Chrissy Spence overcame literacy challenges to become a qualified arborist

Q: What did you think of high school?

A: I went to school in Gisborne and all the way through high school I was always just looking out the window thinking, 'I don’t want to be here'. My sisters were good at school, they were A-students and when it came to me, I was always getting bad grades, and I was like, 'I don’t care'.

Q: Did you leave school with any qualifications?

A: Only my driver’s licence. I had really poor marks at school. Back then you could leave at 15, so I was out of there and did a farming course at polytech in Gisborne, because mum said I had to do something.

Q: How did you find studying at polytech?

A: We did more outdoorsy things than just sitting in a classroom. There was a little bit of classroom work, but I got by. I can get by, but my writing is real messy and I can’t spell much.

Q: What did you do after studying?

A: I did a of lot of different jobs. I’d do a job for a year and I’d basically know everything about it and get bored and so I would be like, 'I need another challenge'. Then I got into tree climbing and became an arborist.

Q: How did you get through your arboriculture study?

A: I had a very motivating friend who would help me. It was cool. I’d be like, 'I have this assignment and I’m not going to do it'. And she’d say, 'OK, let’s do it together'. She would read the assignment out loud. If I couldn’t write the answer, we’d talk about it, and she would help me and then I would write it in my own words. I’d get stuck on a word and she would ask, 'What’s an easier word?'

Q: Did you get a lot of inspiration from your friend?

A: She was one of the ones who said, 'Go to the world tree climbing champs! Do it!' It’s really great to have someone that inspiring.

Q: Have you got any advice for people who struggle at school, as you did?

A: Everyone thinks differently, but if you want something enough, you will get there. It’s not easy, but if you can find someone that can help you – that’s always good.