Olivia recently participated in the 2024 National Workers Science and Technology Forum, thanks to sponsorship from our Rotary Club of Milson. In her speech, she shared her transformative experiences and newfound perspectives gained from the event.
Olivia's main objective was to step out of her comfort zone, which included engaging with new subjects and socialising more actively instead of her usual reserved demeanour. She embraced this challenge through various activities, including early morning sessions, academic modules, and technical visits, which helped her integrate into the supportive environment.
Olivia's experience culminated in a significant personal revelation
One of her notable experiences was a technical visit to living labs where she learned about ecosystem restoration. This visit was part of a broader schedule that included both educational modules and recreational activities. Her favourite academic experience was a chemistry module where she engaged in exciting experiments like creating elephant toothpaste and received valuable guidance on applying for scholarships and balancing life at university.
Despite a rough start to the second week due to a COVID-19 outbreak among participants, Olivia continued to engage actively, thanks to support from her friend Mel. She enjoyed a nutrition module where she participated in food identification challenges and learned about food groups and health.
Throughout the forum, structured activities like volleyball and exploratory tasks like "Explore Auckland Day" provided Olivia and her peers with enjoyable breaks from the academic rigour. These activities were complemented by creative and humorous full forum meetings that included light-hearted punishments and fines, enhancing the overall camaraderie among the attendees.
Olivia's experience culminated in a significant personal revelation. Initially intent on pursuing a career in medicine, she discovered a deeper passion for biology and chemistry, leading her to consider a future as a science teacher. Her journey illustrates significant personal growth and professional redirection, inspired by her comprehensive engagement at the forum.
She concluded her presentation by thanking our club for sponsoring her and advocating for others to participate in the forum, highlighting its life-changing potential and the enduring friendships it fostered.