Scholarships reward commitment to family and career

20 November 2012

Scholarships reward commitment to family and career

Dedicated third year Nursing student, mother and caregiver Sherly Maukau has won two UCOL scholarships.

At a ceremony today (Tuesday) she was awarded the UCOL Scholarship for Effort and Achievement. The assessors said she had shown “true commitment to her goal of becoming a registered nurse, managing to incorporate study with time with her family, and involvement within the community.”

Sherly wants to pursue a career in neonatal nursing or acute surgical nursing to build her skill set.

Sherly also won the Colleen McPherson Scholarship, which gives financial help to a student who has a disability or a dependent with a disability. “Sherly is dedicated to her family and continuously strives to be a positive role model for them,” the panel said. “She also has the responsibility of caring for her older brother, Rawiri, who is intellectually disabled. Sherly says that despite his mental capabilities, he is proud of her determination to become a nurse.”

As well as her brother, Sherly has three children, aged from six to 14 years.

UCOL High Achiever Awards went to Bachelor of Applied Visual Imaging student Justine Godsall, Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Imaging Technology) student Amy Campbell, and Diploma in Furniture Design and Making student Matt Kellerman.

The Head of the School of Photography, Arts and Design, Rachel Hoskins, described Justine as a “dedicated student who has been a wonderful motivational influence on her peers. Justine is not only an A student but is also responsible for running a support group for cancer patients, their caregivers and supporters.”

Amy Campbell’s lecturer Linda Darragh said Amy consistently scored an A and often an A+ in her studies. “She finds working as a radiographer rewarding and enjoys the responsibility and sense of accomplishment from working independently and collaboratively with other colleagues to achieve high quality patient care.”

Amy intends to complete a post-graduate course specialising in ultrasound Medical Imaging.

With regard to Matt Kellerman, Furniture senior lecturer Andy Halewood said he takes pride in the work he has accomplished, developing his skill, growing creatively and expanding his knowledge base. “Matt has been working hard to achieve his goals and is sure to continue to hone his abilities in the future.”

The Ralph Flavell Scholarship to assist Maori students in learning related to the revitalisation of the Maori language went to Certificate in Science and Health student Moana Tipene.

Moana intends to start UCOL’s Bachelor of Medical Imaging Technology programme next year. She has been a member of Kapa Haka groups and belongs to a new Maori Performing Arts group called Te Pou Huia. The group recently represented Te Iwi Maori and New Zealand at a cultural festival in China.

Announcing the Second Semester awards, UCOL’s Deputy Chief Executive Academic Bonnie Dewart congratulated the recipients and said it was especially pleasing to receive such a large number of applications, all of a high standard.

ENDS

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