Name: Riley Parkes

Instagram Handle/Username: @riley.parkes 

Introduce Yourself/Tell About Yourself: Hi I’m Riley I’m a 16 year old boy living in Auckland New Zealand I’m a student and I love to play Rugby and Lacrosse. I also like spending time with family and hanging out with friends.

What Inspires You Every day? : I am inspired by my mum and dad and how they constantly work to have a better life but also their desire to help the people around them when in need or when going through tough times.

What is some words of wisdom you live by?: I live by the last words my grandma said to me which was: “don’t forget to be true to yourself and always remember your parents are always there for you in your times of need”. These were some of her final words she said to me before she passed.

What is your ultimate goal in life? : My goal in life is to be able to comfortably be able to provide for myself and my family if needed and not have to be stressed about money or my financial situation and just be able to live my best and happiest life possible.

How have you been during the pandemic and how has it affected you? : Over the pandemic even though it was quite-short in New Zealand I had a lot of school work to keep me occupied and busy so overall I wasn’t that bored but I missed being able to see my friends at school and going out to fun places like movies and restaurants.

What is a positive message you would like to give others? : I would say to keep your head up because everyone is in the same boat at the moment and going through the same things you are and don’t be scared to talk or reach out to someone if you need to vent or just get some advice.

What questions would you like to ask others?:How did you find the pandemic and what your some of the positives of it for you??