By PSS | Posted: Wednesday August 16, 2017
Invercargill teen Darcy McMurdo has returned from the L’Oreal Face Your Future event more motivated than ever.
A two day event in Auckland, designed to inspire young people in care, has done just that for 17-year-old Darcy McMurdo.
Darcy, who has been in Foster Care since he was 2-years-old was the only Southlander selected to attend the L’Oreal Face Your Future event.
He shared a motivating two days, socialising with others in a similar position to him, and hearing from inspirational guest speakers, including singer and music producer Pieter T, content producer and film-maker Sydney-Anne Martin and NZ First MP Ron Mark, with each sharing their experience of being in care and what they have since gone on to achieve.
Darcy says the two days were hugely beneficial.
“I’ve changed from when I went up there to the way I am now… I’m focussing on getting stuff done, instead of sitting around not doing anything. I’m more motivated,” he said.
“I think one of the main messages I took was to never give up. It doesn’t matter what people do or say, keep your mind focussed and in the right space and you’ll be fine.”
Darcy, a student at James Hargest College, attends the SIT Trades Academy each week and has a passion for all things automotive.
Hearing from Ron Mark, who went on from being in care to join the Army and become a mechanic before becoming an MP, had struck a particular chord with Darcy, who aims to pass his Trades Academy assessments and ultimately gain an apprenticeship.
Along with guest speakers, attendees at the event were given a tour of the L’Oreal Headquarters, meeting a 19-year-old who had been in care who is now running his own team within the L’Oreal business. They were given products, free haircuts and everything from evening entertainment to meals to the hotel stay and airfares were covered by L’Oreal.
The event also explored career pathways, interview skills, confidence and communications skills and a session on personal presentation.
Family Works Social Worker David Griffin, who has worked alongside Darcy for the past year said “Darcy gained so much from this event. I can’t thank L’Oreal and Fostering Kids enough for this gift. I am sure it will bring him benefits for years to come.”
The L’Oreal Face Your Future event is run in conjunction with Fostering Kids New Zealand and celebrated its ninth year this year.
The hope is that each young person will leave confident that Anything is Possible.
CLICK HERE to read more about the Face Your Future Event.