Forum builds appreciation of science and technology

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The 14-day Rotary National Science and Technology Forum for students was held in Auckland during January. Year 13 Rodney College student Rosa Campbell was there and tells us about her experience.

The two-week experience has given me a broader insight not only into science and technology areas and opportunities in New Zealand and the world, but also a better understanding of and belief in myself.

During the forum I attended numerous lab’s and lectures in Auckland University, AUT, Massey Albany, and also Auckland Police Station and Air New Zealand. These involved programming a robotic car to navigate itself through a maze, dissecting a sheep heart, and examining a human brain.

We were honored to have Michelle Dickinson (Nano girl) speak to us. Michelle was an engaging, inspirational and motivating speaker. Listening to her was an invaluable experience, her advice I’ll definitely rely on in the future.

By fully engaging myself and participating in all activities I was able to get the most out of my forum experience – I was able to take from it useful information that helped me successfully meet my objectives which I outlined in my pre-forum baseline report. I now am aware of the requirements to do Engineering at Auckland University and the systems operating, format of the degree, possible majors in engineering, opportunities available such as Accelerated Pathways, and the qualifications gained from these degrees. This has helped me immensely in deciding my future, and the subjects and extracurricular activities to involve myself in in order to achieve my goals.

The people I have met at the Science Forum have become long-term friends that I will keep forever. We have a Facebook page, numerous group chats and group Skype calls every night, and have planned a reunion in Wellington in the winter holidays. These friends have helped motivate me to do my best and brought out the best in me, and I know anyone who applies and is given the opportunity to attend this forum in the future will not be let down. The Science and

Technology Forum is an experience of a lifetime and is unique in New Zealand, I encourage any scientifically minded year 12 student to apply – you’ve got nothing to lose and a great deal to gain if you do.

SELF-BELIEF: Student Rosa Campbell found the Forum informative and motivating.

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