N Coughlan, the Principal of One Tree Hill
College illustrates how deserving Te Awhiahua Hillman is of a First
Foundation Scholarship and paints a very poignant picture of her
success in the face of one of life's obstacles: 'Te Awhiahua is a
truly exceptional young woman. She is one of the finest examples of
someone who has risen above one of the most significant of life's
changes and daily demonstrates the strongest determination to
succeed. Te Awhiahua struggled as a young student in Years 9 and 10
to accept the opportunities that a high school education had to
offer her and she often found herself falling short of the
expectations of school life.
During this time, Te Awhiahua became a mother. When her daughter
was still a young baby, she returned to school to continue her
education. She has proven time and time again since her return to
school after the birth of her daughter that she is willing to work
hard and succeed in her school work and in her personal life. In
the last 18months since she returned to school we have seen her go
from a shy young woman who was nervous about rejoining the school
community, to a young woman who is proud of her culture and of her
life journey as it has played out so far. A diligent and
conscientious student, she now sets high goals for herself and
strives for excellence. She takes learning seriously and responds
well to negative feedback and encouragement. Her academic success
has been evident in the achievement of NCEA Level 1 endorsed with
Merit. I recommend her in the strongest possible terms as a truly
worthy recipient or a First Foundation Scholarship.'
Te Awhiahua has won a number of awards for her efforts, namely the
Penrose Rotary Endeavour Award, for exemplifying the
characteristics of the One Tree Hill College motto Strive for
Higher Things. In 2009, she was awarded first in Year 11 Te Reo
Maori, received a Silver Badge for Academic Excellence and earned a
place on the Spirit of Adventure. However, Te Awhiahua sees the
birth of her daughter as her greatest achievement of all: 'I am an
extraordinarily proud young mother.
Becoming a mother at a young age has given me a mature outlook on
life and the motivation to make something of myself. If this had
not happened, none of the things that I have achieved in the past
two years would have been possible.' Te Awhiahua is the Student
Representative to the Board of Trustees, Captain of the Senior
Netball team, plays in the Girls' rugby team, is part of the Kapa
Haka group and is a Student Librarian. She is a youth leader at the
Kings Mercy Global Church.
Te Awhiahua's future goal is to study either Psychology or Social
Work and Te Reo Maori at the University of Auckland.
"Te Awhiahu is an extremely proud young women, who exhibits drive
and determination to reach her potential for not only herself but
for family and community." - Donna Mara, Training and Development
Business Support Manager