Madeline Cornelisen, who was named Garin College’s 2023 Dux, is looking forward to a relaxing summer break in Chicago and California after a challenging but rewarding final school year.
“I had been told I was in the running for Dux but had no idea I would be the winner,” Madeline says.
“It was absolutely amazing winning, and a bit overwhelming but so exciting, I’m actually really proud of myself.”
Madeline has a long list of academic achievements during her time at Garin College, including three Distinction awards in history.
A Distinction is only given to the top student with the top grades from each class, the teacher determines and chooses that student.
“The last three years I have been awarded a Distinction in History which has been my favourite subject in school, I have found it easy to write about as I love it,” Madeline says cheerfully.
The 18-year-old is enrolled to go to Victoria University, in Wellington, next year but hasn’t quite made up her mind if that’s the right fit for her so has recently applied to a few universities based in the United States to further explore her options.
“While my parents and brother live here in Māpua the rest of my family is in the States, I’m keen to explore the possibility of living somewhere a bit bigger than here,” Madeline says.
Either way, next year Madeline will be studying Global Studies with predominant subjects being political science in the form of global politics, economics law, international relations, and the sociology of law.
“I’ve always had a passion for being a leader of positive change in the world, I am passionate about becoming a human rights lawyer.”
For now, next year can wait as Madeline says she’s stepping onto a plane tomorrow for a six-week vacation, reuniting with family and friends in Chicago and California.
“It’s been an extremely challenging, but hugely rewarding year,” she says.
“I’m looking forward to spending some of the summer with my family and friends in the States before tackling what next year brings.”
