Erica Hoskin – Countdown Scholarship. Bachelor of Psychology – University of Auckland

Erica identifies as someone who identifies as non-binary and wants to understand the human condition and what society can do to improve mental health outcomes, especially for minority communities. This has influenced their career choice as Erica wants to study psychology so they can be equipped to give back to their community.

As a UN Youth high school ambassador and the logistics officer for the UN Youth’s Crisis Council, Erica was selected for the Ireland Embassy to New Zealand’s youth council and received the GirlBoss Edge: Primary Industries scholarship which is a highly selective leadership accelerator programme for young adults aged 13-18. All this while still singing in their school choir and volunteering at the Mary Potter Hospice.

Erica established St Catherine’s College’s first rainbow group and has been an active participant in Welling Pride. Erica is also a writer with their article about the non-binary experience being published. Erica hopes to continue to advocate for further diverse practices to make gender diverse people feel more comfortable and included.