When Katrina Coyle was named the Rotorua Girls' High School dux in 2006, she had her life planned out, complete with a successful career as a high-flying doctor.
But 10 years on, Mrs Coyle, nee Veysey, says her priorities have done a 360, finding purpose on a completely different path.
"After four years of uni and a battle with depression my priorities changed and I began to question who I was and what I was doing.
"I realised there was more to life than 'get a good job, find a husband then work until you die'. I discovered God and now I work for my church and feel like I'm making a difference."
Mrs Coyle works as an events manager and youth pastor in Auckland. She said the decision to ditch her career as a doctor was initially met with some shock.