Scholarships for Visual Imaging, Nursing, Science & Trades

Tuesday 17 July 2012
Scholarships for study in Visual Imaging, Nursing, Science and Trades
UCOL’s Semester One Scholarship Awards ceremony today produced six stories of student determination and achievement.

One of two winners of Graduate Women Manawatu Awards, Doma Kafley is in the third year of UCOL’s Bachelor of Nursing programme. Doma was born in Bhutan and came to New Zealand in May 2008. She had spent the previous two decades in the United Nations High Commissioners for Refugee camp in Nepal after having to leave her own country when she was six years old. Doma came to live in Palmerston North, as a permanent resident of New Zealand, and decided to enrol in the Certificate in Science and Health at UCOL.

After completing the certificate she enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing programme. Doma plans to work as a hospital nurse and to continue to offer support and share her experiences with others from her community who have resettled in Palmerston North.

The second Graduate Women winner, Aimee Thompson, combines contribution to the community with her studies as an A student on the Bachelor of Applied Visual Imaging programme. Aimee has lived in Palmerston North all her life, attending local schools, excelling in photography, French and Business Studies. She is a leader at her church youth group and is involved in the church band. She has also been involved with the YMCA OSCAR programme helping provide after school care in mentoring intermediate children.

Aimee is aiming to work for a photographer as an assistant with the aim of gaining a deeper understanding of the industry and what is required to run a successful business.

Marvin Chase has hitchhiked his way to new qualifications and now has a Fletcher Challenge Trust scholarship for further study. Marvin has completed the Certificate in Electrical and Related Trades and the Certificate in Mechanical Engineering. He has maintained an excellent attendance record which his lecturers say is testament to his dedication: he often has to rely on hitch hiking, and the goodwill of others to get to UCOL from Dannevirke, especially difficult when the Manawatu Gorge is closed.

Marvin’s goal now is to build his qualifications for future employment opportunities by studying electrical engineering and welding.

The Palmerston North City Council Jaycee Trust Scholarships went to Bachelor of Applied Science student Dalzell Hamilton and Bachelor of Applied Visual Imaging student Lisa Sefton.

Lisa Sefton is a mature student who is also the proud single mother of a six year old daughter. She previously worked as a social worker specialising in the area of alcohol and drugs which also included setting up and managing her own service with Barnardo’s for children using class A drugs.

Lisa suffered post natal depression after the birth of her daughter and during this time developed a dream to become a photographer and film documentary maker. When she has finished study she sees her future as “being able to produce honest and beautiful images that evoke feelings that will create discussions and highlight issues.” She hopes to combine her experience as a social worker with her concern for her community, using her new skills.

Dalzell Hamilton is a 20 year old Bachelor of Applied Science student who is determined to make the most of the opportunities given to her, and has a strong interest in the world around her. Dalzell has been involved in many community fundraising events and charity collections. She is also a member of the Manawatu Scottish Pipe Band, playing the tenor drum.

The Andrew Cliff Award, established in memory of a former senior lecturer, went to Catherine Murphy-Rahal. Catherine discovered a passion for health sciences while working as a biochemistry technician in a veterinary pathology laboratory. She is now completing the Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Imaging Technology) degree at UCOL. Catherine is recognised as a role model for her peers and finds time to provide support to other students. Her goals include furthering her studies in Sonography and developing community based programs for pre-natal care and women’s health.

The scholarships were presented at UCOL today (Tuesday) by Deputy Chief Executive Academic, Bonnie Dewart, who congratulated the winners and noted the very high quality of applications for the first semester awards.

ENDS

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