Scholarship pays dividends for secondary student

MEDIA RELEASE
November 2009

Scholarship pays dividends for secondary school student

The end of the school term is daunting for most senior secondary school students, with the prospect of final examinations and decisions to be made about study options for 2010. One student who is anything but stressed is the recipient of a Wellington Institute of Technology (WelTec) Secondary Schools Scholarship, Wellington East Girl’s College student Jennifer Yendoll.

The Scholarship has provided well deserved financial support for the Year 12 student. With sufficient NCEA results to enter into tertiary study already under her belt, she’s looking forward to making the transition to higher level study with the National Diploma in Architectural Technology at WelTec.

Jennifer who gained excellence at Wellington East Girl’s College this year was also first in class in Years 9, 10 and 11. Excelling in education is something that runs in the family. Brother Stephen is a previous scholarship recipient, currently studying Civil Engineering at WelTec.

“I thought it was great to be awarded a scholarship coming straight from school. It will help so much in terms of my study costs and my future. WelTec has worked really well for my brother - he’s gained work experience as part of his studies and has now secured a job having finished his qualification.”

Jennifer says it’s the vocational aspect of WelTec that was the draw card. “I chose the course because it is practical and will lead to employment. I’m looking forward to learning more about design principles, using computer aided design software and I’m really excited about gaining work experience.”

So keen on getting a taste for the industry, Jennifer has secured work experience with a local company over the summer holidays to get a feel for what the field of architecture entails. Her eagerness has paid dividends and was what made her stand out to WelTec’s Scholarship Committee.

With 10 Secondary School Scholarships offered this year, Scholarship Coordinator, Claire Hurley, believes that scholarships are a fantastic way to recognise talented and motivated students like Jennifer. “When considering scholarship applicants, we are looking for individuals who want to succeed and have a genuine passion to do so. Jennifer is a great example of this.”

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