Community & Business
13 November, 2024
Students explore world of science
THREE students from Mareeba State High School have been selected to participate in the National Youth Science Forum in January 2025, where they will stay on campus for a week at one of Australia’s leading universities.
Ruth Searle, Jill McInnes and Rebecca Quinteri are all “very excited” to be travelling to Brisbane where they will live on campus at the University of Queensland from 15-23 January.
The Forum offers insights into various career opportunities within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The girls will engage in tours of cutting-edge science and technology facilities, interact with industry professionals, and explore various university and career pathways.
Ruth is passionate about science and maths and is eager to find out what university life is like. She is also toying with the idea of becoming a teacher of science in the future.
“I initially didn’t get accepted, but somebody dropped out and I was able to make it, so it was an excitement after a disappointment,” Ruth said.
“I applied because I really like science and maths, and I’m interested to learn about the more interesting aspects of both of those.
“Also, going to campus and staying there for a while gives you a good idea of what it’s going to be like at university.
“I’m not really sure what I want to study yet (after high school), but I’m thinking about teaching science or maths,” she said.
Jill is excited to be experiencing this academic opportunity with her two friends and is hopeful to pursue a degree in engineering through the Australian Defence Force after high school.
“I had forgotten that I applied, and I got the email saying I got accepted and when I found out Ruth and Rebecca were going, I got really excited,” Jill said.
“I applied because a couple of my friends went last year and said how good it was and that I should apply.
“I plan to go to ADFA (Australian Defence Force Academy) and study engineering.
“I think I’m just looking forward to the experience the most, and again with Ruth and Rebecca going it just makes it that much better, and hopefully the jacaranda’s will still be in bloom,” she said.
Rebecca hopes this experience will provide her with a clearer vision for her future and is excited to meet like-minded individuals.
“I got the email when I was in the library and the teacher wasn’t very happy when I screamed out that I got accepted, but I’m very excited to go,” Rebecca said.
“I want to have a better understanding of what I want to do in the future. I figured because it’s all science and STEM based it can give me a better look into what university is like and I think it will really help me to just solidify my plan for after high school.
“I don’t have a fixed plan on what I want to study at university yet. I know I want to do something science based, and I’m really interested in psychology, so maybe something in that field.
“I’m excited to go because I like UQ and I’ve got my eyes set on going there, and I’m also looking forward to meeting everyone else who applied and got accepted, I think that will be really cool,” she said.
Rebecca has been sponsored by the Mareeba Rotary Club who have covered half of her program fee, which has been “a really good help”.
Ruth has been sponsored by the Mareeba Rotary Club and Mareeba Lions Club, which has greatly reduced her fees.
Jill was granted a scholarship by the Science Forum through her initial application process. This funded her entire program fee, meaning all she had to cover was flights and travel.
“It was really generous of NYSF and I’m very grateful,” Jill said.
