Eyes set on university in Auckland

EYES ON AUCKLAND: Year 13 Campion College student and winner of the 2016 Gisborne Herald furthering education scholarship, Mary Spring. Pictue by Liam Clayton

NOTICING a shortage of permanent general practitioners in Gisborne has a Campion College student hoping to bring her medical degree home.

Mary Spring is the winner of the 2016 Gisborne Herald furthering education scholarship. Now in its third year, the grant gives one senior high school student $1000 towards tertiary level studies.

“I’m really excited and grateful,” said Mary, who plans to put the money towards a medical degree at The University of Auckland.

“My long-term goal is to graduate as a doctor and at this stage I am looking at specialising in surgery, paediatrics or ophthalmology.”

She said her love of the sciences and the experiences she had with medical services in her own community inspired her decision.

“There’s a high demand for doctors in Gisborne. Heaps go off and train and don’t come back.”

The 17-year-old noticed this trend when her GPs kept leaving.

After the six-year programme and any specialisation, Mary is certain she will return to her community to fill this gap.

“I will definitely come back. It’s a really nice community.”

As the Campion College academic prefect, Mary is already giving back to her community with a homework group she started for years 7 and 8 students.

“It’s for those who are struggling with homework or class,” she said. She leads the 18-strong weekly sessions.

The senior student is also giving back to her community through volunteer work as a netball umpire and coach.

Gisborne Herald advertising manager Kirsten Hopkins, who oversaw the selection process with the paper’s managing director, Michael Muir, said Mary’s application shone.

“She had looked at all the finances, it was professional, she had a plan.”

Mary is thankful for the extra support the scholarship will provide. She is also thankful for the support she has received from her teachers and parents Brendan Spring and Christine Goodwin, also teachers at Campion.

The senior student is focusing on internal school work and will begin preparing for her move to Auckland later in the year.

“It’s kind of scary but cool. It’s a step up.”