UniBound

Talofa lava and warm Pacific greetings, my name is Crystalbell Afitu, I am of Samoan descent and proudly hail from the villages of Tufuiopa Apia, Vaivase Uta, Faleula, and Vaimoso and I’m repping Helu Thaman!

Now that UniBound has ended, I can confidently say that I’m somewhat prepared and well aware of what I’m about to step into for the rest of my university journey all thanks to what UniBound had provided me with throughout the last 6 weeks.

For me personally, the lectures, tutorials and workshops in UniBound prepared me in a way I never expected before UniBound. The lectures were able to help me adjust to the different settings and how things are done in a university environment. The tutorials were able to break down and was hands on with helping me understand better how to do the work that was given to me but also help me get closer to those in my class. Lastly the workshops were able to strengthen a sense of belonging and purpose within me but also helped me understand the many resources the university provides us students within the university because we are never really alone in this university journey and that there are people out that are able to help us in situations we’d most likely encounter throughout our university journeys and in these workshops there were moments where it really empowered me to go forth in this journey seeing that we really are supported in this space and that all we have to do is just ask when needed.

I will definitely carry what I’ve learned in UniBound into the rest of my time at university by applying the many skills I was able to learn in lectures, the tutorials, especially the skills I was able to learn in the workshops but most importantly the skills I was able to learn from my mentors, my UniBound cohort peers, and the leadership team of UniBound.

A short message from me to future UniBound students is to don’t take these kind of opportunities for granted, and make the most of it because everything you will sow in UniBound you shall reap throughout the rest of your University journey.

Week 6! And what a week it’s been here at UniBound! 💫

We had the honour of welcoming John Pulu as our guest speaker at the start of the week, a true powerhouse. He reminded our students that no matter where we come from, we can achieve anything we set our minds to!

To top it off, we wrapped up our final lectures, tutorials, and student presentations, and finished strong with an inspiring workshop from the amazing team at Career Development and Employment Services (CDES). So proud of our cohort and everything they’ve accomplished! 🙌🏽

What a week as we kicked things off at our South Auckland campus on Monday! Between classes and assignments, Wednesday’s Y2K dress-up day, quiz night, and ending with Meet the Village, our students had the opportunities to grow and connect 📚✨.

Now that Week 5 is finished and we’re heading into our final week, we’re excited for what’s ahead! Letssss get it! 🤩

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Mālō e lelei, ko hoku hingoa ko Amanaki Lelei he lotu Naupoto. I am Tongan. I am in Pou Hauofa and I am from the villages of Talihau and Koloa in Vava’u.

Unibound has been an amazing experience. Meeting new, like-minded Pasifika students who are all on the same journey has been a true blessing and one that I will always remember and cherish. The tutorials, workshops, and my pou have supported me in ways I will forever be grateful for. They have helped me learn how to manage my time, money, and family obligations, while also guiding me to be a better person in my daily life.

The theme of the week is “Waves of impact”, and/or we are the waves of impact for the next generation. This resonates deeply with me because I want to make waves and an impact in this space and pave the way for my younger family members to succeed in whatever they choose to do. Most importantly, I want them to remember that God is good all the time, all the time, God is good. Living for Jesus 24/7. AMEN!

After a week of hard mahi from our students through assignments, workshops, and lectures, we like to wrap things up with Friday Fundays! This is what our Friday looked like, Sports Day! 🤾🏾‍♀️

kōkiriraumatisummer26

Unibound mentors for 2026 are locked in and ready to see you all next year! LESSGOO 🔥

➡️ to meet your UniBound 2026 mentors. Locked in & ready to see you all in a few weeks! LESSGOO

Kōkiri Raumati Induction day 2025 ✅