Back
Māori Shakespearian M’Lago Morris’ life-changing pathway to top US University
Apr 18, 2025
Morris was one of just 10 successful students from 50,000 applicants worldwide.
In August, the 18-year-old and his wife of 10 months Charissa, will take up residence at the Duke University campus in Durham, North Carolina.
“I’m still buzzing,” Morris told the Herald.
“It’s still sinking in. I thought I had a chance but you don’t know until you get that confirmation.
I hope my journey and story inspires more New Zealand students to shoot for the stars.
He said the scholarship money will let him concentrate on learning.
“The scholarship isn’t a set amount of money but is estimated to be around $750,000 NZ,” Morris said.
“That will cover my eight semesters (four years of undergraduate study), accommodation for my wife and I, our food, plus it will also cover enrichment funding. That is if I want to experience the world, like go to Paris to study the ballet, I can go use this funding.
“It also covers all the insurances we will need, health, dental and basics.”
Morris has chosen to study public policy and theatre.
He speaks Te Reo and has appeared in and directed many Shakespearian shows throughout Aotearoa.
While theatre was always on the horizon, marriage wasn’t as clear cut.
“Charissa and I have been married for 10 months. I didn’t expect to find a life partner so early in my life but I knew she was the one and so we got married,” he said.
6Shares
0Comments
3Favorites
10Likes
No content at this moment.