Oakley (Heather) Djelassi Journey: From Quiet Determination to Outstanding Excellence.
I recently had the pleasure of sharing afternoon tea kōrero with Oakley Djelassi, a former year 13 student who recently learned that she had been awarded an Outstanding Scholarship Award for English, meaning she was in the very top .38% of her cohort nationally for 2024. I enthusiastically share the key points of this conversation.
When Oakley received the news that they had been awarded a prestigious ‘Outstanding Scholarship in English,’ they didn’t immediately grasp its full significance. “I just thought it was another step,” they reflected modestly. But Oakley’s mother’s reaction told a different story – surprised, overjoyed, and deeply proud. It was a decisive moment of recognition and promise for a family without a history of scholarships or university degrees.
The Scholarship exam challenged Oakley to compare and contrast two pieces of writing. This required critically analysing the subtext within the text, a skill they aptly learned from her English classes with Ms Collins, but also in Drama with Mrs Breen, History with Mr Collier, and in Classics with Mr Kwon.
In the next section, Oakley wrote about how “The measure of a novel is its accuracy in portraying real life,” drawing from Flowers For Algernon, We’re Completely Beside Ourselves, The Bell Jar, Crime and Punishment, and Wuthering Heights. In this section, Oakley took a more nuanced approach where I explored both sides of the argument. In the final section, I took the stance that “It is under the mask of fiction that you can tell the truth,” looking at The Invisible Man, The Power, and Black Horror as a genre.
One of the reasons I transferred to Kaiapoi High School in year 12 was that I knew it had a strong English Faculty. Mr Foley and Ms Collins have been very encouraging and have always taken the time to answer questions or give feedback on my work.
Now studying law, Oakley is one of 680 students vying for just 340 spots in their second year, a challenge they meet with focus and gratitude. The scholarship provides points towards their university study and additional tutoring and mentoring opportunities. Oakley is making the most of their studies. To date, with a stellar 9.0 GPA and high praise for their academic writing, they’re already demonstrating excellence.
The path to this point, however, wasn’t always straightforward. Oakley candidly shares that they were an average student until Year 3 at primary school—until a teacher’s encouragement in creative writing lit a spark. That turning point coincided with personal challenges, including PTSD and depression, which Oakley bravely navigated during the isolation of the pandemic. At this point, academic success became a source of stability and purpose.
Changing schools also brought a new perspective. Oakley took on leadership roles, contributed to community initiatives like food parcel distribution, and led a successful World Vision fundraiser. As the first in their year group to come out as LGBTQ+, they also became a quiet but powerful source of support for others navigating their identities.
Reflecting on the support that shaped their journey, Oakley names several key educators: Mrs Tindall, who helped refine their academic focus; Mr Bell, their dean during tough times; and Mrs Breen, who fostered a classroom culture of care and confidence. In hindsight, an especially memorable influence came from Duncan Webb in Year 8, whose encouragement during a difficult period helped build lasting resilience.
What is Oakley’s advice to future scholarship hopefuls? Don’t focus solely on the exam. Instead, immerse yourself in the whole curriculum. “The skills you learn -especially in English – translate across subjects,” they note. Preparation included memorising quotes and reading widely, but developing self-belief and the courage to take risks was equally important.
University life has brought fresh challenges, particularly in managing time and staying on top of readings and tutorials. Oakley avoids all-nighters and prioritises self-discipline, aiming to fully engage with many available resources fully. Outside of academics, they maintain a balance through painting, crafts, and walking – activities that keep them grounded and energised.
Looking ahead, Oakley is ambitious but grounded. They hope to make a difference through legal aid and, perhaps, serve as a judge or contribute to legislation. Studying abroad is also on the horizon, thanks to the financial freedom their scholarships provide.
As for final thoughts, Oakley says, “Work hard, take every opportunity, and don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone’s path is different – focus on your growth.” It’s a fitting message from a student whose journey already inspires many and whose future looks exceptionally bright.
To complement Oakley’s Outstanding English Scholarship, they received two University of Canterbury financial support scholarships to support their tertiary study: the Te Kakau a Māui and the Lissie Rathbone Scholarships. Victoria University also offered Oakley the Tangiwai Excellence scholarship, though Oakley declined this.
Well done, Oakley, and congratulations!
I conclude with the following whakataukī
“Whāia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei,”
“Seek the treasure you value most dearly: if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain”.
Jason Reid, Principal
I also greatly enjoy acknowledging further academic excellence by a 2024 Year 13 student, Jessica Power. She gained a Scholarship Award in Biology, which means Jessica finished in the top 3.2% of her cohort nationally. Jess is now studying Health Science at Otago University.
