Student Stories

Tafara Gapare - Steven Adams Scholarship

Moala Katoa (2017)

“I am currently in my third year in medicine at the University of Otago and hopefully, if the year goes well, I’ll be heading back home to Wellington hospital to finish off my practical years there at the University of Otago based at Wellington Hospital. I believe the scholarship I received to study at Scots opened a lot of opportunities for me, academically and also in sports and culture. I am very grateful and humbled to have been able to attend Scots through a scholarship. I believe it prepped me very well academically for school but also the school’s values and discipline helped shape and make me the man I am today. Through Scots and the scholarship, I have been able to connect with other past Scots Collegians in my year and before us, proudly representing Scots wherever we are.”

My advice to those thinking to apply for a scholarship: Do not take things for granted. Take every opportunity with two hands and run with it because I believe Scots has a lot of resources that other schools wished they had, so I hope every student realises the opportunity they have of attending Scots and make sure they get involved and make use of what they have.

Jason Salo (2018)

“I had a keen interest in joining the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), mainly due to their well-rounded and extensive curriculum. For as long as I could remember I had wanted to be part of the aviation industry. I knew the International Baccalaureate would provide me with a strong academic background to build off of, not to mention the ability to study where I wanted to. I therefore applied for the Tup Radford Science Scholarship in 2017 which enabled me to complete the IBDP at Scots College and graduate in 2018.

There are many opportunities to be had through obtaining a scholarship at Scots College. Firstly, I found all many of my applications to various universities were approved, as it showed I was a determined student who the College was willing to support despite my financial situation. Having a scholarship also taught me it’s not just about what your chosen study is, but also where you study. I personally felt that with a scholarship, I wasn’t just learning for the end goal of graduation, but also for the sake of learning, as I was being provided with a very special opportunity, which I wouldn’t have been able to take part in without the scholarship. I was able to remain with my friends and cohort through to Year 13. This allowed me to apply and be accepted to my first tertiary education pick, at Massey University’s School of Aviation.

I am now a 3rd year student at Massey and received my PPL (Private Pilot’s Licence) one year ago. Recently I have been privileged to fly the twin engine Diamond DA-42 aircraft and in the coming months I will be able to qualify for a Multi-Engine Instrument Rating as well as my Commercial License, enabling me to carry fare paying passengers rain or shine. In the future I hope to complete a flight instructor training course to further my studies and hopefully gain employment as a pilot.

A scholarship through Scots College made this all possible, as I was able to study what I wanted, allowing me to have a strong academic foundation for my aspiring career in tertiary study and beyond. I am also highly grateful for the opportunities Tup Radford provided me with.”

My advice to others applying for a scholarship: Do not to let your financial situation dictate what and where you have to study. Finally, please don’t hesitate in taking opportunities given to you, as long as you are willing to put in the hard work. It’s better to "go for it" rather than look back and wish you had.