EMERGING LEADERS 2011

MICHAEL CALLAGHAN

Winner - University of Canterbury, College of Business and Economics Award for Excellence

I'm heading to Canterbury Uni next year to do a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in economics. At this stage I'm hoping to complete Postgraduate study, specialising in development economics. At the end of the year I'm travelling to India as part of the school India Immersion programme and that, along with my involvement in the Edmund Rice Network, has influenced my decisions. In the future I hope to be involved in international development working for aid organisations, government, or possibly the UN. This would involve fixing economies, stopping poverty, saving the world ... that sort of thing.

My advice for the STC boys is to find motivation. If you're motivated enough you won't need any other advice, you'll be able to find your own way.

So think.

Think about your life.

Think about your future.

Think about what you want to do and what you don't want to do.

Think about what you want to be like and what you don't want to be like.

Then do what you have to do to get there.

And remember:

You can always be better than you are right now.

You can always work harder.

You can always push yourself further.

 

DANIEL KAHURA

Winner - University of Canterbury Maori Emerging Leader's Scholarship.

My future... I would like to study at the University of Canterbury, where there I would like to uphold a Bachelor of Education degree and become a Physical Education teacher.

My secrets to success... and advice to STC students

For students apprehensive about school or students who find the work hard, my advice for you is to simply LISTEN. I found that if you actually just listen to what the teacher is saying you instantly begin to understand what he/she is on about and the work becomes easy and flows. Students generally say that they do not understand the work or find it too hard, but that is because many lack in discipline and rather see the importance of talking to a mate rather than to listen. So for me 'listening' is the key to success. If you listen you will be fine. And if you have trouble don't be afraid to ask.

 

SAM JONES

Winner -        University of Canterbury Emerging Leaders' Scholarship for General Excellence

                     University of Canterbury School of Law Scholarship

Next year I'll be at Canterbury Uni studying towards a double degree of a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in History or Political Science. I'm also going to India with Michael and all the other guys for an opportunity to experience an entirely different culture and way of life. After university I plan on becoming a lawyer and work doing something that interests me and something that I enjoy.

I think that the secret to success isn't really a secret because it's something that everyone at St Thomas' knows that they really should do. Ask questions. Even if you don't think it makes sense. In my opinion, there's no point sitting in class quietly, keeping out of the teacher's way to get good graduation marks, if you don't understand what you're being taught. Teachers are here to help you, and so are the other 20 guys in your class. If you're stuck, speak up. If you've got a question, ask it. If you're thinking about something but you don't quite get it, discuss it. Good luck for the rest of your time at STC, and remember, all you have to do is ask.

 

MATHEW ELIA

Winner - University of Canterbury PASIFICA Emerging Leader's Scholarship.

Next year I will be heading over to Canterbury University, Teachers College to study Physical Education. I hope to also study a minor in Psychology. I also hope to head over to Wellington and attend Police College, to pursue my childhood dream in becoming a policeman. In the future I hope to come back to St Thomas' and become a PE and Samoan teacher, to give back to the school, what it has given me whilst I have been at school. Ever since I have been at St Thomas' I have gained a lot of knowledge and life skills that will help me reach my full potential in life.

My secret to success and advice for all my fellow STC brothers is do not let anyone tell you that you can't achieve at the top level and let feedback help you excel throughout life.  Do not give in if things may seem like it's about to fail. You have to just keep striving forward, passed the obstacles pulling you down and you will reach your goal. The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes.

 

JAMES AGNEW

Winner - College of Business and Economics Young Enterprise Student of the Year

Winner - New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants Young Managing Director of the Year Award.

 

How do you define success? I have found myself asking that same question over and over again this year and by doing so it has helped me to strive for the top, particularly in Young Enterprise. Everyone's response to that question may be different. It can be an insignificant event to others but may be everything to you. This time last year I didn't really think about being part of a Young Enterprise team. I had experienced the opportunity as a year 12 student and as I wasn't intending to take economics in year 13 ... it didn't seem relevant. The opportunity to be part of a team came along and looking back now I'm extremely pleased that I opted in, it was my chance for success.

This year has been difficult in ways I never thought I would have to deal with in my entire life. Like all difficulties, overcoming and succeeding them become just that little more satisfying. I honestly did not believe that Helen Clark, of all people, would respond to my face book post (I didn't think she would even use it!). That for me was a success, but it doesn't stop just there, the association I have now formed may become very useful in my future.

Success isn't just the immediate reward of accomplishment; I feel that it is an on-going process, leading you to further achievement and excellence. My academic grades are certainly not the best in my classes, but I still have been awarded a scholarship to study at a world class university. In my case it wasn't all about grades ... well maybe a little of it was! The focus around my scholarship was based on ability to lead and how you go about your role as a leader.

Get involved, is my best advice and be part of all you can. That is the best advice I can give to you future St Thomas' men. Be proud to be at the College and give service, because when you leave you will understand that the school has done far more than you could have ever asked for.