From School Captain to NYU: Emma’s Journey to the Big Apple

From the Central Coast to NYU: Emma’s boarding journey to the Big Apple

At The McDonald College, boarding is more than just a place to stay — it’s a
home away from home where students grow, thrive, and chase their dreams. No
one embodies this more than 2024 school captain, Emma King, who came to the college as a boarder from the Central Coast and has now achieved the incredible feat of being accepted into the world-renowned New York University (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts.

At The McDonald College, boarding is more than just a place to stay — it’s a home away from home where students grow, thrive, and chase their dreams. No one embodies this more than 2024 school captain, Emma King, who came to the college as a boarder from the Central Coast and has now achieved the incredible feat of being accepted into the world-renowned New York University (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts.

The boarding experience: a foundation for success

For Emma, boarding was a crucial part of her journey. Living on campus allowed her to immerse herself fully in both academic and artistic pursuits while developing the independence and resilience needed for a future beyond school.

“The boarding house became my second family,” says Emma. “The support from my peers and staff made all the difference — I always had someone to turn to, whether it was for advice on school, a rehearsal partner, or just a friend to share the highs and lows of life with.”

The McDonald College Boarding House, with its small and close-knit co-educational community, provided the perfect environment for Emma to flourish. “With only 45 students, our boarders form deep, lasting bonds,” explains Rebecca Rogers, Head of Boarding. “We foster kindness, mutual support, and a family atmosphere. These students don’t just gain an education — they gain life skills, independence, and a strong sense of belonging.”

From School Captain to NYU, her journey inspires students to dream big and work hard.

Congratulations, Emma! We can’t wait to see you take on the world.

Learn more about The McDonald College and our unique approach to education.