2020

Quin Stanger

Rangiora

Being supported by the scholarship has meant more to me than just the monetary value. Training as an adult student has been challenging for me for many reasons. Initially I needed to learn basic high school maths and science to be able to begin the degree level training. I had never learned these things at school, 15 years earlier. I found that the courses I was taking were only meant as a quick refresher instead of the basic training I required.

So here I was, I had given up a lucrative career as a diesel mechanic to start again. I was surrounded by young people who couldn’t even change a tyre and I was the one failing. But I am stubborn. I hired private tutors, I bought textbooks, I did an extra year on my intermediate path. Finally I made it into 1st professional year of Mechanical Engineering.

… By now I was struggling financially and very anxious about my own academic abilities. During one of my many self pep-talks, I decided to reach out to a local certifier to reaffirm my goal and discuss my path. This was a huge turning point. Not only was he keen for me to work with him over summer to gain work experience, he also suggested that I should join HVE. The following day was my next lifeline when he called to inform me of the scholarship, and I applied.

Then came the phone call to say I was successful. I was so relieved as it came at a tough time financially and academically (learning to code a MATLAB for-loop). It was a huge confidence boost to have the support of the HVE group behind me and helped me to feel like my journey was on the right track. Since then, things have become a little easier for me. I have a bunch of mates at uni now, most of whom can change their own tyres and the course work is making more sense to me. Having this money has allowed me to make mortgage payments, buy textbooks, a few packs of noodles and given me some all important headspace.

Now it’s just a matter of seeing this through. One more year without income, one more year without weekends, then I’ll have the piece of paper and more importantly the knowledge forever … and my new career. Thanks HVE group, it’s been a huge help.