Ika Ograbek
Kia ora, my name is Ika Ograbek.
I am of Kiwi and Polish descent, and I’ve lived in many different parts of Auckland over the years. I graduated from Macleans College in 2021, and I’m currently in my final year studying Criminology and Criminal Justice, with a minor in Education, at Auckland University of Technology.
I’ve always had a strong interest in people and community and understanding how we can create safer, more supportive spaces for everyone. I also have volunteer experience and like to show up where I can, whether it’s for people or for the environment. I think it’s important that we take care of both the earth and the people in it.
That’s what led me to my placement with The HEART Movement. From the moment I joined, I’ve been met with kindness towards me, which made it feel like a space where I truly belong. For me, this placement feels like a really meaningful step in my journey, especially as I hope to continue working with and for the community in my future career. What I really appreciate about The HEART Movement is the way it creates space for connection, learning, and growth. It’s not always about big actions but also about the everyday moments, the conversations, the support, and the way people show up for each other. That’s something I find really powerful.
As a Change Agent, I want to grow in my understanding of what it really means to support a community. I’m especially interested in learning how to connect with people in a genuine way and be part of creating spaces where others feel safe, heard, and supported.
A big part of who I am is my creativity. I love crafting and making art, and I don’t really take it too seriously. I just make whatever I feel like in the moment, and it usually ends up being something cute or cat-themed. I see creativity as such an important way for people to express themselves. Whether it’s through art, words, or even just how you move through life, I think creativity should always be encouraged. I also think creativity looks different for everyone! Sometimes it’s not just art, it can be in the way you speak to others, how you solve problems, or how you show care for the people around you.
If there’s one thing I’d want to leave with people, it’s that the small things matter. The way we treat others, the time we give, and the effort we put in all add up. Like Muhammad Ali once said, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” I find this quote important, and it’s something I try to carry with me in the way I show up for others and the work I do.