Waimea College dux Isla Hill has crammed an impressive amount into her final year and is now setting her sights on studying neuroscience at Otago University.
It’s the next step for the Māpua teenager who grew up with the Waimea Inlet at her doorstep and spent countless hours jumping off the wharf or paddling around in a kayak.
Now she’s looking forward to what comes next, which she hopes will lead to both research and clinical work focused on the brain.
“It’s quite amazing how this one organ controls everything. It’s so powerful and I think the world is always developing and learning about it.”
This year, she has balanced a demanding academic workload with multiple leadership and volunteer roles, with another position awaiting her this summer.
Last summer, she attended a two-week intensive course in Auckland, the Rotary National Science and Technology Forum, which entailed academic modules, speakers and social events. This year, she has been invited back as a volunteer to support students through pastoral care and will be attending a training camp beforehand.
“It was life changing last year in the way it was so inspiring and boosted your curiosity. It opened my eyes to how much more there was out there and was so nice to connect with people from around New Zealand.”
Two scholarships to help cover university costs have made it easier for her to return as a volunteer.
She is also a volunteer with the mentoring programme, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and for the past two years she has spent time with the same buddy from neighbouring Henley School.
On top of that, she has been part of environmental groups and a member of the Student Volunteer Army where she has clocked up more than a thousand hours of service so far. At school, she has been part of the student council since its inception last year, served as a house captain and taken part in dance groups, including Showquest.
Fitting everything in is about prioritising, she says.
“I have a system worked out so I don’t do too much – otherwise you freeze and can’t do anything! I like to know what I’m going to do, and how and when I’m going to make it happen.”
