HMNZS CANTERBURY Scholar: “Ecstatic and incredibly proud”
Rachel Standring is presented with the HMNZS Canterbury Scholarship Plaque by CDR Tony Millar
10 May 2008
The 2008 HMNZS Canterbury Scholarship has been won by Rachel Standring, who is studying a varied course at Canterbury University, including papers in Music, Chinese and Law.
The scholarship was presented to Rachel at the Christchurch Convention Centre on Monday 5 May by Commander Tony Millar, Commanding Officer of the new HMNZS Canterbury.
This prestigious scholarship was established by the Royal New Zealand Navy in 2005 on the occasion of the decommissioning of the frigate HMNZS Canterbury. The scholarship marks the long and supportive relationship between the RNZN and the province of Canterbury. It entitles the winner to $10,000 towards domestic tuition fees and course related costs or living expenses.The purpose is to support school leavers from Canterbury in their first year of undergraduate study at the University of Canterbury in any discipline.
This year’s scholarship winner, Rachel Standring, was born in Dunedin and has grown up in a variety of places around New Zealand, including Taupo and Whangarei. In 2003 Rachel’s family moved to Christchurch where Rachel completed her schooling at Christchurch Girls’ High School.
Rachel spent an anxious night wondering whether she had been successful in getting the scholarship or not.
“The night after the interview was held, the scholarship office phoned home to tell me the results,” says Rachel.“Unfortunately, I was out at Christchurch Youth Orchestra practice so I missed the call, so I spent a rather sleepless night waiting until I could return their call in the morning and hear the results. To be honest, I had absolutely no idea whether I was going to get the award or not, so when the University of Canterbury Scholarships Office rang and said I had, I was utterly and truly speechless! The rest of the day was a blur. Needless to say, I was ecstatic and incredibly proud.”
Canterbury Scholars are required to demonstrate and identify with the RNZN values of courage, commitment and comradeship.
“In my eyes, these values combined are the essence behind success. My various roles, both as a leader and group member in a wide range of situations, have made me truly appreciate these values. They have taught me just how vital these basic concepts are for progression as both an individual and a team member,” says Rachel.
Rachel intends to use these and other skills in her career.
“I am keen to be involved with an organisation developing policies that recognise our multinational community’s needs. I have chosen my university courses with this type of career path in mind. I trust that the values of courage, commitment and comradeship will guide me to a successful career in this field.”
Rachel has a wide variety of interests including music (she plays the Cello, Double Bass and Oboe), Dragon Boating and Lifesaving. Rachel enjoys getting involved in community events and bringing her skills to others, such as mentoring younger students as a senior, volunteering for Youthline at Christmas in the Park and playing musical instruments at rest homes and charity concerts such as Save the Children Fund.
She is also keen to learn more about the Navy.
“I'm very appreciative of the scholarship which gives me the financial support that allows me to pursue the subjects I'm passionate about. I am also looking forward to learning more about the Navy, and hopefully I will be able to visit one of the ships in Lyttleton this year.
ENDS
For further information, please contact Elizabeth Lincoln, Assistant PR Manager (Navy), Defence Public Relations Unit. Tel: 021 888 649.
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