My Hero with Alice Gordon

Who is your biggest hero, and what is it about them that you look up to?

As corny as it sounds, I would have to say that my Dad is my hero and he always will be. My Dad grew up on a farm in Ashburton, he left school when he was 15 and went straight to work at the freezing works. He worked long, hard and physical hours but because of his youth and hardworking nature he could handle it. Over the years he managed to save up enough money to buy land and start farming. On the days he wasn’t at the freezing works he’d be working on the farm. He built a great life for his children and I am forever grateful to be one of them.

When I was 5 my Dad made the decision for us to move up to Nelson to live. We ended up moving to Motueka and have been here for almost 13 years. He makes decisions with the people he loves in mind and I admire him for that. When we moved up here my Dad decided to pursue his dream of being a builder. He worked towards becoming a qualified builder, renovated our house, and is now doing what he loves. I aspire to be as hardworking and passionate as my Dad is.

My Dad is a dreamer and will continue to work for what he wants in life. His latest aspirations are to build his own wooden boat, renovate a camper van for himself and my Mum, and build a small house on a hill (not a builder aye). 

He has taught me many things in life, things he says stick with me such as:

• You are more capable than you think, you’ve just got to put in the work to see the results.

• Do something for you and do something you love.

• Live your life to the fullest. 

• “Go hard Alice!”

I don’t believe I would be the teenager I am today with such morals and goals in life if it wasn’t for my Dad. He has helped me become a better learner, a better leader and a better person. Thank you, Dad, for everything you do.

Thanks for sharing your hero with us, Alice! Got a story to share? Contact our team to be featured on the blog!