In 2016, my final year of study, I received a scholarship from the Māori Education Trust while completing a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) and Bachelor of Sport and Recreation double degree at AUT. The scholarship made such an impact on my final year of university and allowed me to focus on my academic success in my final papers. As a result, I was able to secure a number of awards including Top Māori Business Student, Top Marketing Student, and Top Sport Student. My time at university was the most challenging, rewarding and eye-opening time of my life. I learnt more about who I was and became far more involved in the Māori community. I tutored Māori students and led a group of Tuakana that helped first-year Māori students achieve fantastic results. I also represented the views of Māori youth at the United States Embassy Youth Council. During my time at university, my goal was to develop my skills and knowledge of business and physical activity, and work toward a social entrepreneurship pathway. I was really driven by the desire to help Māori to lead healthy lives and succeed to the highest potential. Also, from a personal perspective, I had and remain to have a desire to run my own business. This has led me to develop a number of innovations that I hope will soon come to market. While I still have a while to go, I know my foundation of knowledge will help me to make a difference to Māori and to my family. This scholarship has had a profound effect on myself and my family. I feel so supported and privileged to be a part of the scholarship recipients. I feel privileged to have been able to focus on my studies and not worry so much about working. My whanau are also so grateful and beam with pride when they speak about my receipt of the scholarship. The Māori Education Trust scholarships are such an excellent motivating factor for all Māori students. I encourage all Māori students, or potential students, focus on their work ethic and stay true to who you are. I know that the Māori Education Trust scholarships can help you on this journey and encourage you to apply.