The Rotary Club of Milson sponsored Madeline Bevan, PNGHS to attend the Science and Technology Forum held in Auckland in January 2023, which was attended by 168 students nationwide.
After successfully navigating a few firsts by herself (first plane ride, first time away from home for more than a couple of days) and initially finding going to Auckland terrifying, Madeline had the best two weeks ever.
After successfully navigating a few firsts by herself (first plane ride, first time away from home for more than a couple of days) and initially finding going to Auckland terrifying, Madeline had the best two weeks ever.
The important few things she gained from the forum related to increased independence, gains in knowledge (including what she enjoys and does not enjoy across the sciences), and improved confidence in social settings.
During her fortnight at the forum, Madeline stayed in the University halls, and each day started the morning with physical activity, followed by participation in two university modules/lectures at one of the Universities, and completed it with a technical visit or recreational activity in the evening.
The modules exposed Madeline to aspects of science she had not seen or heard of before and included coverage of chemistry, a maker space experience, molecular biology, nutrition, AI, physics, sports science, biology, food science and microbiology, robotics, applied mathematics, and psychology. Madeline particularly enjoyed the hands-on practical aspects, and the group work and cooperation opportunities the forum provided.
From a social perspective, she enjoyed volleyball, dressing up, and forming connections and friendships. Madeline particularly cherished the genuine and shared passion for science and technology that everyone who attended shared.
The important few things she gained from the forum related to increased independence, gains in knowledge (including what she enjoys and does not enjoy across the sciences), and improved confidence in social settings.
From the forum, Madeline found she is really interested in engineering and is now leaning towards biomedical engineering as her future field of study, which will enable her to pursue a job that will help people medically through engineering.
Madeline thanked the Rotary Club of Milson for our support so she could have this amazing experience and meet many amazing people.