David Jones - NBS, Aidan Elvines and AshColl Chairperson Peter Gluyas.Recently I had the pleasure of talking to Aidan Elvines who is this year’s recipient of the NBS AshColl Alumni sponsorship.  

Aidan definitely embodies the aims set out in the Alumni tenet - “to show commitment to the College” ie be a good role model and apply themselves not only academically but in sporting, cultural and mentoring roles as well.  She was not only fully involved in the life of the College over her 5 years but also busy making sure others were getting the most out of their time there.  From her Orange House captaincy which she mentioned as a “real highlight”, to her captaincy last year and this of the girls rugby first XV.  As well, she also “surprised herself” by winning the Y13 Girls cross country.

Another major sporting involvement has been rowing. Ten to twelve trainings a week has honed Aidan’s focus and she was justifiably proud of herself and her quad team for getting fourth in this year’s Maadi Cup.

Aidan first found out about the NBS AshColl Alumni Scholarship through a teacher who persuaded her to apply for it and the $1,000 funds will be well used for course fees once she has zeroed in on her career path.  At this stage, Aidan plans to work during 2020 to “get some funds behind her plus  obtain some life experience” and to give some serious thought to which career path she wants to pursue.  At this stage, either secondary school teaching or the Police force are beckoning.  Her principal motivation here seems to be because she genuinely wants “to help people”.

Aidan’s favourite subject was Classics aided by teacher Mrs Hampton who “knew her subject so well plus her down-to-earth teaching style”.  Aidan can see this interest continuing and would definitely love to visit Greece and Italy some time in her future.

During her Year 9 and 10 years, Aidan’s mother tried to persuade her to take sewing as a good back-up subject.  Aidan wasn’t at all keen!  She tried to tell her mother this wasn’t needed and to prove her point she “whipped up a pair of shorts in about 10 minutes, but on first wearing they promptly fell to bits”!  Fortunately her Mum  will be around for any mending Aidan might need done.  

Aidan’s primary years were spent at Longbeach, followed by Ashburton Intermediate School  both small in comparison to Ashburton College and she found her first day there “terrifying”.

Aidan is very grateful to both NBS and AshColl Alumni for the scholarship funds received.

By Shirley Falloon © Ashcoll Alumni - November 2019