LPC university scholarship gives boost to young achiever

25 February 2015

MEDIA RELEASE

LPC university scholarship gives boost to young achiever

This week students headed back to University and some started their first year. One lucky first year student in particular is Florjan Camlek, the recipient of the Lyttelton Port of Christchurch (LPC) Directors’ - University of Canterbury (UC) Scholarship for 2015.

17 year old Florjan is the third recipient of the annual scholarship open to children of LPC employees. Originally from Slovenia, Florjan was awarded the scholarship based on his achievements, NCEA results and exceptional attitude towards his future.

“When we arrived in New Zealand I had never had a conversation in English,” said Florjan. “In Slovenia I was taught correct punctuation and grammar but not how to have a conversation in English”.

One of the main reasons his parents decided to move to New Zealand was to seek better education for their children and now, only four and a half years later, Florjan is enrolled to start a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.

“I enjoy chemistry because my chemistry teacher inspired me to try harder and get better results.”

Initially Florjan, the son of LPC Container Controller Domen Camlek based at the CityDepot site in Woolston, planned only to study a Bachelors degree, but with the help of the scholarship he thinks he will continue studying. “The scholarship has given me a boost of confidence in my abilities so I might end up doing my Masters - or even a PhD. When I saw the applications were open, I went for it.”

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for the high achiever. “Mum, Dad, my sister and I arrived in Christchurch from Slovenia a week before the September 2010 earthquake,” said Florjan. “It was tough not knowing anyone and being so far away from home – as well as the language barrier.”

The annual $10,000 scholarship is funded by both LPC and the Board of Directors themselves and will help financially support Florjan for his first year of study.

“The LPC University Scholarship aims to really make a difference in a young student’s life,“ said Peter Davie, LPC Chief Executive. “Florjan is an outstanding candidate and LPC is proud to be able to support him pursue his academic and professional development.”

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