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Scholarship Profiles Brandon Ape-Paia | New Zealand Diploma in Construction Unitec Pacific Success Scholarship – Woods Glass NZ Quantity Surveyor Scholarship “When I left school, I wasn’t sure which career pathway to pursue. I decided on quantity surveying because it involved a lot of the things I was good at.” “The potential financial struggles associated with tertiary study were mitigated due to TTAF alongside receiving Unitec’s Pacific Academic Support Scholarship. This gave me more motivation to succeed.” “Fortunately, I also received the Woods Glass NZ Quantity Surveyor Scholarship in my second year, which gave me the opportunity to connect with an innovative company alongside financial support.” “I’m truly grateful for both scholarships. Coming from Dilworth, I understand how removing financial barriers creates opportunities. That’s why I want to succeed, so I can help remove those barriers for others.”
Georgia Solomona | Bachelor of Social Practice Tressa Thomas Retraining Award – Unitec Pacific Academic Excellence “I am in my final year of undergraduate study towards a Bachelor of Social Practice and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to create social change in my community.” “When I think about the difference I want to make in the world, it starts in my own backyard. I want my contribution to be felt through drastic reformations in social policy. Māori, Pasifika, migrant, refugee & Takatāpui communities cannot survive nor thrive where their needs are not recognised or met.” “Being awarded one, let alone two, scholarships has been an empowering reminder that it takes a village to achieve success and that I can do absolutely anything as long as my heart is in it.”
Luke Orbell (Ngāi Tahu) | Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts Māori Rep Student Council Whai Ake I Te Ara Tika Māori Mentoring Scholarship - Unitec School Leavers Scholarship – Te Pou Hiranga Academic Excellence Scholarship “I don’t take these scholarships for granted because I now have an extra layer of support I didn’t have before. I’ve worked since I was 16 to save for university, so being able to use this money for tuition costs means I can use that energy to push myself further to succeed – and create art that spreads aroha and mana.” “I’m proud of everything I’ve accomplished. These scholarships have shown me that nothing is impossible when you persevere, take risks and stay true to yourself.” “Ka whati te tai, ka pao te tōrea - when the tide ebbs, the oyster catcher strikes. I want this whakatauki to be your sign and motivation to take that opportunity because you never know the outcome.”
