Over the summer of 2024, I was granted the opportunity to attend a 2-week national science and technology rotary forum. It was a life changing experience. Not only did the camp allow me to determine my career pathway, it introduced me to all the options that the New Zealand science and technology field has to offer. I was able to work with some of the most like-minded and intellectual people which was an absolute blast. 168 students attended this forum (knowing no one prior to the camp) I was able to make lifelong friends and amazing connections with lecturers from the University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology and Massey University as well as individuals from the Rotary board. 

There wasn't a dull moment during the 2 weeks at the forum, our days were filled with mind-blowing lectures, amazing practicals, movie nights, karaoke, volleyball competitions and special days such as exploring Auckland day, beach day and our formal forum dinner. My favourite modules were - biology (dissection of a sheep’s heart and lungs!), chemistry, sports science, psychology and physics. I can’t express enough with my words how fun the volleyball competitions were, we dressed up in our colour groups, made chants and competed with other colour groups. 

Overall I would recommend the forum to anyone who is looking to have a career in the field of science and technology as you get to have a taste of what university life is like by living in a dorm and attending lectures, you also get to make such beneficial connections with lecturers and individuals who are experienced in the field of science and technology. I am grateful to so many people for my experience at the forum, the Henderson Rotary Club who allowed me to attend this life changing experience by sponsoring me, my family who are constantly supporting me and Mr Snitch for introducing the amazing Rotary Forum to me.