Our speakers at our last meeting were the latest in a long line of Howick College pupils that we have sponsored at the annual Science and Technology Forum held at Auckland University.
This is a two week live in event held at the university and this year the university and Rotary provided an insight into the potential science career opportunities for 160 students from Australasia. Avina and Amelie spoke to us about their experiences and what it might mean for their futures.
Avina noted it was her first prolonged period away from her family so she was nervous. At school pupils who are into science are seen as “geeks” and a bit different but here she was with people of her age who were just as interested in the sciences as she was and that put her at ease. She loved being with people like that and being able to share her experience. Avin’s primary interest is medicine so visiting the medical school was a highlight and included a lot of scientific technology including DNA sequencing. She commented on how that technology had develop in a relatively short time from requiring huge computing power to a small device able to provide a result quickly. An important aspect of medicine was the lecture on ethics and she gave an example where people generously donate their bodies to the medical school to advance the understanding of particular diseases and conditions and the importance of treating them with respect and dignity. Avina got members attention when she spoke of conducting an experiment to determine the alcohol content in wine. I think a few members had a suspicion that there was alcohol in wine! The lectures were interesting and one quote stuck “If your goal makes you feel uncomfortable you will achieve more.”
Amelie took the opportunity to put her learnings at the forum into Howick College values – Courage, Curiosity, Commitment, Courtesy. She reminded us that this was 31st edition of the Science & Technology Forum. I did the calculation and that means over that time between 4,000 and 5,000 students have been introduced to a scientific career. Wouldn’t it be interesting to know what they have gone on to achieve because Rotary gave them an opportunity? Medicine was one of her highlights as well with hands on experiences and an insight into cancer research as well as understanding DNA. A visit to AIR New Zealand and the engineering base provided some thought provoking ideas about engineering as well. Physiology and brain research was another high point as was the “Unleashed Base” at Auckland University that encouraged creativity and an experience with robotics. Amelie is interested in biomed so it will be interesting to hear how she progresses. The forum provided new ideas, fuelled passions, pushed her out of her comfort zone and she learnt to live with strangers which meant she had to be conscious of their wants and needs and treat them with kindness. The big learning was that we depend on each other and being with strangers helped her to experience that dependence.
Another great project helping our future.
Avina & Amelie our speakers