On The Up: Northland couple land rare Duke University scholarships worth combined $1.25m

A Northland couple is set to begin studies at a top US university, supported by a combined $1.25 million in scholarships. The couple will commence their studies in August.

A Dream Realized

Charissa, a former student of Kerikeri High, has been awarded a scholarship worth approximately $500,000 to study theatre. She expressed her shock, stating, “It honestly doesn’t feel real yet, I am still in shock.”

A Shared Journey

Her partner, M’lago, took a gap year to increase the possibility of them attending the same university. He was accepted last year, and his decision to defer enrollment proved successful. He stated that having both of them accepted, with no student debt, felt like everything they had worked for had paid off.

Charissa shared that she has dreamed of studying at Duke since childhood, influenced by visits to the campus with her sister-in-law and a strong connection to the school spirit. Born in the US, she moved to New Zealand as a toddler, and family connections also played a role in her interest.

Future Plans

The couple intends to return to New Zealand after completing their four-year course. Charissa expressed a desire to share their experiences and highlight the talent within New Zealand, stating, “We really care about New Zealand and want to bring our stories and take it to a bigger stage. There is so much talent here that deserves to be seen.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What university are the couple attending?

The couple will be studying at Duke University.

What will Charissa be studying?

Charissa will be studying theatre.

Did M’lago receive a scholarship?

The provided information does not state whether M’lago received a scholarship, only that he took a gap year to attend with Charissa.

How might opportunities like these impact future generations of New Zealand students?