This year, I entered the International Year of the Periodic Table Video Competition, run by the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry. This competition was to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Mendeleev's development of the periodic table

It required students to create a 1 - 2 minute video about an element. I was particularly interested in Chlorine, as being a swimmer I was curious as to why this element is so crucial in swimming pools. I was delighted when I discovered I had come 1st equal place in this National competition. To receive my prize, I was invited to attend the opening ceremony of the 2019 New Zealand Institute of Chemistry Conference, held at the University of Canterbury. The opening ceremony included presentations by International keynote speakers. One that I particularly enjoyed discussed the concept of extracting anions from the environment. My experience was fascinating and I thoroughly enjoyed it.