Joshua Iosefo

 Inspiration. It comes in many forms, words, people, films, books, but today, my thoughts on inspiration have changed drastically. All it took was a visit from a young man, standing up to all those who create and believe in stereotypes. Joshua Iosefo. A young polynesian boy who has changed my thoughts, and prospect of the world that we live in. It made me think twice about how my family, friends and I are judged. Though I am not a brown Samoan, it still hits hard.

‘Brown Brother’ The poem that would change the way we think and feel. It deffinately changed me. My prospect of the world, was that there were good guys, and bad guys, and I did understand that, but I always thought that if it happened to me, it would always be someone elses fault. That all changed a few weeks ago.

My class had been watching a movie of Joshua speaking at his school, Mt Roskill Grammar. He was doing his prefect speech. We observed and then had to write a bit about our thoughts on his speech. A few days later, there were comments on our blogs from Joshua’s Mum. She had read some of the students blogs from our class. We exchanged a few messages, and eventually we asked if Joshua would be able to come and visit us. A message was sent back to us. The answer was YES. We were so happy with this reply that we had to organise a date. 

That is how this day came about. Questions were asked, and excellent answers were given. I asked one question, and I think that the answer that was given, was better then any explanation I have heard in my life. I am so appreciative of what Joshua and his whanau have done for us. We have all been very privileged with this visit and I have had a very thoughtful message sent to me. I have learnt a lot. For example If want to be a lawyer, then I can be a lawyer, all I have to do is to keep going even if no one thinks that I can. There is nothing that I can’t do.

A big thanks to Joshua and his Family, I have learnt a lot and I can’t wait to see more from you. :) Thank you!!!