For this reason, Otago Girls High School academic prefect Crystal Diong (17) loves science, and plans to study medicine at the University of Otago next year.
‘‘I enjoy sciences and I want to use my talents to help people.''
She has achieved NCEA level 1 and 2 endorsed with excellence; she was first in class in French, English, biology and chemistry last year; and was one of 10 pupils selected nationwide to attend the Massey University nanotechnology camp.
Since starting at Otago Girls High School, Crystal has become more aware of world issues such as poverty and its effects on society.
To that end, she plans to specialise in psychiatry so she can treat African children who suffer from the effects of war.
Crystal's humanitarian spirit has spilled into her school life, where she is a popular link student, peer mediator, cultural co-ordinator, 40-Hour famine leader, Model United Nations representative and a founder of the school's Fair Trade movement.
She is a powerful motivator, especially when debating in the school's A team and giving speeches.
She has won the Lower South Island Rotary speech competition (2009), the Otago Race Unity speech competition (2008), and the Alliance Francaise oral competition (2007 and 2008), which resulted in a free trip to New Caledonia last year.
Away from humanitarian duties, Crystal is an accomplished pianist and trumpet player.
She has played with the Dunedin Youth Orchestra and continues to play in the school orchestra, jazz band, and symphonic band.
While Crystal is proud of her achievements, she is even prouder of the ways she has used her skills to help others.
‘‘There's nothing more satisfying than seeing someone that you've helped achieve their own success.''
Achievements: Academic prefect (2009); blues awards in music (2007-08), scholar (2007-08) and public speaking (2008); NCEA level 1 and 2 endorsed with excellence; Lower South Island Rotary speech competition winner (2009); Race Unity speech competition winner (2008); Alliance Francaise oral competition winner (2007-08); Otago Chamber
Music competition highly commended (2008-09).
Role models: Martin Luther King and Mother Teresa.
Hopes for the future: To study medicine at the University of Otago.