From Prison to Purpose

Kia ora,

Thank you for checking out my writing on my life lessons, mistakes, and learnings.

To understand where I am now, I think it's important for you to know where I've come from.

At the age of 18, fresh out of high school and with dreams of serving in the Navy, I found myself at a crossroads.

One fateful night, fueled by youthful indiscretion and the influence of alcohol, I made a decision that would forever alter the course of my life.

I was walking home with a friend from a party and got into an argument with a group of men.

I was punched by one of the men in the group. I ran home, got a knife, and went back up the road. I saw the person who had punched me, and I stabbed him.

He died in an ambulance on the way to the hospital that night.

A moment of anger changed my life forever

The weight of that event hung heavy on my shoulders as I navigated the legal proceedings and ultimately found myself sentenced to serve time in prison.

During confinement, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery.

Behind the prison walls, I confronted the events of my past, grappled with the impact of my crime, and began the arduous process of rehabilitation.

It was hard to acknowledge the harm I'd caused my victim, his family, my family, and my community.

For a long time, I was in denial

In prison, I was fortunate to receive professional counselling and therapy.

Accessing this support helped me understand the thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that led to my offending. I learned how to challenge my unhelpful thinking and beliefs that had their origins in my childhood traumas.

During this time, I also found solace in education, earning two diplomas with top honours from Massey University, and discovered a passion for mentorship and personal development.

In 2021, after eleven years of incarceration, I was granted parole.

The Parole Board, chaired by Sir Ron Young, recognised my strides in my rehabilitation journey and acknowledged my commitment to transformation and personal growth.

It was a pivotal moment for me, and I'm grateful every day that I can live as a contributing member of society again.

As Student Success Lead at Take2, I support justice-impacted learners from their first contact through to graduation and employment in the tech industry, helping them thrive both personally and professionally.

As an Education Mentor at Massey University, I support and guide undergraduate business students in their academic and career development.

Previously, I was a Production Supervisor at Taylor Preston Ltd, where I managed a team of thirty people and oversaw the daily operations of the logistics department.

Change is possible

My commitment to learning and growth extends beyond the classroom.

With a Bachelor of Business in Management and Psychology from Massey University, I leverage my skills to drive positive change in my community.

As I continue on my journey of self-improvement, I hope to inspire change, challenge perceptions, and contribute to a more compassionate and inclusive society.

Thank you for joining me on this journey of possibility and purpose.

Ngā mihi,

Sean Selby