Waikanae’s Michelle Campbell, 18, has been awarded a 4-year scholarship amounting to $40,800.00 per year American to study, live at and row for Michigan State University, USA.
On top of that, all expenses for course supplies, coaching and regatta travel, accommodation and food, as well as a case full of NIKE gear will be covered by the University .
From the 13 American universities interested in hosting her, Michelle chose three to investigate further, one of which, South Carolina’s Clemson University, flew a representative to New Zealand for a day to meet Michelle and dine with her family. At the end of the choosing process, however, Michigan State was the winner.
Michigan State University teaches 46,000 students on their 5200 acre campus. Specialties include sports development, agriculture and psychology.
The university’s stadium alone is the size of three ‘cake tins’ and the campus’s rowing training facilities are far in advance of anything available in New Zealand.
A straight A student at Paraparaumu College 2005 2009, Michelle was awarded overall NCEA excellence in her years 12 and 13, and was Head Girl in her final College year.
Paraparaumu College Principal Richard Campbell says that no-one in the College is surprised that Michigan State is so ready to pay for Michelle’s further education . “Her sunny and out-going personality, sense of service and appreciation of the importance of team work, along with her willingness to develop her considerable academic intelligence have always been a source of inspiration to us here,” says Mr Campbell.
A triathlete of note in her earlier College years and a 2006 triathlon development team member, Michelle switched to rowing single skulls and pairs just three years ago, and has won nearly all her single skull races over the last six months. Winner of the North Island Club Women’s single skulls in February, Michelle has won a place in the New Zealand Under 21 Youth Cup Regatta Trial.
“I am indebted to Paraparaumu College for the opportunities it afforded me, and to my foundation rowing coach Andy Murray,” says Michelle. “And since my first year in the sport, the support, encouragement and expertise given me by coach Garry Maude has been brilliant. I love that man”.
After her time in the United States, Michelle intends to return to row for New Zealand and study post-graduate psychology.
Michelle will begin her studies and rowing training in Michigan in August.
