There are many talented youths in the Bay who deserve to be recognised for their achievements in sport, performing arts and academically. The Bay of Plenty Times is on the lookout for those young achievers to profile in our new weekly section: Young Achiever of the Week.
Amanda Yang's school year so far has included two overseas trips and an academic record that will most likely see her achieve excellence in most of her subjects.
That is what makes Miss Yang the Bay of Plenty Times' Young Achiever of the Week.
The Year 13 Tauranga Girls' College student has travelled to China for a school business studies trip in April and to Belgium in October after winning a Minister of Veterans' Affairs multimedia competition with her poem about the Battle of Passchendaele.
Her tutor Murray Armstrong summed up the 18-year-old's academic profile as outstanding and said she was on track to gain an Excellence endorsement in her NCEA Level 3 subjects history, business studies, statistics, biology and chemistry.
"I enjoy travelling, which I had the opportunity to do a lot this year," Miss Yang said.
"I like seeing the world and knowing what is going on."
Miss Yang's biggest achievement this year was representing New Zealand as a youth ambassador in Belgium for the centenary commemoration of the Battle of Passchendaele alongside the New Zealand Defence Force.
The talented teen earned her spot after winning the Minister of Veterans' Affairs multimedia competition with her poem titled Passchendaele 12 October 1917.
The poem was written after Miss Yang conducted a comprehensive study on Passchendaele for her NCEA Level 3 history class.
"What I have learnt from completing this research will benefit me for university next year."
Young Achiever of the Week: Tauranga Girls' College Year 13 student Amanda Yang. Photo/John Borren.
AMANDA YANG:
1) What has been your biggest achievement this year and why?
I would have to say that my biggest achievement this year is being a youth ambassador, representing New Zealand in Belgium for the centenary commemoration of the Battle of Passchendaele alongside the NZDF delegation. I obtained my spot as a YA by winning the Minister of Veterans' Affairs' multimedia competition with my poem, Passchendaele 12 October 1917. Previous to writing the poem, I conducted a comprehensive study on Passchendaele for NCEA Level 3 history. What I have learnt from completing this research will benefit me for university next year.
2) What career would you like to pursue after school and why?
Next year, I plan on studying biomedical science at the University of Auckland. Although nothing is set in stone, I hope to continue down this pathway and hopefully find a job in a field that I am interested in.
3) What school subjects do you take?
I take a wide range of subjects: history, biology, chemistry, statistics and business studies. This year I also decided to take NCEA Level 3 Chinese as an extra subject.
It's always hard to decide a favourite but I especially enjoy history and chemistry. I like learning about different events that occurred in history and studying history at school has allowed me to learn skills such as essay writing and researching which will be useful at university. On the other hand, I enjoy chemistry because it contrasts history.
5) What do you like about Tauranga Girls' College
Our school motto is "empowering tomorrow's women", I feel like it is the teachers here who are very encouraging and supportive that have allowed me to become successful in my studies. I am also grateful for the friendships that I have formed at this school.
6) How do you describe yourself as a student?
I am highly motivated and strive for excellence (pergo et perago). Through my years at high school, I have developed the skill of independent study and to set goals and achieve them at a high standard.
7) What hobbies do you like to have outside of school and why?
I enjoy travelling, which I had the opportunity to do a lot this year. First to China in April for a business studies trip and then to Belgium. I like seeing the world and knowing what's going on. I am also involved in Chinese Community School. As I grew up in New Zealand, it is nice to reconnect with my culture and it gives me the opportunity to meet new people and make friends who can speak Mandarin.
Do you know of a young achiever in the Bay? Email zoe.hunter@bayofplentytimes.co.nz
