Felicia Manase

I felt a sense of belonging among other Sāmoan students. Performing Sāmoan song and dance with VUSSA gave me a confidence boost. Read more.

Felicia Manase Degree: Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Education

Current role: Pasifika Disability Liaison for the Ministry of Education

Place of birth: New Zealand

Ethnicity: Sāmoan and Tuvaluan

Place in family: Youngest of four siblings

I am of Sāmoan and Tuvaluan descent. My father is from Sāmoa, from the villages of Leauva’a, Falevao, Lufilufi and Sapapali’I (Savai’i). My mother is from a village named Vaitupu in Tuvalu and her father is from Nanumaga in Tuvalu. I am the first person from my family to graduate.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in education. The most influential people at Victoria University of Wellington were my lecturers Dr Cherie Chu and Chris Bowden. They were always encouraging and made me aspire to be like them. It is because of their support that I plan on returning to university to complete a Master of Educational Psychology.

When I was a student I was a part of the Victoria University Sāmoan Students’ Association (VUSSA). I felt a sense of belonging among other Sāmoan students. Performing Sāmoan song and dance with VUSSA gave me a confidence boost.

I have been fortunate in finding my dream job. I am currently working as a Pasifika Disability Liaison for the Ministry of Education. It was a bumpy journey finding a job after graduating because I had no real work experience. For two years I worked as a cleaner working approximately 11 hours a day, 6 days a week, receiving minimum wage.

I have cerebral palsy, but it has never been a setback. Instead I am motivated to show others that anything is possible. I have been selected by Achilles International New Zealand to participate in the next New York City marathon. It is a huge accomplishment to be the very first and only Pasifika person with a disability to represent New Zealand.

My training regime for the New York City marathon is intense. It has been both physically and mentally challenging. However, the support from my family, partner and friends, along with the pride I have in representing my culture, are motivating factors. I am very grateful to Achilles International New Zealand for recognising people with disabilities and for the opportunity to run in the marathon.

If you would like to support Felicia and the Achilles team in helping disabled athletes achieve their goal of completing a marathon, please visit http://www.givealittle.co.nz//cause/GRAchillesNYMarathon2014 to donate.