“There were many more opportunities in science than I first thought.”
"Attending NYSF 2015 Year 12 Program was the greatest experience for me; a geeky science student who wasn’t sure of the opportunities available or paths that lay ahead but was fuelled with the passion to learn and develop skills and connections to make a difference in people’s lives for the better.
The intense two-week program primarily taught me that there were many more opportunities in science than I first thought; and that working as a team, where we each bring our own individual experiences, backgrounds, knowledge and skills together enhances the ability to efficiently and effectively solve problems.
Attending the NYSF also increased my confidence in taking non-mainstream pathways and opportunities, which contributed to me deciding to apply to study a new degree that was being offered at Macquarie University.
I chose to apply for the Bachelor of Clinical Science, mainly because it offered many new features including; being three years of study completed in two years, having body-systems focused units, having a practical unit where I could get industry experience, and doing a unit dedicated to GAMSAT preparation. Although it was a risky decision, it reaped high returns. I especially loved studying the units that related scientific concepts with real life applications such as diseases or treatments, offered hands on experience through facilities such as the anatomy and simulation labs, had industry experience at Macquarie Neurosurgery, and made lifelong friends with my fellow classmates and my teachers.
NYSF 2015 alumna, Mia Holman graduates from Macquarie Uni
After completing the degree, many of my classmates and teachers became colleagues as I was hired as the Faculty Liaison Officer for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Medicine for Macquarie University. I enjoy this role as it enables me to work alongside clinicians who are involved in teaching and research at Macquarie University, as well as to assist in enabling students in the cohort after me to get industry experience with some clinicians.
I am so thankful to have been part of both the NYSF and Macquarie University communities."