Morgan Trainor

Kia ora, my name is Morgan. I am a third-year student at the University of Otago studying a Bachelor of Arts, with majors in both English and History. I am hoping to become a high school teacher. Next year, I will study a Master of Teaching and Learning endorsed in Secondary Education.

I attended Otago Girls’ High School between 2017 and 2021. I received Excellence Endorsements in NCEA Levels 1 and 2 and Merit Endorsement in Level 3. I also received an Academic Scholar Blue in 2020 as well as Distinction, Top Achiever and Commendation awards for English and History throughout my time at Otago Girls’.

In 2021, I was awarded the University of Otago Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship for students who demonstrate an all-round ability and leadership potential. During my time at University, I have received some highly respectable marks. Last year, I gained the highest mark in my ENGL222 class for a mid-semester essay and I also finished top of my class in HIST236.

In addition to my academic pursuits, I enjoy working in the community and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. For the past year, I’ve been coaching at Kids Active After School Care and Holiday Programme, which involves working with primary school pupils across Dunedin. Through this role, I have learnt how to assist young people, helped them thrive in various environments and spread my knowledge to them effectively.

Outside of my studies and work commitments, I enjoy playing competitive football. I have represented my school, club and Southern United in regional and national competitions. One of my favourite memories was captaining my club football team to a win at a South Island Regional competition, scoring a brace in the final game. I support Arsenal and enjoy watching their games with my friends. Some of my other hobbies include reading, writing, skateboarding, biking and running. My favourite book is 1984 written by George Orwell, and I love to run along St Clair Beach.