Coco King, a 2020 graduate of Albany Senior High School (ASHS), has come full circle. Today, she teaches English at Northcote College, inspiring the next generation of ākonga just as her teachers once inspired her.

After graduating, Coco completed a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Politics & International Relations at the University of Auckland. During that time, she also became a certified LES MILLS Group Fitness Instructor. She initially worked in social media, but her desire to make a more meaningful impact led her back to education. In 2023, she returned to university to complete a Diploma in Secondary Teaching at Auckland University of Technology, graduating in July 2024.

Today, she’s living her dream as an English teacher, empowering students the way she was once empowered.

A Transformative Experience

Coco joined ASHS in 2017, describing it as a transformative experience. “It was a huge change for me, but also an opportunity to grow and build confidence,” she says. One of the things she appreciated most was the strong, personal relationships with teachers. “There wasn’t a strict hierarchy. My teachers felt more like mentors than authority figures. That mutual respect helped me feel seen, and it made a huge difference in how I learned.”

The Impact of Education on Coco’s Growth

Before attending ASHS, Coco struggled with low confidence due to dyslexia and ADHD. But the school’s inclusive and supportive environment helped her discover her strengths. “One teacher took the time to understand how I learn, and that belief in me was a turning point,” she says. “It helped me believe in myself and led to becoming Top Scholar in Year 12.”

Memorable Achievements and Experiences

Among her proudest moments was being named Top Scholar in Year 12 – a reflection of her perseverance and growth. In her final year, Coco also served as a Head Student, a role that allowed her to give back to the school community. A highlight of her time at ASHS was attending the Youth Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which sparked her interest in politics and leadership. “It was an incredible experience that gave me confidence to pursue political engagement and youth leadership.”

Skills for the Real World: The Impact of ASHS Projects

ASHS’s Impact Projects had a lasting influence on Coco’s career path. One of the most rewarding was coaching for the Special Olympics. “It taught me how to build strong, supportive relationships and showed me the power of encouragement. That’s when I realized I loved teaching and wanted to pursue it as a career.”

Kaiako Who Shaped Her Journey

Coco credits several ASHS teachers for their role in her journey. “Craig Dyason was a huge influence—he pushed me toward political opportunities and always believed in me,” she says. She also acknowledges Nick Wilson, her media teacher, for his consistent support and encouragement during her senior years.

Now in the role of kaiako, Coco is committed to giving her students the same support, belief, and inspiration that helped shape her own success.