Why I gave up $40 a week to come back to Te Aute

Te Ao Hou, September 1968, Page 55

Why I gave up $40 a week to come back to Te Aute Much of New Zealand's labour force is occupied in seasonal work, a form of employment which pays out substantial wages, ranging up to and over forty dollars a week. Why then, with these wages offering, did I turn away from this work and instead come back to Te Aute for another year? ‘Unemployment is acting as a deterrent to school leavers.’ So says the Minister of Education. This fact did not enter my mind when I decided whether or not to return to school. I think that if I had been wanting to leave, unemployment would not have caused me to reconsider. My returning to school was inevitable. With School Certificate and University Entrance to my credit, I would have been a fool to leave, when I may be capable of something higher. The desire within me to return to school was kindled and maintained by my parents and friends. These people, especially my parents, are proud of my achievements in the academic world. They think of me as going from strength to strength. Sure, we had failures at the beginning. Who doesn't? With these people looking up to you and expecting great things of you, it is hard to just pull out and destroy the image that they have built up around you. Companionship is another factor which made me return to Te Aute. I have a lot of close friends amongst the boys here at the college and I do not want to leave them just yet. Perhaps one of the main reasons for my return is rugby, and the team spirit with which most of our boys play. To represent Te Aute College in any sport is an honour. To have the boys cheer you on whether you are winning or losing is one of the greatest thrills one can experience. Te Aute with its traditions, academic record, sporting spirit, and other achievements is an institution which no member, after a few years here, wishes to leave. During my few years here, I have seen some tough boys break down and cry, when the time has come for them to leave the college for the final time. These boys have felt that here in this college there is a place for them, and they too would like to return. Joey Baker, Upper VI, Kaikoura