Teen mum overcomes more obstacles than most

Kaden, 7, and Kaila, 5, celebrate their mum Jodie Shaw's completion of her Bachelor of Nursing at NorthTec. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Northland mum Jodie Shaw has overcome more obstacles than most to do what she's always dreamed of - becoming a qualified nurse.

Ms Shaw, 24, said her motivation came from her two kids, who last week saw their mum complete a three-year Bachelor of Nursing at NorthTec.

"My main motivator has been Kaden and Kaila," she said. "It's all for them."

After leaving school pregnant at 16, she never expected to go back. At one point in an emotionally abusive relationship, she felt as though she was in "survival mode" unable to plan for the future.

"I'm not ashamed of my story," Ms Shaw said. "I have grown from it."

Following the birth of her first child Kaden, she enrolled at the He Matariki Teen Parent School, in Raumanga, but she thought it would only last a term. "I knew the school was there but I was still in that frame of mind that I didn't like school," Ms Shaw said. "It was the best thing that ever happened to me."

The school not only helped her complete her remaining NCEA qualifications but helped her overcome the relationship and cope with the birth of Kaila. It helped her see things clearly, including what she wanted to do with her life.

While she passed Level 3, she missed university entrance by six credits meaning she was initially turned away from the nursing course.

After a six-month foundation course, it was an "amazing" feeling when she was finally accepted.

Three years and a lot of hard work later, she was waiting on her final results after being formally farewelled from NorthTec last week.

While on a scholarship to Outward Bound last month, she was asked what she wanted to give back to the community. "I want to make a programme where I can talk to parents and teenagers about making decisions for the rest of their lives," Ms Shaw said. She wants to educate young people on contraception and let teen parents know that "it's not actually the end of the world".

Manager of He Matariki Teen Parent School Terri Cunningham praised Ms Shaw for her resilience, courage and determination. "She's taken every opportunity with both hands," she said.