So the ISS is over now and I am as busy as ever. It was genuinely one of the best 2 weeks of my life. It opened my mind to so many new things in STEM.
Honestly, sometimes it’s easy to get stuck in the point of view that there’s nothing new to find out that matters and going into research or inventing anything would be not as interesting anymore. Going to the ISS and hearing all the lectures made me more hopeful for discovery and progress. I’m excited for what contributions my generation will bring to bettering and fixing our world.
Some of my favorite lectures weren’t even the ones that I was initially interested in. Dr. Kate Michie talked about using ai to fold proteins, a task that originally took massive amounts of time and manpower. I was never super interested in biology or artificial intelligence, but I found that I really enjoyed the lecture. She was engaging and I thought the visuals were really cool. I came into the lecture ready to take notes but not ready to be left thinking about it for the rest of the day. It was awesome to get to know more about things I didn’t know I wanted to know more about.
The labs we got to do after lunch were always amazing. The people teaching the labs were awesome, passionate, and super helpful. I got to do way more than your typical high school labs and use cool tools. The math lab had this set up with water that simulated the flow with different blockages and how the speed changed. I wish I could find a picture of it! The quokka lab was a little gross at first since it focused on poop, but ended up being so fun. I got to learn what a micropipette was and how to use it and did a DNA extraction.
I still can’t believe I got the opportunity to attend and do all these things. The people were so nice and supportive. I had an amazing time learning about all the different cultures and aspects of people's lives. Living in the dorms at Kinncoppal was actually really fun, despite having 3 roommates. The inhouse activities were always amazing. I loved playing board games, doing karaoke, THE BUSH DANCE, and just hanging out in the common rooms. I really haven’t had any time since I got back to talk with everyone, but I wish I did. I don’t think there was a single person I didn’t like. I definitely wish I could visit again.
Space Mom Michelle Lucas did a great job of making sure we were all ok, even when she forced us to stay up to avoid jet lag. One of my favorite nights was going out to see cats with her. I am a massive light design nerd and it was just so so cool. They had a light set up to be a mosaic on the floor as if it was shining through a stained glass window and really cool effects I never would have thought of. I almost never get to see professional productions, usually just high school, so it was awesome.
I will forever be grateful for what the international science school gave me. It opened so many doors for me. I met so many amazing people, learned so many cool things, and feel so much better about leaving home for college. Thank you to the entire staff of the International Science School from Chris and Gabe to the Staffies and the people running the lab. Thank you to the chefs at both Kincoppal and the University of Sydney’s women’s college for making delicious food for us everyday. Thank you all so much!
Written By Stellar Student Raine Dickinson
