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First Year University of Canterbury (UC) student and University Hall resident, Sophie Jones has been awarded one of five Arts Scholarships from 300 candidates to the value of $2000. As well as the scholarship funds, all recipients of the scholarships are invited to take part in master classes and work within high schools tutoring students within their area of study.

The opportunity to tutor high school students appealed to Sophie, as she plans to study secondary school teaching once she has completed her bachelor’s degree in Geography. The possibilities are endless when it comes to doing a Bachelor of Arts and the courses within the geography department at UC also appealed to Sophie. They operate field stations at Cass, Kaikoura, Westport and Harihari and staff and graduate students have the opportunity to visit Scott base in Antarctica. “I have the chance to put theoretical work to practical use in a learning environment” she says.

To apply for the scholarship, Sophie needed references from her school Principle and Year 13 Dean and she submitted a supporting letter stating why she was deserving of such a scholarship and what she planned to do if she won. Sophie plans to major in geography and history which will be her main teaching subjects. “I love geography because I like learning about how tourism affects the community and I am really interested in rocks!” When starting university If someone asked me if I thought they would enjoy studying the arts I’d say, do not hesitate it could be the best thing you do for your future! The University of Canterbury’s Geography program focuses on key themes such as relationships between people and their environments and how these can be made more sustainable in the future, not just the study of the land and Earth.

Sophie is a resident at UC Accommodation’s (UCA) University Hall. She initially chose another Hall but upon visiting University Hall at the University of Canterbury’s information day in 2011, she knew she had found the right match for her. “My Mum, Aunty and I spent the entire day touring all the halls and when we arrived at University Hall Mum immediately said ‘this is for you’”. Life at Uni Hall is great; I really enjoy living in here and I love Christchurch. I thought I would have to figure everything out for myself but I quickly found out that there are so many support networks available”. This bright bubbly resident has settled in well at University Hall and with her positive, enthusiastic attitude to study, Sophie is bound to fulfil her dreams of becoming a world-class teacher. “Sophie is a perfect fit for Uni Hall and we’re pleased to have her as a resident this year. Our live, learn, grow program which is unique to Campus Living Villages who manage UCA will support Sophie and her peers throughout their first year of study so they have all the tools necessary to succeed” says UCA General Manager Nik Webb-Shephard.

The University of Canterbury Arts scholarship is offered to arts students at all levels of study. There were approximately 300 applicants at each level for the 2012 scholarship offering.