University of Auckland
Degree:  BSc
Mentor:  Veronica Lui
Buddy:  Mahalia Salesa

Sponsored by: Carter Family

Aiaraisa is an ambitious young woman heading to university to study engineering. She plans to translate her academic interests in physics and calculus into real-life settings. She is passionate about the structure of buildings and intends to build a career around structural engineering. She is also committed to changing the stereotype that the engineering industry is dominated by men and is determined to become a successful Polynesian female engineer.

Aiaraisa has consistently excelled in her studies at school, and she also thrives in sports and many other areas. She has played in many sports teams, coached a few teams, and her favourite sports are volleyball and touch rugby.

Aiaraisa is very proud of her Samoan culture and was part of the McAuley High School Samoan Polyfest group, which won the Auckland wide competition in 2023. She has also entered speech competitions for school and is involved in community programmes such as St Vincent de Paul “ Vinnies “ because she loves caring for those in need.

Award

• University of Auckland Academic Potential Scholarship

SEF Work Experience

• 2024 Beca

University of Auckland
Degree: BE(Hons)
Mentor:  Maria Eliza (Mary Samasoni: Semester 1 - 2024)
Buddy:  Melissa Sieu

Sponsored by: Carter Family

Bright, brilliant and brown are three words that Marianna uses to describe herself.

Bright: Marianna will study engineering to pursue her dream of becoming a Civil Engineer. This dream is sparked by her passion and the skill that she has shown for mathematics. Through her future engineering career, she aims to serve her Pasifika community and to be a woman in STEM. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) 

Brilliant: Marianna actively engaged in school and her community. She practised leadership as a McAuley Prefect, Service group leader, Student Council Representative and Peer Mediator. Outside of her school life, she continued to tutor Pasifika youth during the weekends. Marianna was an excellent student at school and consistently maintained excellence endorsements in NCEA, whilst making these contributions at school and in the wider community. She has a lot of energy!

Brown: Remaining rooted in her Samoan culture, Marianna carries the values of respect, faithfulness and service into the wider world. Most of all she wants to promote brown excellence and create a blueprint for promising Pasifika women.

Award

• University of Auckland Vaka Moana Scholarship

SEF Work Experience

• 2024 Beca

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University of Auckland
Degree: Bachelor of Nursing
Mentor:  Camilla Tuivaiti
Buddy:  Maia Young

Sponsored by: Carter Family

Sandi will be pursuing Nursing at the University of Auckland. Becoming a nurse just so happens to align with her core values, allowing her to blend her empathetic nature with her passion for healthcare and science. She is drawn to and excited at the opportunity to make a positive impact on people's lives through the profession of nursing. At school, Sandi was a member of the Special Character service group and was also a librarian.

Beyond academics, you'll likely find her sewing, crocheting, engrossed in a book or movie, enjoying nature walks, gardening or spending quality time with her family. She believes in embodying the values of Aroha (compassion) and Panekiretanga (excellence) and is excited to bring these values into her educational journey and future profession as a nurse. Sandi is also looking forward to making the most of the opportunities given to her, determined to embrace each experience as a chance for personal and professional growth.

She works within the SEF programme acting as a Buddy for Sela Talamai.

Award

• Ralph & Eve Seelye Undergraduate Scholarship.

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