Phillip Hall won the 2006 Quest for Excellence Scholarship. He is now based at the University of Arizona, where he is working towards a PhD in Psychology.
Phillip, who has 82% hearing loss, was delighted to be the 2006 recipient of the $15,000 Quest for Excellence Scholarship.
“It is a real honour to receive this. I hope that by winning the award I can act as a role model for other deaf and hearing impaired New Zealanders,” Phillip said of the annual award which recognises exceptional Deaf or hearing impaired people.
Phillip has had a hearing impairment since he was a child and wears two hearing aids. But he but did not let this stop him from completing his double degree with Honours in Psychology and Economics at Otago University in 2005.
After graduating, he worked as an Assistant Policy Analyst for the Department of Labour in Wellington.
Although he’s kick-started his career and is continuously working towards larger goals, Phillip says this has only been achievable by keeping his head high.
“It is not always easy being hearing impaired and it could be easy to withdraw from the world, but I dont let that happen. I only have one chance at life and have to make the most of it. I focus on the positives,” said Phillip.
“Having a hearing impairment has formed a pretty big part of who I am. I could not even begin to imagine what I might be like without it.”
Phillip’s determination has paid off academically but this attitude isn’t just limited to his study. He is also a dedicated TaeKwon-Do member who holds a Red Belt and aims to achieve a black Black Belt.
Phillip′s other credentials include being on the executive committee of the Dunedin Youth Forum for four years and being a valued representative of the Otago Chess Club. All Phillip′s activities reflect his commitment to excelling in all areas that he puts his mind to.
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