A learning disability has not stopped Philip McGill achieving academic honours.
The 18-year-old from Northcote College has been awarded a Herald scholarship.
He was also dux of his school, and in the New Zealand Education and Scholarship Trust (NZEST) exams won a prize for achievement in chemistry. But thesesuccesses have not come easily.
Philip suffers from a sensory motor skills disorder.
He has trouble focusing his eyes - he often sees double - has impaired hand-eye coordination and is easily distracted by his surroundings.
"When I'm reading sometimes my eyes jump up and down, which is a problem in tests," said Philip. "I re-read my answers and find I have answered half of one question and half of another."
Because of this learning difficulty, Philip was bullied during his early school years.
"I couldn't play the games because I missed the ball, so I got excluded," he said.
But with the support of his family and Northcote College, Philip has overcome his difficulties.
It still takes Philip a long time to write, but in exams he gets extra time so he is not disadvantaged.
"I can do pretty much what everyone else can do, but I have to put more effort in."
Philip is no longer bullied, as Northcote College does not tolerate it, and he has regained his self-confidence.
This year, Philip has been busy taking six Bursary subjects and a university paper, in which he achieved an A plus.
He is unsure whether to study science or engineering next year, but ultimately he would like to get a PhD.
Philip said the $1500 scholarship would be a huge help, as his family relied on one part-time income and his parents could not pay for his studies. The scholarship also reflects the achievement of overcoming learning difficulties.
