Sẏd Staff Profile - Jessie

Jessie is an integral member of our tīma here at sẏd, often seen out in the community getting young people outdoors and challenging their limits. We love Jessie's passion for her work, and so do the young people who come to us.

How did you come to work at Southern Youth Development?

• I started out as a student on placement doing my Diploma in Youth Work through Praxis. sẏd offered me a job here a few months into my studies and three years later I am still here and loving it!

What's the best thing about your job?

• The diversity in my role, no one day is the same, and I think that’s what I like about Youth Work the most. I love educating and promoting LGBTQIA+, Te Ao Māori, equity and equality for all.

What's one piece of advice that you always give rangatahi?

• One piece I have learnt and really like when it comes to respecting people is “if they can’t change it in 30 seconds don’t comment on it”. I can’t say I really have any advice for young people particularly but I love to remind them how awesome they are and it is important to acknowledge that they are our future.