Achieving the title of Dux is a goal many students aspire to, but for St Paul’s Collegiate School’s 2024 recipient, Nika Asadi, it was the culmination of years of dedication and determination.
Reflecting on the moment she was announced as Dux, Nika shared: “I was overwhelmed with emotions because the hard work I had put in over the past two years had paid off. My end goal for my high school studies was always to be Dux. It was my motivation to do well.”
With a strong passion for the sciences, Nika’s academic journey has been fueled by genuine curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. “I’ve always been fascinated by the natural world, especially biology. Human evolution has been my favourite topic, as it provides an incredible insight into how we’ve transitioned from apes in the trees to modern civilization.”
This passion and drive have earned her a scholarship to the University of Otago, where she will study Health Science in 2025, with the ultimate goal of pursuing a career in medicine.
Nika credits much of her success to the support and resources at St Paul’s. “The facilities and guidance here have been incredible, especially the teachers. My biology teacher, Mrs Lock, believed in me during moments of doubt, and her support kept me going through stressful times. Mrs Keep, my physics teacher, went above and beyond to help me learn beyond the Level 3 curriculum and prepare for scholarship physics.”
Her journey has also been deeply personal, shaped by the unwavering support of her family. “My brother, Keyan, has been my biggest supporter over the past two years. He’s always helped me when I was struggling and never doubted what I could achieve. My parents, too, have sacrificed so much to ensure I could focus on my studies, providing me with a secure foundation to succeed.”
As she prepares to take her next steps toward a medical career, Nika Asadi embodies the values of hard work, gratitude, and a passion for learning—a true testament to the spirit of St Paul’s Collegiate School.
