Shanai is one of the finest graduates of Standing Tall Mentoring in Hamilton. This is her story…

“Mentoring changed my life! Before Jackie (Mentor), I didn’t have much confidence, I kept to myself. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, I hated being at school.

Through the Standing Tall program at Baimbridge College, I met Jackie. She listened to me, she encouraged me to chase my dreams and supported me in achieving some of my goals, including helping me gain my first job at KFC.

She showed me that I could be whatever I wanted to be. I now have confidence in myself, and I have a plan for my future.”

Since completing the program, Shanai now lives in Warrnambool and is studying Certificate 3 in Children Services at South West TAFE. She continues to act as an ambassador for the program, and has become an excellent public speaker through talking to community groups about her mentoring experience.