Rangi Stories – Sophie Pye
A boarder, a rower and 2020 Head of School, Sophie Pye made a conscious effort to take advantage of all the opportunities presented to her throughout her years at Rangi Ruru. This mindset and the resulting experiences, culminated in her being offered multiple places at international universities, ultimately accepting a place at Princeton University, New Jersey, in a four-year programme studying public and international affairs. We caught up with Sophie to discuss how her time at Rangi Ruru helped shape her, and where she’s off to next.
Seizing Opportunities
“Rangi Ruru was a place that encouraged me to grasp every opportunity that came my way, to realise what I loved, and also to learn that I can’t do everything, or be everything, for everyone. I think my drive to take up opportunities comes primarily from a sense of gratitude, which was already present while at Rangi Ruru; Understanding I have been presented with experiences and opportunities that most young women my age never had, nor did my mum or grandma. There has been so many incredible opportunities here (in the US) that I’ve had the chance to take advantage of, meaning I’ve only been able to visit home once a year whilst studying, but I’ve been fortunate to have many lovely visitors.
Some key moments from my time at Rangi Ruru included being on the rowing team; spending every minute of the day with my best mates, working towards one goal, standing on the national podium together, and making dances and skits together. Similarly, living in the boarding house was such a special time, and giving my final speech at the Prize Giving in Year 13 to our Rangi Ruru community to friends, family, classmates and staff was an absolute privilege. I was just so proud to be a Rangi Ruru girl.”
Mentorship and Guidance
“I leaned on my mentors at Rangi Ruru a lot – my wonderful dean, our principal, and careers advisor. They were incredible advice-givers and motivators. I wouldn’t be at Princeton without Kristen Fox (careers advisor). I wouldn’t have applied to the US, known where to start or been able to convince my parents to go without her. Kristen gave me guidance at every step of the application process, read through multiple applications and kept me grounded. Likewise, the fabulous Ms Frier – she was patient, kind and everything that you could ask for in a teacher and dean. Though there have definitely been difficult periods, where I’ve struggled mentally, I feel very lucky – I haven’t been presented with any big challenges to date. My difficult periods have taught me a lot and I’ve really got into advocating for mental health, for getting help, and finding support when needed.”
Proudest Moment and the Future
“My favourite project, while at Princeton, was a few years back, while at home. I got funding to host a mental-health conference with 70 Canterbury Year 13 leaders.
My biggest achievement and proudest moment to date was inviting and hosting Dame Jacinda Ardern on to Princeton’s campus – I was proud to be a Kiwi. I wish every New Zealander could have stood in Princeton’s auditorium on that day, where students had tears in their eyes, clapped louder than I’ve ever heard before, and had so much admiration for a young, incredible woman. No matter one’s political views, I believe Ardern embodies how wonderful New Zealand is as a nation.
I will graduate in May, 2025 and move to NYC to work in trade commodity finance (international trade finance) at Rabobank, the Dutch Agriculture and Food Bank. I am very excited to start my job at Rabobank. I didn’t think I’d be working in the private sector straight away, but I tried everything throughout my summers at Princeton and I loved my summer internship at Rabobank so much. It was a great fast-paced learning environment, where I was surrounded by smart people, and I get to be in the agriculture & food industry which is very, very important to me.”
