A Wellington teenager with physical disability is thriving at school, thanks in large part to a dedicated teacher aide who has been working with him for 11 years.
Hutt International Boys' School student Joseph Penno has a condition that affects his muscles, his father Steven Penno told TVNZ1's Seven Sharp.
"So over time he's slowly lost his fine motor skills and his ability to do things physically for himself," Mr Penno said.
Joe's mother, Jenny, added: "He's had a lot taken away from him. He just wants to be normal."
Joe, who's in year 13, said his condition has made life hard, "because I can't like do most of the stuff other kids can".
Joe's mind is sharp. His favourite subject is physics, followed by chemistry. He passed with excellence in English last year and he has started writing two novels.
Teacher aide Karen Goodwin's body is like an extension of Joe's body - she writes his study notes, and helps him through the day.
Asked what he wants to study at university next year, Joe said, "I'm pretty keen on like physics actually. I like astrophysics."
And the young man who has been through so much himself, wants to save lives.
He has just had his hair shaved - with the whole school in attendance - to raise funds for charity. That fulfills a pact he made with Karen years ago for his final year at school.
"I've had multiple people I know who have passed away because of cancer, and this is my way of fighting back, I guess," Joe said.
"I'm just trying to give my best and give my best to the world, I guess, to try and do the best I can."
Over the years Joe has taught his teacher aide something, too.
"Maybe to be more understanding of things and just not sweat the small stuff so much," Ms Goodwin said.
SHARE ME