GK Scholarships 2021: Michelle Hay

Golden Key is happy to introduce Michelle Hay, one of Golden Key’s 2021 Undergrad Achievement Award winners. Michelle graduated with a Spanish major and double minor in Linguistics and English Literature, as well as a Certificate of Arts in Māori and Indigenous Studies from the University of Canterbury in November of 2021. In addition, she has just begun a Graduate Diploma in Secondary School Teaching program through the College of Education at UC.

“Winning this award has been the most amazing way to finish up my degree,” Michelle says. “It has really given me a sense of achievement and boosted my confidence before I head into my post-graduate study and beyond. Kia ora, and thank you so much, Golden Key!”

Michelle would like to pursue teaching upon completing her degree.

“I would like to work with languages and education, either teaching high school Spanish, English Literature, or ESOL,” Michelle explains. “I’m also really interested in student services and working with international students, such as mentoring, event planning, and creating communities. I’d love to encourage and inspire students to understand and embrace different cultural contexts and environments, as well as promote Aotearoa New Zealand on the global scale and strengthen mutual goodwill relationships and connections.”

Michelle advises fellow Golden Key members to stay involved in their communities.

“Get involved in your community, find a good work/life/study balance, believe in yourself, and never ever give up!” Michelle shares.

This scholarship has helped Michelle both financially and personally.

“This scholarship has helped me to believe in myself more and has given me more confidence to move into my post-graduate study and beyond,” Michelle explains. “It helped me to buy a car, which I will need once I start going out on my teaching placements this year as well as when I start working next year.”

Michelle would like to thank “the whole team at the UC Spanish Department, UC Student Experience team, UC Academic Skills Centre staff, and all my friends and family who have supported me along the way.”

Thank you for being a part of the Golden Key family, Michelle; we wish you the best of luck on your post-graduate degree!