Amarnee Shepherd | Sport

I am a very driven and self-motivated person not only in my sporting codes but also in my academic ventures. I pride myself on my ability to work hard to achieve goals I have set myself both on and off the field or court. Some of the values that help shape me as a person are my culture, my whanau and my self-determination. My culture and being Maori is important because it allows me to always feel connected. It also provides me with humility to help keep me grounded. To help keep me grounded I make sure I go back to my marae (Turangawaewae) and help out in the kitchen or waitressing for different kaupapa. My whanau also plays a big part in who I am. My whanau help drive and motivate me to do my best. I always have my whanau, past and present in the back of my mind in everything I do, and I feel they provide with the strength and support I need. Lastly my self determination or tino rangatiratanga is an inner fire that motivates me in all areas of life. In particular, my self determination has allowed me to really improve my leadership skills by leading with my actions on and off the field. I have enjoyed by life journey so far and I look forward to continuing to improve as an athlete and more importantly as a person.