Ambitious high school students win all-expenses paid trip

Fourteen secondary students have landed an all-expenses paid, five-day trip to Lincoln University in Canterbury.

During their time at the university, the students – from around New Zealand and Australia – attend lectures, meet current students, explore study options, join in cultural and sporting activities and tour the area.

To win the trip, the students had to demonstrate their understanding of global issues and commitment to solving them.

The successful applicants come from rural and urban environments and have a variety of interests and ambitions, but all showed an understanding and interest in Lincoln’s mission to ‘Feed the world, protect the future and live well’.

Senior student liaison officer Sophie Prangnell says, “This is a wonderful opportunity for potential students to come together with like-minded people and experience all that Lincoln University and Christchurch have to offer. We’ve been running the competition for a number of years to great success, with the highest number of applications ever received this year. The applicants this year not only showed a great understanding of our missions but also had a clear idea of what they are hoping to study with us.”

Auckland student Nina Santos says Land the Trip is an invitation to be part of something much bigger than simply visiting a university. “It’s an invitation to go out and seek what and who I really want to be. I’m crazy enough to think I can change the world. Before moving to New Zealand two years ago I lived in the Philippines and witnessed first-hand the catastrophic effects of climate change. Seeing the beauty of New Zealand motivated me to become an advocate for global citizenship and youth involvement in sustainable development. I am looking at studying Environmental Policy and Planning as I believe that it will provide me with the skills and knowledge I need to address pressing issues and make a difference.”

Year 13 student Sarah Knott says, “I have researched the courses on offer at Lincoln and am particularly interested in the Bachelor of Science – Land, Water, and Environment major as it seems to touch on all the fields I am interested in. Science and the environment is already my passion and this trip would help me decide if Lincoln is the place where I want to make it all happen.”