Scholarships help science student reach for the stars

It wasn’t the fireworks that caught his attention that night though, it was the stars above that sparked Wilco’s imagination and ignited a love of science. “I really loved astronomy from then on,” he says.

Fast-forward to 2023 and Wilco is now in his first year of a Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) with a major in applied physics. His dream is to become a researcher in the field of astrophysics, although he admits his current interest in quantum mechanics could also see him head in that direction.

Wilco says it was a love of problem-solving and science in general that attracted him to study applied physics, something he feels “incredibly fortunate” to have the opportunity to do.

The 19-year-old is being supported in his studies by a scholarship established almost 140 years ago – the Gillies Scholarship. Founded in 1884 by Thomas B Gillies, a judge in the Supreme Court of New Zealand, the Gillies Scholarship was established to encourage the study of chemistry and physics and is open to any first-year student enrolling in a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) in the School of Chemical Sciences or Department of Physics.

Wilco says it came as both a “surprise and great relief” when he found out he had won the scholarship, which he describes as allowing him to “further my education and lessen my father and family’s financial burden”.

As well as the financial assistance the scholarship brings, Wilco says being chosen as a scholarship recipient is also a great confidence booster.

“Just knowing that someone is supporting my academic pursuit with financial assistance really helps motivate me to succeed,” he says.

“Essentially, if someone gives you a scholarship, it's similar to them saying, ‘I know you can do well and I'm going to support you and invest in your career’.”

Wilco has also received a helping hand in the form of a Presbyterian Methodist Congregational Grafton Scholarship, which covers the cost of accommodation in a University of Auckland residency hall.

“Having the convenience of living here in Grafton and just walking back and forth from class each day is super-duper nice,” says Wilco. “I’m infinitely grateful for this opportunity.”