In the penultimate episode of the NZPETeachercast for 2016, I am extremely privileged to interview an ex student of mine. I taught Troy Ruhe during my time at Wellington High School, where he demonstrated success in everything he put his mind to. But even more impressive than his constant success in the classroom, was his willingness to be a role model for other Māori and Pasifika students throughout the school. He had mana, or an influence about him that had significant influence on many students and teachers that came in contact with him. Troy and I discuss a range of factors relating to his educational success as a Māori student.