Ethan Munn, who is a prefect at Naenae College, is “absolutely chuffed” to receive a Ngā Hoe a Kupe Pathfinder Scholarship, which is worth $7000 a year for three years. The scholarships were established earlier this year using funds from Victoria’s divestment of its Karori campus, and are for students from seven low decile schools in the Wellington region.
Ethan is enrolled to study a Bachelor of Science majoring in Computer Graphics, a programme that was launched at Victoria just last year.
“I’d really like to get into the video game industry and develop games,” says Ethan. “I’ve always loved gaming which may seem like a childish thing, but it’s a huge industry these days. Plus I’m very fond of programming and making stuff, and working in large teams so to be able to eventually make video games for a living would be awesome.”
He will be the first in his family to attend university. “None of my Nana’s grandchildren have gone to university—I’ll be the first, which is really cool. All of my family are already excited about my graduation and I haven’t even started university yet!”
It’s a life-changing opportunity for Ethan, who says the scholarship means he won’t be lumbered with a huge student loan. “My family’s a bit financially stretched, so there was a huge question mark and a lot of stress over how we were going to pay for me to go to university. But this changes everything, and I’m super, super thankful for the immense opportunity.”
Naenae College principal John Russell says Ethan is a model student who will be a real asset to Victoria. “I enjoyed looking through Ethan’s design portfolio recently—it was just stunning. It was a reflection of everything he undertakes, which is scrupulous and meticulous,” says Mr Russell. “He is one of our key prefects and is a respected head of one of our whanau (school houses). He has proved to be a key element in Naenae College’s leadership team—if there’s a job to be done Ethan will follow it through and make sure all the details are taken care of.”
Mr Russell says Ethan is one to watch. “I look forward to seeing where he ends up—I’m certain he’ll go on to achieve significant things at a national level.”
Ethan was officially awarded the scholarship at his school prizegiving with his whole family watching.
“I don’t think it’s really hit me yet how huge and significant this scholarship is,” he says. “My family and I are just so incredibly grateful.”