James McNicol Volunteer Abroad

I really want to grow as a leader on my volunteer service abroad. I have had experience with levels of leadership throughout high school as I was in the senior leadership group for the Auckland Grammar Rowing squad in the 2014/2015 season. I also was the stroke seat of the Auckland Grammar Rowing squad Senior (under 18) 8+, in which we accomplished great success throughout the season. Winning Gold in the North Island Club Championships, getting silver at the North Island Secondary Schools Regatta and placing 3rd in the 2015 Maadi Cup, the best our school had achieved in 3 seasons.

My leadership qualities really shone through when I represented Auckland Grammar on the Spirit of Adventure 10-day youth development programme where I was voted by my peers to be the crew leader of the main sail on our final day of the voyage (trainee day) where all of us volunteers completely took the ship and became the crew for a day. I worked in hand with the Captain and his first mate to hoist, position and tack the sail when need be. This required considerable delegation.

A few great quotes I’ve heard that motivate are “aspire to inspire before you expire” which sums up my mentality on passing on knowledge and “never die wondering” which I live my life by as it means I never give a second though as to whether or not I should go through with something. If I want to do it and if I have an ounce of belief in my brain, I’ll do it. And if I do it, I’ll give 110% as my dad always says to me when I row, “there’s always 10 more strokes” Or “theres always gas left in the tank”.

Due to my success in rowing for Auckland Grammar, I learnt many valuable life skills. The pressure that came with being in such an elite sports crew meant that I learnt do deal with pressure and how to keep focussed during hard times. This resilience is an asset that led to my acceptance into Kingsley. The Kingsley vision is to Discover, Nurture and Celebrate the talents and achievements of each and every student. Central to the inclusive ethos of Kingsley School is that 25% of the students are dyslexic. I will use my experience and leadership skills to inspire and motivate students of all levels at Kingsley School in 2016.

I have finish my NCEA Level 3 examinations on the 26th of November and depart for the UK on the 4th of January. I am free between these dates to work for donations and am experienced in child minding, dog walking, landscape gardening, delivering materials and have worked in an office support role at Serato.

I am very fit and have my own transport.

I am located in central Auckland.