American Field Scholarship for Waiouru student

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 27, 2 December 1986, Page 6

American Field Scholarship for Waiouru student

Amohia Boulton, a 7th Form student at Ruapehu College, will be taking the trip of a lifetime next year when she leaves New Zealand in January, to spend a year's study in the USA. Amohia was accepted for an American Field Scholarship in October of this year after many months of interviews and preliminary applications. The Waiouru teenager, who will celebrate her 1 8th birthday in the States, is still unsure as to where she will be going. "They haven't told me yet, but I did receive a telex from a family who said they lived in a rural area. They asked me to stay with them and 1

accepted," she said. "l've talked to other people who have been on similar scholarships and they have said that they haven't found out their destination until about two weeks before they leave." Amohia first became interested in the idea when the College was visited by a representative from AFS and two overseas students. She filled out the preliminary application which was accepted, followed by an interview in Wanganui which involved a panel of strangers "asking a lot of difficult questions." The next interview was conducted at Amohia's home with her entire family in attendance. After this a

lot more application forms were filled in, including references from parents, neighbours, school friends and teachers, and in between forms, a lot of waiting and worrying. Amohia's first reaction was one of amazement. "1 just couldn't believe it — 1 freaked out, "she said. "1 kept asking myself why did they choose me?" She is very excited about the forthcoming trip and has read extensively about the climate and geography of America. Amohia is optimistic that she will be able to visit some of the tourist spots including Disneyland, and would like to see some of Canada and Mexico while she is there. Amohia's interests include horse-riding, volleyball, reading, music and netball which she intends to continue in the States. Her trip is to be financed by her parents who are taking out a loan to cover expenses. Amohia will be continuing her education at either a university, or at a college to further her 7th Form year. A stipulation of AFS is for the student to continue their studies. In Amohia's case this will mean starting school in July instead of the February to December academic year which operates in New Zealand.