Rangi Stories – Lily O’Steen
Lily is an avid student, who has utilised the Learning Centre for support throughout her time at Rangi Ruru, ensuring she maintains progression towards the goals she strives for.
Personal Growth and Support
Hi, my name is Lily Rose O’Steen. I was born in Sonora, California, and now live at Waikuku Beach in North Canterbury. I started in 2022 as a Year 10 student and am currently Year 13.
When I first started at Rangi Ruru, the teachers were incredibly supportive and quickly introduced me to the Learning Centre and the range of help available there. I began by spending just a few periods a week in the Learning Centre to get extra support when I needed it. Over time, it became a space where I felt comfortable, encouraged and understood. The staff made it easy to ask for help without feeling judged, which made a dramatic difference in how I approach my learning.
My biggest challenge so far has been during end of year exams. This is because I struggle to stay on task and find it really overwhelming. The Learning Centre has been able to give me guidance when needed; helping me to stay on track and feel less stressed, which has resulted in better outcomes.
Creativity and Self-expression
I love playing sports and staying active, I am a proud member of my school’s First XI hockey team. I really cherish spending quality time with my friends and family, and I have a strong passion for supporting and helping people from all walks of life, especially those with diverse needs.
My favourite subject is Media Studies because it allows me to express my imagination and creativity in a way that feels exciting. I enjoy exploring different perspectives, telling stories through film, as well as being able to use media as a tool to connect with others and share ideas.
Power of Community
One of the biggest benefits of using the Learning Centre has been the amazing relationships I’ve formed. Not just with the supportive teachers, but also with other girls across different year levels. It has become a place where meaningful friendships are built, and where everyone genuinely looks out for each other. The atmosphere is always warm and welcoming, and there’s never a moment where you feel alone. There is always someone in the Learning Centre who is more than happy to help, whether you need academic support, advice, or just a chat.
The staff in the Learning Centre have been able to help me grow and overcome challenges in so many ways because of how supportive and caring they are. It’s because of this that I can leave school feeling positive and ready for what’s to come.
Over the past few years, I’ve seen a huge shift in how I approach learning, and that’s largely thanks to the incredible support I’ve received from the Learning Centre staff. Their encouragement has helped my confidence around learning skyrocket. I now feel much more capable, motivated, and positive about challenges I used to find overwhelming.
Beyond academic support, the friendships and connections I’ve gained through the Learning Centre have truly brightened my attitude toward school. It’s become a place where I can truly be myself, ask for help without hesitation and laugh with people who genuinely care. That sense of belonging has played a massive role in the growth I’m so proud of today.
Looking to the Future
I feel incredibly lucky to have experienced the impact of great learning support firsthand. I would like to thank all the staff in Rangi Ruru’s Learning Centre, but especially Ms Enright and Ms Meachen. These two amazing women have supported me from the very beginning of my journey at Rangi Ruru and have completely changed the way I view learning.
Ms Enright has created a space that is welcoming, safe, and full of genuine care. She’s always there with great advice, a good chat when you need it most, and her reliability and warmth have made the Learning Centre feel like a second home.
Although Ms Meachen is a former teacher of Rangi Ruru, I’ve been lucky enough to carry on that relationship outside of school. She continues to be a positive and encouraging presence in my life, and her guidance has truly shaped the way I approach both learning and life.
Their influence has meant the world to me, and I carry the lessons they’ve taught me into everything I do.
Due to my passion for helping people and the joy it brings me, I plan to go to the University of Canterbury next year and am interested in doing a Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology.
