Sumayyah Parker (19) is in her second year at the University of Auckland, where she is studying for a Bachelor of Urban Planning (Honours). Sumayyah always knew she wanted to have a future where she was helping to create a better world to live in, but never realised there were so many different ways to do so.
“I never realised that I could feel so passionate about furthering my education. Urban planning did this for me.”
Summayah’s goal was crystallised when, aged 15, she went to an open day at the university and discovered urban planning. ‘I never realised that I could feel so passionate about furthering my education. Urban planning did this for me,’ she says.
The former Mt Roskill Grammar School student crossed the stage regularly at prize givings for her academic achievements. She also was heavily involved in extracurricular and volunteering activities. However, she says that it is her family role as the oldest daughter with four siblings, who she helps raise, that will benefit her the most in her chosen career.
● How did you first find out about Keystone?
“I found out from my Mum. She had done some research about my degree to understand it better and that was when she came across the Keystone Trust. She was so excited to have found the website for me and made sure I applied right away when applications opened in June.”
● What was the most challenging aspect of the interview process?
“It was the first interview I had ever done in my life, so the aspect of not knowing what to expect was the hardest part for me. I spent ages prepping answers in my head to questions they could ask me. But all I really needed to do was be myself. That one interview has changed my life in so many ways that I just think back at 18-year-old me and smile.”
● What have you learned about Keystone that you didn’t know before being awarded a Scholarship?
“Keystone provides you with a generous amount of money and multiple networking and learning opportunities you wouldn’t get anywhere else. But they are so much more than that. They are also the people you can turn to when uni just isn’t going the way you thought it would. They do so much work behind the scenes, and nothing is too much for them. Then there is also my mentor, Izzy (Isobel Green) – a Keystone 2024 RCP scholar. Izzy has helped me set goals for the year, reached out to her own mentors for me and checks in on me frequently to make sure we’re both getting the most out of the Keystone experience.”
● What difference has the scholarship made to your studies?
“Having Keystone right from the get-go meant I didn’t have to worry about my financials as much. I knew I could focus solely on my studies and getting the grades I want. Additionally, the site visits Keystone takes us on really puts into perspective that what you’re studying in class isn’t theoretical, that there’s someone out there in the real world doing what you learn about in those lectures.”
● What personal talent do you have that Keystone may not know about?
“I’m a semi-professional cake decorator. By that, I mean I am the designated unpaid baker for all birthdays, parties and events my family hosts. If you have a Pinterest photo, I can recreate it perfectly (almost). I can make everything from biscuits and slices to tiered cakes.”
● Have you worked with, or are you currently working with, a sponsor company?
“Not yet – but there is always an opportunity in the future.”
● What place does AI have in your future plans?
“I think AI is a tool rather than a threat. When used responsibly, it has the potential to enhance the way we work, rather than replace the human aspects of our professions.
I see AI as something that will support my future career, helping me work more efficiently and make more informed decisions, while still leaving people at the centre of the planning process.”
● Final thoughts:
“Applying for the Keystone Scholarship has been one of the best and most impactful decisions I’ve made. What started as a suggestion from my Mum turned into an opportunity that has shaped not only my academic journey, but also my personal and professional growth. I’m incredibly grateful to be part of a community that genuinely invests in its students, and I’m excited to continue growing, learning, and making the most of everything Keystone has to offer.”
This story is part of the My Story Could Be Your Story series. You can read more stories here or watch the interviews on our Keystone Trust YouTube channel.
