Kōrero Kaimahi: Christine Russell

We chat with our in-house facilitator and all-round creative guru Christine Russell, about her take on mental health.

1. What growth have you noticed about yourself since joining Atawhai?
   I wish I had joined the ATAWHAI programme earlier. During my years in kura I was known to be the shy, quiet kid even though I had some of the loudest friends lol. I joined the programme towards the end of my schooling years. Who I became was unrecognisable to some of my closest friends and teachers. I still carry that confidence and empathy I gained in school with me today and it’s got me into spaces I didn't know existed. 
   

2. As a facilitator, what advice would you give to your generation?
   You never really know who’s watching and listening to you. What you say and do can make differences in people's lives for the better or worse. With that said, make sure you're being yourself always, that way those who are for you, will vibe with you for YOU! 
   

3. What is mental health to you?
   Mental health to me is your heart, thoughts and feelings. Taking care of  it is very important to me, as is supporting others with theirs. We all have it and we all need to give a damn about it. Having challenging emotions are normal, keeping it to yourself and letting it affect your day to day life isn't. Korero! People want to hear from you more than you think xo
   

4. What's something you wish you had learnt when you were young?
   Sometimes you're the cause of your own suffering. Are people judging you or are you judging yourself through other people? Being hard on yourself won't get you the life you want so love yourself a little harder today. 
   

5. What tool has been the most useful in your daily life and why?
   Meditation has been a tool that's helped bring ease into my life. When I meditate it's like zooming out and looking at my life from afar. Because of this I am able to reassess the situation and gain a new perspective. Meditation has also helped me celebrate great moments in my life by truly appreciating them. 
   

6. What is one key lesson you have gained throughout this program?
   That no pain lasts forever. And how easy it is for us to forget that. We’ve all been through challenges and overcome them. Your next challenge will be no different and we’ll only become stronger and wiser. 
   

7. Where would you like to see the kaupapa go?
   All over te ao (the world) 
   

8. What is the one thing that you want the rangatahi to know as they come through the program?
   We got you! You matter and we care. Trust. 
   

9. What is the reason why you took on the role as a facilitator?
   I wanted to be a teacher, this is similar but better! I get to be the person I needed when I was younger. 

Christine hard at work in te tari.