Meet PIHMS Student President… Henao Ismael Iduhu

I, Henao Ismael Iduhu, am a 23-year-old Third year international student from Papua New Guinea. Growing up I had a very structured life plan. Quite ironic for someone who hails from the ‘Land of the unexpected’ right? 

Coming from a very family-oriented background where the bond of family has been my lifeline through the years, the past 3 have been the hardest, as I, along with many others, have been restricted from seeing our loved ones. COVID-19 has taught me to really thrive in terms of personal growth and development.

Many before me at PIHMS have always told me; your experience is what you make it. My literal-minded thinking got the better of me as I saw myself immersed in the culture and lifestyle that is nurtured through the PIHMS Student body. It is the strong relationships built between lecturer/tutor and students that have kept me going. It is the friendships and connections made through the network of alumni and current students who have come through PIHMS that have motivated me to build my character and the person I have become. 

Who would have thought, three years on, I’d have the honour of being the voice that would represent the student body as their Student President. 

To be very honest, Hospitality and Tourism were not a part of my ‘life plan’ however, I have come to love the industry as a growing family with endless possibilities ahead. It has taught me to step out of my comfort zone and to always strive to be the best version of myself and continuously grow. From meeting different people to providing them with the best service they could imagine, it makes me happy knowing that I have made someone else’s day. PIHMS has equipped me with the skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities to a standard beyond comparison to any other Hospitality training institution I have ever seen or heard of in New Zealand. I know with the Degree qualification and experience I have acquired throughout my time here, I can see myself in a well-deserved position in the industry. 

All I can say to those who are interested in joining this diverse industry is to take every day as it comes and to make the most of every opportunity placed in front of you because you can only go as far as you allow yourself to.