Elsie Mary Griffin facts for kids

Elsie Mary Griffin was an amazing New Zealander who taught about plants (that's botany!) and helped run important community groups. She was born in a place called Lawrence, in South Otago, New Zealand, on November 1, 1884. She lived a long life, passing away on May 3, 1968.

Early Life and Education

Elsie Mary Griffin was born in 1884. When she was about 16 years old, her family moved to the Auckland area. She went to a school called Prince Albert College, which was a Methodist school in Auckland.

Becoming a Botanist

Elsie loved studying plants. In 1906, she earned a special degree called an MA with honours in botany from Auckland University College. This meant she was very good at understanding the plant world!

Teaching Career

Right after finishing her studies, Elsie became a botany teacher. She started teaching at Auckland Girls' Grammar School in 1906.

Teaching Style

Elsie was known for being a lively and excited teacher. She would take her students on long walks and hikes. They explored places like the Waitākere Ranges to find and collect different plant samples. Her students really liked her because she was so enthusiastic.

Community Work with the YWCA

While she was teaching, Elsie also became very involved with a group called the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA). This organization helps young women and girls grow in spirit, mind, and body.

Early YWCA Involvement

In 1908, Elsie helped start a study group for university graduates. By 1910, she was leading a Bible study group and was part of the Evangelistic Committee.

Working for the YWCA

From 1912 to 1915, Elsie worked as the secretary for the YWCA in Dunedin. This job gave her a lot of experience. Because of this, she decided to spend the next two years in America. There, she studied different ways to help people through social work. In 1917, she came back to Auckland and became the secretary for the local YWCA there.