My experience at the International School of Science was truly unforgettable. From traveling to Australia to all the inspiring science I learned.
I was really nervous to meet other students from different cultures and countries and how our differing backgrounds would affect our relationship. But to my surprise we had a lot more in common than just loving science. My roommate and I shared a birthday, I had wonderful conversations with other students about our home countries, and my team was very supportive and friendly and genuinely wanted to get to know me personally.
Those are just a few examples of the lovely connections that I created during this camp. On the more academic side of the camp we explored topics from quantas to quesars and fields of science I had never even heard about prior to the ISS. I have so many notes to look through! One of my favorite lectures was the lecture given by Dona Strickland, the Nobel Peace Prize winner in physics. She made everything relatable and simple to understand even though it was a complicated subject to present to high school students. My favorite lab was the veterinary science lab where we found parasite eggs in sheep poop and learned how to treat the animals.
I also really enjoyed going to visit the Sydney Institute for Marine Science. We learned about tracking devices, living seawalls, oceanography, and how the institute is helping restore the Sydney harbor as a marine sanctuary for all species. These examples are just a glimpse of how amazing the ISS really is.
I'm sure I have said this in every previous blog, but I really cannot express how grateful I am for this opportunity. I really enjoyed getting to know my international teammates and my fellow U.S. students.
This trip has clearly benefited me as a person and as a scientist. Higher Orbits has changed my life for the better in ways that I never expected, this camp being one of them, and I am so thankful to be a part of this family.
Written by Stellar Student Evelyn Weber
