My Story Is My Identity.
By Michelle Rajnita Prasad
Trigger warnings : Bullying, Su*cide, Other Sensitive Issues
My story is my identity, and it is why I am the Michelle I am today.
Michelle's narrative started in late 2001 when her parents chose to have her while they were on their honeymoon. Michelle, the eldest of two sisters, quips, "Yes, I am the love child." For the first five years of her life, Michelle was unable to speak; during this time, her parents had also separated. Michelle sees her mother as a strong woman who raised her sister and herself as a single mum. Michelle grew up without the affection and support of a father.
Michelle continues by talking about how she was bullied in primary and intermediate school for being a friendly kid who was open about her goals. In Year 8, she claims, "I had enough of it, and that's when she tried to end her life." Michelle recalls vividly attempting suicide on September 27, 2016.
Michelle can still remember how she was saved and transported to the hospital; that day was a turning point in her life. In her own words, "I made the decision to change the narrative of my life while I sat in that hospital bed that night." In addition, Michelle continues, "In high school, I put in a lot of effort and didn't let anyone stand in my way." As stated by Michelle, she was able to finish high school in four as opposed to five years, and in year 13 she was made Head Girl of her college.
She claims that she started her first business at the age of 16 via the Young Enterprise Programme. Despite being the successful woman she is today, Michelle claims she was turned down for the majority of the scholarships she applied for after high school. She had made the decision that never again would another Michelle be in the same situation. At that point, she had the inspiration to start the Good Start Foundation, which she did almost immediately.
A philanthropic foundation called the Good Start Foundation was established in late 2020. Good Start Foundation aims to help students who continually strive to serve their community – in and out of school – while also maintaining their academic potential and success. Students for assistance from the foundation are those who have continually made efforts to serve their community through volunteering or participation, while also demonstrating great ownership of their learning. The charity has so far given three young people scholarships to further their education.
“I want to create opportunities for people who do so much for the community but don’t have the financial means to study further.”
Additionally, Michelle serves as the Director and Co-Founder of Meraki & Candid New Zealand. Meraki & Candid is a social enterprise, walking towards making the world a better and equitable place for young people to live in by tackling issues and barriers to young people of today. If you are between 18-35 years old, we know how it feels. This age period may be the most difficult time of life to deal with because of factors such as circumstances, health, level of privilege and opportunities available, and endless possibilities on what kind of adult you want to be. Not everyone follows the same path of finishing school, going to university, and getting a “real” job. Some don’t have the means, capacity, and capability and we must recognise this. Life doesn’t end if you get pregnant at a young age either. Some may want to build their own business, and some may just want to get work experience and climb the corporate ladder and we are here for you.
Michelle is originally from the island famous for its big bula smiles, Fiji. Young Enterprise Alumni Community Leader of the Year, Young Enterprise East Auckland Region, EY Individual of the Year, Mike Pero Entrepreneur of the Year, YWCA's Y25 recipients in 2022, East Auckland Young Person of the Year, and Service to the Community Award Recipient are just a few of the honors Michelle has received.
Michelle values spending time with loved ones and taking care of oneself. When she has free time, she enjoys a good bottle of Moscato and walks in the park or on the beach. She also enjoys long drives, listening to old music, researching art, reading biographies and poetry, and exploring new pubs and restaurants.
Be your genuine self, 100 percent of the time, is Michelle's life motto.
Michelle’s personal Instagram link
Good Start Foundation’s Instagram link
Meraki & Candid’s Instagram link