate

When Fox-Romia started at Māngere College, she struggled with confidence and social skills.