Jay McKendrey’s family have two rules that they instil in their children – leave your home city when you finish school and be sure to apply for plenty of scholarships.
The food science student is following both of these to the letter. Originally from Sydney, he moved across the Tasman to study at Lincoln, which he says has taught him to develop as a person and find his own way.
He’s also just received his second university scholarship in as many years.
Awarded by Garden Marlborough, the scholarship is offered annually to an undergraduate student studying either landscape architecture or horticulture. Jay’s Bachelor of Science (Food Science) incorporates plenty of horticultural elements, so he was an ideal fit for the award.
“I always wanted to study food science,” he says. “I love food and I love science so put them both together and it’s the dream. I’m in my second year at the moment.
“When I received the Garden Marlborough Scholarship, I was in disbelief. I was in the middle of writing a report worth 30% and dealing with a bit of stress from that so to be recognised for my work at that time was phenomenal.” Jay says his parents are New Zealanders, so he has dual citizenship, and some of his extended family members come from Marlborough.
As part of the scholarship, he’s keen to volunteer to work at the Garden Marlborough Fete, if he can make the timing work around his other extracurricular activities.
“Community events are so important, as they bring people together and show that New Zealand is a unified country,” he says. “And it’s fun to show what each district or area has got going on.”
As far as future goals are concerned, Jay is keen to study for a Master’s degree, then work in a research role.
“Otherwise, I’d like to pursue microbiology, doing identification. That’s always been a huge interest for me and it would be even better if I can contribute to global understanding in the field.
“It’s crucial nowadays to get into the lab and do research work, so Lincoln’s practical focus is really useful in preparing me for the future.”
In the meantime, Jay’s keeping himself busy, working as a rep for several of his courses, which involves being a conduit between lecturers and other students.
He’s also the Vice-President of SPACE, a diversity group on campus, and regularly teams up with other students and staff to promote wellbeing at the university.
The first scholarship he received at Lincoln was the Gladys Grace Vale Bursary, also awarded to students pursuing studies in horticulture.
“I have been so fortunate,” he says.
His ultimate goal as a university student is to leave a legacy at Lincoln.