Teen Jobs Work Hard | Play Hard

Tupou's Quote: "I have always been driven but my favourite quote is something I live by - BElieve in YOUrself - Believe in yourself, but most importantly be you!"

2020 was a huge year for Tupou seeing her selected to the New Zealand Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games Team. In 2016, at only 15 years of age, she made her Paralympic debut in fantastic style placing 7th in the Women’s 100m Backstroke S9. Tupou competed at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games for the first time competing in front of huge audiences she placed 6th in the Women's 100m Backstroke S9. Most recently, Tupou received gold in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games for the 100m Backstroke S8.

Tupou was hit by a speeding car when she was just two years old, which has resulted in a left-sided hemiplegia, meaning she has paralysis on the left side of her body.

Daniel's Quote: "I put in the hard yards to prepare for tournaments, no matter how tough my schedule is or how long it might take."

"Working hard is the single most important thing that's got me to where I am. My work ethic has given me the opportunity to play tournaments in Melbourne, Taiwan, and soon I'll be flying out to Las Vegas.

I find that the more you give to something, the more you get back. And it's the same on your first job and any job after that. Employers value hard work over any attribute because they can teach someone skills, but they can't teach them how to give 100%. So my advice with any job is to work hard, and put in the effort. You'll be surprised how far it can take you, regardless of your age."

Breakaway Esport is New Zealand's premier esports organisation, and one of the premier esports franchises in the world's largest esports market, the Asia-Pacific.

Alex's Quote: "My advice for teenagers looking for a job is simple. Find your passion and throw yourself out there! You are young and it's time to explore and figure out what works and what doesn't. Experience is something that money can't buy, and you will have it with you forever."

"Job hunting as a teenager is not an easy job. It can be daunting, confusing and nerve-wracking. In my opinion, looking for a job should be called looking for your passion. When I started Job hunting It was easy to get sidetracked by only thinking about money and not what I actually enjoyed to do. When we start a new the job we come to realize the in and outs the goods and bad's of what is required. We gain experience. If I was, to be honest, working with kids can be frustrating and tedious, however, teaching a kid to shoot pass or dribble and seeing them achieve some kind of success from that and enjoy themselves is definitely rewarding, to say the least, and makes my time seem worthwhile.

For me, I've always had a passion for basketball. My love for the game has grown as I have learned and developed as a player. So I thought to myself why not become a coach or a ref. Surrounding myself around something I love naturally would not feel like a job. I now have the opportunity to share my passion and knowledge with these kids and interacting with parents. For me, finding a job is more about thinking, who I am as a person? Not what's going to earn me money. Having the courage to put your name out there and be proactive, talking to people, letting your voice be heard is important and goes a long way as it did for me. Going to a manager or employer can be a bit daunting when asking for a Job however just letting them know that you are available for work is important as workplaces are constantly looking for cover and it lets your employer know you are proactive and keen.

As a teenager, going into the workforce, you need to have some employable skills. For teenagers seeking job experience, these skills do not have to be specialized however little things such as being proactive, having a positive mindset, a willingness to learn and taking responsibility for your mistakes are important. We are all human and we all make mistakes, however, being accountable and taking responsibility for your actions goes a long way."

Katie's Quote: "The only way you can be successful is to enjoy what you do."

At the age of 15, Katie Doar was selected to play for the Auckland National Hockey League team. The Year 13 St Cuthbert's College student made her debut for the Black Sticks Woman's team against the United States at the age of 17.