Ploy (Chamabadee) left Hillmorton at the end of 2022, moving on to study Landscape Architecture at Lincoln University.

Originally from Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, Ploy studied at Hillmorton as an international student for almost three years, Years 11 - 13. A former Whānau House Leader, she is a Lincoln University Future Leader Scholarship recipient and has started her study towards a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture.

Ploy was recently profiled on the Lincoln University website, and we have taken the opportunity to use her reflections on her time at Hillmorton.

"I studied at Hillmorton High School from Year 11 to Year 13. Starting from high school and coming to university is a very good pathway, as when I first arrived I definitely have a culture shock, and many things to adapt and understand. Once I start university I am nearly got overwhelmed, but it is not too bad when I feel comfortable with the space, culture, surroundings, and language.This is because I already adapted myself since high school and I do not need to adapted much for university (such as time management, chores, and life balance when we leave from our parents)
And it also keep me less worried or stressed about anything when I know more people around me, many friends and teachers to talk to especially Ms Pam Hunt, Head of Year 13 and International Department and Mr Scott Nixon, Career Advisor. They always happy to help me with any questions, specially when I don’t know anyone else outside the school. I also get lots of helps from my host parents when I was studying in Hillmorton High School too. That was so lucky of me.
For academic side, it is so much different from how we learned in Thailand high school. It is much harder actually over there. But here in NZ, they have more subjects to choose from and it helps us to know ourselves on what we like to do and experiences them all. This helps us to have a clear vision for what we’d like to do in university."

We wish Ploy all the best for her studies at Lincoln.