The Innovative Young Minds programme was an opportunity for year 11 and 12 girls, such as myself, to spend a week in Wellington to be able to explore and experience what careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) can be like.

Throughout week one of the school holidays just passed, we were taken to Resene, Fraser Engineering, Capital E, WelTec engineering school and WSP Opus. We went to Victoria University where we met Prof. Juliet Gerrard, the Prime Minister’s science adviser, and Massey University where I got to be zapped to make my fingers involuntarily twitch and contract. 

We also visited parliament where we got a tour and had a reception in the great hall; this was an opportunity for us to network and connect with people. Then, finally, we checked out the NIWA research institute, where we met some of the female researchers and got a tour around the facilities.

It was a busy week and I enjoyed every moment of it. It was amazing to spend time with 39 other year 11 and 12 girls and become friends with them all, sharing our experiences during our time in Wellington, but also sharing mutual interests within and outside of STEM sectors.

I highly recommend this programme to any girls who will be going into year 11 or year 12 next year. 

I would like to mention how grateful I am that the the Nelson West Rotary Club was kind enough to sponsor me for my trip.