Arson Sheffield – Rainbow New Zealand Charitable Trust Scholarship. Conjoint in BA & BSc, Philosophy and Psychology – University of Victoria

Arson identifies as a queer, Filipino who uses they/them pronouns. Originally Arson had a hard time in high school due to being intersectionally a person of colour, queer and neurodiversity but after changing schools found a community and self-acceptance. They are very proud of leaving behind a legacy that will help younger students now they have graduated.

A passionate activist, Arson has worked on several projects including GDC’s Youth, Awareness, Acceptance, Gender, and Sexuality Group and SMC’s Diversity Committee. They are also currently serving as the CEO of Tūmanako Youth Collective, an initiative that they founded alongside other young people. They also had the opportunity to join Tāmaki Youth Council and the University of Auckland’s Youth Advisory Group earlier in the year. As well as being grateful to have the honour of being interviewed by Aurecon, for their Non-Binary Awareness campaign.

Arson intends to apply to the University of Victoria to study Psychology and Philosophy through a conjoint bachelor’s degree in science and Art. They are motivated to study in these degree programmes because they would like to give back to their community.