Year 11 student furthers her STEM knowledge

A report from student Eden Cosentino on her recent science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) immersion:

“During the holidays I was lucky enough to be selected for ASSETS, the Aboriginal Summer School for Excellence in Technology and Science, at the University of Newcastle.

It was a nine-day program, sponsored by the CSIRO, where I was able to further my learning and understanding of the importance of technology and science and the STEM careers available to me.

On the first day of camp, we were given a warm welcome and shown to our dorms which we would share with another student for the remainder of the trip. Going there, I was a bit worried about staying with strangers for almost two weeks, but everyone was extremely kind and I’m happy to say that we all became good friends.

While on the camp we completed water testing on different water samples from rivers and lakes and I was able to work in a university laboratory and use many materials that I would not ordinarily be able to. We even got to go to the CSIRO research institute and conduct experiments using model solar cars. It wasn’t all hard work though. We were given a movie night with thousands of snacks and I watched Don’t Mess With The Zohan for the first time. That was a night filled with many laughs. Dinner times were also a chance for us to get to know each other and pass around many jokes and riddles. My favourite activities however, were the cultural ones. I was taught how to weave and learnt many traditional dances which we all had so much fun performing. The cultural nights felt so alive and full of energy. It was like we were all connected as one and it was amazing to be a part of that.

I started off the camp worried about being alone but the camp ended with all of us becoming a second family to each other. I honestly can’t think of a second of the camp that I didn’t love. It was an amazing opportunity and I’m so thankful that Mr and Mrs Horder encouraged me to go.”