All she asked was for an attentive audience as April Eden led us on her journey to today. Goal achieved. One gets the sense behind this bubbly, quick-witted personality and killer smile is a sheer determination to achieve. I have no doubt this ‘spunk' would have been testing for her Mother at times, even April admitted to being a spirited teen. As I am not April’s Mother, I see her pluckiness and drive as an asset, will power and strength channelled into whatever holds her attention. With a hint of pride, quite rightly so, April alluded to a childhood successfully dancing and singing competitively. Our Club loves to appreciate one another’s talents, so you have been warned April...a wee number for the Andrew Meek Memorial Auction would go down a treat.
All she asked was for an attentive audience as April Eden led us on her journey to today. Goal achieved. One gets the sense behind this bubbly, quick-witted personality and killer smile is a sheer determination to achieve. I have no doubt this ‘spunk' would have been testing for her Mother at times, even April admitted to being a spirited teen. As I am not April’s Mother, I see her pluckiness and drive as an asset, will power and strength channelled into whatever holds her attention. With a hint of pride, quite rightly so, April alluded to a childhood successfully dancing and singing competitively. Our Club loves to appreciate one another’s talents, so you have been warned April...a wee number for the Andrew Meek Memorial Auction would go down a treat.
Originally from the UK, April shifted to NZ with her brother, Mother and Mother’s partner at the age of 13. NZ however suited only 3 out of the 4, eventually, April's family happily settled into building a life in Dunedin. They farewelled a big family now spread all over the UK, cousins now raising the next generation. ZOOM meetings must be a lot of fun.
We all know life throws curve balls. While not easy to see at the time, some of the most unanticipated life-changing events can turn into some of the best things to ever happen. April was blessed with a daughter at 19 and set about, determinedly I bet, to co-parent. Three years on all was going well when a casual conversation and an admission from the Father has led to a further seven years together, a Wedding four years ago and the blessing of another daughter. I don’t do this story justice but I agree with you April, this is worthy of a Hollywood movie.
In an echo from her Induction speech, April wanted to make a mark on the world around her, to do something with her life. At 23, she enrolled in a Business and Admin Course at Otago Polytech and loved it. Diploma in Accounting came next then a job at Forsyth Barr and the realisation that a Degree in Applied Management was required to establish a career in an area of unexpected strength. Two years of study and Graduation in 2018 did not quite bring the immediate dream job to the fore until Craig Investments Dunedin stepped up with a 10-year plan, a chance to learn from an experienced team and room for career growth. For the girl that needs to be challenged, needs routine to change and evolve, April had found her place. She loves her job, she genuinely loves going to work every day for a Company that retains its family feel, looks after its staff and encourages and supports her to grow. Fully supported by her husband, mentored by Paul Valk with one assignment to go, a new qualification and a new chapter await in her career trajectory.
Underneath that single-minded focus is a heart of gold. Joining Rotary answers a desire to be a part of Dunedin, be involved in her community, get to know more people and make a difference where she can. April I think you are a living role model for your 2 girls aged 6 and 10. Minecraft might be their passion and distraction for the moment but they don’t need to look far to see where a bit of spirit and determination can take one. Your bubbly nature and enthusiasm are so very welcome in our Club. We all need to listen to a voice of experience and learn from Bob’s advice to ensure the young ones continue to shake things up and keep our rotary Club relevant. Challenge the old guard he said…” make us a dancing Club!!!” Now that is something I would love to see one night.