STEVEN Wilson's family didn't want him to pursue his tertiary studies. The Whangarei man's whanau thought that continuing with education past school leaving age was pointless, and thought their boy should just head out and get a job to earn some money. But Mr Wilson wanted a career, and now is raringto go at the beginning of his teaching degree - with $90,000 to help him along. He and classmate Maraina Pou are two of around 40 teacher trainees nationwide to win the $30,000 a year TeachNZ Career Change scholarships, to help with their studies. "I'm so excited, I can't wait to get into it," said Mrs Pou, a grandmother. The pair are now several weeks into their bachelor of education in teaching, Huarahi Maori stream. But just because their course is aimed at Maori education doesn't mean the scholarships were a hand-out. Mr Wilson and Mrs Pou had to complete a rigorous Language Commission test in Auckland last year to qualify for the scholarship. "It was really hard, we had to study for weeks," Mrs Pou said. Mr Wilson agreed, saying that they wanted an in-depth and detailed understanding of te reo, and an even better knowledge of English. "For example, in defining the Maori word `matauranga', they wouldn't just accept `knowledge' - we had to use the word epistemology, which in English means the theory of knowledge and is a more correct translation." Both trainee teachers began certificates in Maori qualifications at NorthTec in 2003, and became fast friends who pushed each other along - and were good study partners during preparations for their scholarship test. They realise the importance of becoming student teachers who have a bit of life-skill behind them. "And as a young Maori male I'm in the minority of teachers, but I'm looking forward to being a role model to others," Mr Wilson said. Mrs Pou has done `various jobs' in and around Whangarei, while Mr Wilson used to work for the Department of Conservation trapping possums and stoats. Now they are where they want to be and have the support of their friends, family and each other. Mrs Pou said she owes a lot to her supportive husband - and even Mr Wilson's family have finally come around and are proud of their boy. "They're stoked for me," he said.
