"Oregon State University is in a small town and the campus is beautiful. I like that the scenery and climate here are similar to home. Everyone here is super nice and really friendly. I have definitely made some lifelong friends."
Ms Ashby is enrolled in an Honours Bachelor of Science degree course in pre-business.
She said she hoped to return to New Zealand but her next priority would be to "go travelling since I won't have any student loans".
Her advice to other Rotorua students would be to not put too much pressure on themselves.
"You don't necessarily have to be one of those kids at school that are at the top in everything in order to achieve.
"I think too many high schoolers get pushed into thinking the only way they will be successful is if they go to university straight out of high school but I feel part of the reason why I am succeeding at college is because I had time off working before I started.
"It opened my eyes to the real world and made me appreciate getting an education a lot more."
She said there were many opportunities available for young people, including athletic scholarships.
"I know a lot of Kiwi kids are really good at their sports but are torn between continuing them at a higher level or going to university.
"I would encourage these students to look at attending colleges in America because there are so many scholarships available."
Western Heights High School rowing co-ordinator and deputy principal Donella Wright said Ms Ashby was one of the school's most successful female rowers. "She was a self-disciplined and dedicated rower and displayed a lot of leadership as a senior."
