Cook Islands Finance was proud to present Year 13 student Esther Miller with the Proxime Accesit award at the recent 2023 Tereora College Prizegiving.
The Proxime Accesit recognises exceptional academic performance and is awarded to the student that secured the second-highest position after the school’s Dux.
Cook Islands Finance, the government agency responsible for promoting and developing the local financial services industry, has sponsored the prize at Tereora College for a number of years.
“Through the financial services industry, young professionals have access to exciting career paths right here in our little paradise.” stated Tony Fe’ao, CEO of Cook Islands Finance.
“When you look across the breadth of the trust, insurance and banking sectors you’ll find an industry that consistently demonstrates its commitment to hiring Cook Islanders. Sponsoring the Proxime Accesit Award highlights our commitment to acknowledging young achievers in the Cook Islands.”
In an interview with Cook Islands Finance, Miller (whose grandfather Iaveta Short played a significant role in shaping the early landscape or the financial services industry) outlined the key to her success this year.
“A big part of it was definitely trying my best to keep up to date with all the learning and staying focused in class so that I understand how to complete my work to a high standard.”
She also shared some poignant advice for her fellow students.
“Pay attention in class, try your best to keep up with learning and don’t rely on trying to get any extensions. Also aim to complete your work to an excellence standard, don’t aim to just get an acheive to get by, if you aim higher, you have a better chance of improving your grades.”
Miller has applied at Auckland University to study a conjoint degree in Bachelor of Commerce/ Bachelor of Property in 2024, offered thanks to her mother Marina, grandparents, family and teachers for their support.
“I really appreciate all the support I received and most of all, I’m very thankful to God for answering my prayers to excel in school and to achieve my education goals.”
Q&A with Esther Miller – 2023 Proxime Accesit at Tereora College
How did you feel when you were named Proxime Accesit?
I was quite happy to be named because I had achieve the goal I had set at the beginning of the year which was to either top or come runner up for year 13 – so that was a great accomplishment for me. I also felt proud, as all the hard work I had put into my education throughout the years paid off.
What are your favourite subject areas/interests
I honestly loved all my subjects this year, but overall I really enjoyed accounting and business studies because I found it interesting learning about ledger accounts and also different aspects of a business.
What was the key to your success this year?
In regards to the key to my success, a big part of it was definitely trying my best to keep up to date with all the learning and staying focused in class so that I understand how to complete my work to a high standard.
What are your Plans for 2024 (study, work etc)
I have applied at Auckland University to study a conjoint degree in Bachelor of Commerce/ Bachelor of Property.
What advice would you give to fellow students to help them succeed?
Pay attention in class, try your best to keep up with learning and don’t rely on trying to get any extensions. Also aim to complete your work to an excellence standard, don’t aim to just get an acheive to get by, if you aim higher, you have a better chance of improving your grades.
Finally, Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
I would like to thank my mum, grandparents and family for always being there to support me through my educational journey. I would also like to thank all the teachers that have equipped me with the knowledge and resources I needed to complete my standards at Excellence level. I really appreciate all the support I received and most of all, I’m very thankful to God for answering my prayers to excel in school and to achieve my education goals.
