Isabella's story
2024 Scholarship Recipient
Isabella Baldwin loves her sport, is fiercely intelligent, and dedicated to family. She’s also a Hi-Tech Trust scholarship winner, about to become the first in her family to attend university.
It’s not been an easy journey. Isabella’s 53-year-old mum Angela recently suffered a severe stroke, leaving her with vision loss and fatigue. Angela’s life became immeasurably harder, but her commitment to Isabella’s future never wavered.
“My family is the reason for my success,” Isabella says. “They always provided me with the foundation of love and encouragement, and were always there to boost my confidence and motivation.
“My parents, Angela and Bruce, really care. They want me to be the best and want me to succeed. They try to help me out wherever they can,” she says.
Sport is a huge part of Isabella’s life. Originally from the small South Island town of Renwick, she now plays tighthead prop for Marlborough Girls College and Tasman’s Under-18 Mako team. She dreams of one day playing for the Black Ferns. She’s also a musician, playing in the Marlborough Pipe Band and the Nelson Celtic band, where she plays the side drums.
She loves photography and editing - particularly the more technical aspects - and sees a future where she can mix playing sports with capturing it in images or on the screen.
Mostly, Isabella just loves to learn. “I love going to school,” she says. “I love learning, and I love taking leadership opportunities and bringing my knowledge back to my communities.”
Isabella credits her success to many people, but acknowledges three teachers in particular. As a young girl, Isabella was shy and didn’t have much confidence. Then, she says, “I met Heather Jameson, who became my singing and piano teacher. Through her guidance, I began to grow in confidence, and she truly instilled in me a passion for jazz singing.
She also gives a shout out to Harris Arthur, her rugby coach for four years. “He helped me improve my skills and techniques, and he consistently promoted the values of perseverance, self-belief, a strong work ethic, and focus.”
Then, there is Isabella’s school dean Sialele Alipia. Sialele encouraged Isabella to apply for the scholarship, knowing the difficulties the family would face in financing a university degree. “I was from this little school in Renwick, and came to college where I didn’t know many people. Sialele was so supportive, she was always helping me. And with my mum having a stroke, she has continued to support and help me.
“I think I knew I wanted to go to uni, but there was something in the back of my head: What happens if I can’t do this, if there isn’t enough money, or something else?”
Now, as a scholarship winner, Isabella can take her pick and is considering Canterbury, Otago, or Lincoln University.
Ultimately, Isabella aspires to a career that blends sport, tech, and creativity. But what matters most to her is being part of a team, supporting others, and proving that coming from a small town doesn’t limit where you go.