Harri Picket, a Southland Girls’ High School year 12 pupil, headed to England on Sunday for a two-week Immerse Education Summer Programme to study medicine at the prestigious Cambridge University.
Immerse Education was founded in 2012 with the aim of providing students aged 13 to 18 with top-level educational experiences. The programmes are attended by students from around the world. They are held at Cambridge, Oxford and London universities in the United Kingdom and the University of Sydney in Australia.
Miss Pickett was awarded a partial scholarship to Cambridge, but her trip was only made possible through the generosity of the community which helped her to fundraise $10,000 to cover her flights and other costs while in the UK.
Her family farewelled her at Invercargill Airport and all were excited about her academic adventure.
"It feels surreal and honestly, it didn’t click that the day is finally here, and I am going.
"Studying at Cambridge has always been a dream for me so be able to have this experience will be amazing."
The 15-year-old said this first stint was part of a bigger plan to one day attend the university as a full time student.
She had always been passionate about biology and this opportunity would help extend her knowledge.
"It is kind of crazy to think about it, but I don’t know if anyone else from New Zealand will be there. It will be interesting to see — but I feel very proud to be accepted in a such prestigious programme."
She believes the course will be a great opportunity to gain knowledge and skills which will help her future career.
Miss Pickett said this was her first visit to England and she was looking forward to exploring the city of London.
"I will have one week for myself to do all the tourist things everyone usually does and then two weeks at Cambridge to study."
Miss Pickett wanted to thank her supporters.
"It truly does mean more to me than you know. I can’t thank everyone enough ... this is really a dream coming true."
