Karleigh smashing her goals!
ConneXu Partner Karleigh is smashing her goals in so many areas of her life, from completing her level 3 Certificate in Health and Wellbeing to completing the 11km course of the Auckland Marathon, to participating in a range of team sports and activities and a local theatre production.
She studied at the Toi Ohomai Campus in Tauranga to complete her New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Health Assistance) (Level 3).
“I finished my level 3 course, learning how to look after people as a health care assistant or caregiver,” says Karleigh.
“At Toi Ohomai there is a lab where we practiced manual handling and personal care…I (also) got to meet a really awesome bunch of people.”
“Now I want to do my Level 4… I’m looking for a placement in aged care. I believe (the elderly) are a treasure.”
Karleigh participated in a local production of Tauranga Musical Theatre’s Production of the Prom as an ensemble member.
“It was also a fun story with messages of acceptance and inclusion which is what I’m big about being on stage, with being neurodivergent and living with tremors and other bits and bobs.”
“Everyone from the production team to my castmates and even the crew wanted me to do well, and they put things in place so I could smash barriers that I met. Little things like putting velcro in my costumes so I didn’t have to fluff around with buttons.”
”I’ve got essential tremor and buttons and I don’t get along very well. So having someone in the wardrobe team putting velco on where I would normally do buttons means that I could get ready all by myself and not have to rely on people helping me….”
“… and also allow me to keep calm and not have to rush, which made my anxiety feel better. It’s amazing and I honestly wish it was more like that for disabled and neurodivergent people everywhere but sadly it’s not. So that little theatre community is just a glimpse of what I want to see in the future.”
Karleigh has been living in her flat with Tiara and another flatmate. She says ConneXu is amazing.
“It’s amazing, yeah. ConneXu is impressive – it’s the only place Mum will send me to.”
“Knowing I can do stuff but have that support if I need to, and mum being able to take a step back. And knowing that I have people in my corner.”
“The ConneXu Team help me do stuff like cooking, cause sometimes with my essential tremors I get a bit shaky, so I get worried that I’m going to hurt myself. They also help support me to do my chores and keep my room tidy.”
“I like doing stuff together as a flat and the Community Facilitators help to support when need be.”
“For example, we go to tenpin bowling together…weekly during the school term in a league. My team got third equal.”
Aside from tenpin bowling, Karleigh has a bunch of other interests that keep her more than busy. She plays a fantasy trading card game and American Football for the Tauranga City Tridents Women’s Team.
She is also a rugby referee for junior and rippa rugby, and jokes “I’m enjoying it, apart from the heckling from the sideline!”
Karleigh did the Auckland Marathon 11km with Achilles International NZ in 2024 and swims in a squad with Evolution Aquatics too…
“My strongest stroke is breaststroke. I try to get there twice a week. It’s just a great way to keep fit and I get to set goals.”
Keep smashing those goals Karleigh, we can’t wait to continue this journey with you and see what you do next!
