Curious fascination
By Rebecca Breeze, Year 11, Cairns State High School
FROM December 10-15 last year, I was given the opportunity to attend the Curious Minds Camp at the University of NSW, Sydney.
The camp enabled me to explore the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects and the various career opportunities in those fields.
It was a really amazing experience and enabled me to meet like-minded girls from all over Australia who shared similar interests and goals.
Throughout the duration of the camp, we were able to listen and meet female speakers who shared their knowledge and experience in STEM-related careers, as well as mentors who assisted by informing us of the countless number of opportunities that were available in STEM fields.
They also inspired us to follow our goals in whatever we would like to do and shared how they got to where they are today.
We were also given the opportunity to visit the UNSW campus and do activities such as creating and testing water filters.
We spent a morning exploring the Centre for Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (SMaRT Centre) at the campus, which is dedicated to research and development of environmental solutions for waste problems.
This is where we were able to control a robotic arm and recycle plastic filament so that it can used for 3D printing as well as getting a close look at the state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment that the centre has.
The camp not only provided information and experiences with our specific subject preferences in STEM but also presented us with activities and information on subjects of STEM that we were not that familiar with.
While the camp provided and educated us with a deeper insight into the world of STEM, we had the chance to visit the Sydney Opera House and explore Circular Quay.
Overall, the camp was an amazing experience that inspired all of us to continue studying and pursuing our STEM careers.
Although the camp only lasted for a week, the time spent together with fellow students was an unforgettable experience.
I am extremely excited to be able to meet them again in July, as many new friendships were formed.