For first-year Bachelor of Health, Sport and Human Performance student Andrew Nairn, a scholarship funded by the South Waikato Investment Fund Trust (SWIFT) has been a game-changer.

Andrew, who grew up in Tokoroa and attended Forest View High School, is studying at the University of Waikato, majoring in Human Performance Science and minoring in Sport Development and Coaching. Despite the commute to Hamilton, he continues to live in Tokoroa because he wants to stay connected with his hometown community.

“I’ve lived my entire life here, with my parents and older brother,” says Andrew. “My family has been closely tied with the community for a long time.  My father and grandfather were active with the Tokoroa Axemen's Association, and my grandfather was a JP. I do crossfit and have competed in many competitions over the years and I was captain of the Forest View High School soccer team.”

Once a shy kid, Andrew joined a gym four years ago and that helped him grow, get out of his shell and develop into a completely different person. “I quickly learnt that health and fitness was my passion. My main influencer has been my dad who has been going to the gym with me and has always been a great motivator and competitor with me.”

Now nearing the end of his first year at university, Andrew is considering continuing his education with a master's degree. His long-term goal is to return to Tokoroa as a gym trainer or a strength and conditioning coach for a professional sports team. "I want to give back to the community that has given me so much."

The SWIFT scholarship, which Andrew heard about through Forest View High School assistant principal Jason Jowett, played a crucial role in his ability to attend university. The $1,000 scholarship allowed him to purchase a laptop essential for his studies. “I am unsure I would have been able to attend university without it,” he says.

For anyone from South Waikato considering higher education, Andrew’s message is clear: “This scholarship helped me pursue my passion. It was super easy to apply for, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking to study.”