From a top scholar at Albany Senior High School (ASHS) to tackling some of the world’s most complex global challenges, Christopher Fordyce is proving that resilience, curiosity, and a love of learning can take you anywhere.

Currently in his final semester of a Master of Conflict and Terrorism Studies at the University of Auckland, Chris is exploring complex global issues ranging from international relations to political extremism. His dissertation examines the discourse surrounding the weaponisation of outer space, specifically analysing how the United States framed its response against treaty drafts designed to regulate space weapons.

This research builds on his Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Politics and International Relations — looking ahead, Chris hopes to contribute to intelligence work in New Zealand and ultimately to the United Nations, focusing on arms control and governance in space — a field he believes is becoming increasingly vital with the rise of dual-use technologies.

From ASHS to academia and beyond

Since leaving ASHS in 2020, Chris has dedicated himself to five years of university study. Alongside his academic achievements, he has completed an Outward Bound Discovery course that challenged his physical and mental limits, contributed to and led coastal cleanups, and explored creative pursuits including graphic design and video game development.

Reflecting on his ASHS years, Chris says it was here that he first honed the discipline and resilience that underpin his success. “ASHS taught me that resilience is essential to achieve success. It was those skills that helped me manage deadlines, push beyond my comfort zone, and achieve three consecutive years of academic success — finishing as a top-five scholar in my final year.”

The power of Impact Projects

Like many ASHS alumni, Chris points to the school’s Impact Projects as one of the most formative aspects of his education. “Working on Impact Projects was a fun experience, and students should not pass up this unique opportunity,” he says. “You know you’re on track to doing something really special when your passion for the project extends beyond the classroom.”

In his first year, Chris made a bold start to his Impact Project journey, designing and constructing a specialised mat aiming to mitigate the spread of kauri dieback disease. His initiative caught the attention of Auckland Council, showing a connection between innovation and community involvement. In his final year, he organised and co-hosted a gameshow with other students with prizes, presenting in front of the school. 

The skills he gained – leadership, teamwork, communication, project management, and a strong work ethic – have had a lasting influence. In fact, when he came to design his capstone project during his bachelor’s degree, Chris deliberately framed it as an “impact project,” applying the same mindset and approach he first developed at ASHS.

The teacher who inspired a future path

While many teachers helped shape his path, Chris credits Kevin, his geography teacher, as particularly influential. “His personable teaching style connected with me, and he possessed deep geographic knowledge,” Chris recalls. “Kevin fostered the passion for social studies I’d developed earlier and inspired me to continue with geography through to university and beyond.”

Advice for current ASHS students

Chris’s advice to current students is to stay flexible and curious. “Don’t be afraid to try new things and enrol in courses that pique your interest, even if your friends aren’t taking them. I originally thought I wanted to become a scientist, but discovered it wasn’t the right fit for me. That flexibility at ASHS gave me the freedom to explore what really aligned with my interests and strengths.”

From top scholar to aspiring global security expert, Chris’s path is proof of the power of resilience, curiosity, and the unique opportunities ASHS provides. As he looks to a career where he hopes to shape international policy and governance, the foundation laid at ASHS continues to guide his trajectory — reminding him of where it all began.