I know, I know. I’m crazy. I’m sacrificing everything I’ve worked so hard for. I’m going to be so behind. I must be so stressed. I’ve heard it all. But the London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF) was not a burden – it was an enlightening learning experience, and as such, I’ve created a quick guide on the 27 things I’ve learnt from being on an overseas academic program for 3 weeks with 470 teenagers from 65 different countries.
1. There is no such thing as a comfort zone on session. You’re always pushing yourself.
2. Commit yourself. Whether it’s to asking a question, following a dream, or just crossing the crazy London streets, you’ve got to have faith in yourself.
3. School isn’t the end of the world (I’m still getting used to that one).
4. Science is so, so cool. When else do explosions happen safely (well, kind of safely) in lectures?
5. There are other people out there who not only share my love of, but understand, science puns.
6. Collaboration is incredibly important. Just 2 ordinary people together have more brainpower than Einstein.
7. 6 chocolate croissants for breakfast each day in France is absolutely not unreasonable.
8. Network not just for the opportunities, but also for the friendships.
9. As an Australian, I am incredibly lucky.
10. Being proud of yourself isn’t just okay, it’s essential.
11. There are few better feelings than having a supportive network of friends and family behind you.
12. Represent yourself, your family, your community and your country with pride.
13. The language barrier isn’t always a barrier-it can also be a great way of learning how to laugh at yourself (and your poor pronunciation attempts), while learning about other cultures.
14. Being a stereotypical tourist is ok-this includes accents, walking on the wrong side of the stairs, wearing berets, and getting lost.
15. There are always people more (and less) intelligent than you.
16. The weather in the UK is actually ridiculous. Whatever I just went through was not summer.
17. Saying goodbye to friends is really, really hard. Forecast = 100% chance of tears.
18. Different opinions are often the best kind.
19. Public transport is not as terrifying as it seems. Just don’t leave any items on there, you’ll probably never get them back.
20. Communication is key.
21. You don’t have to be an expert to hold your ground on an issue you’re passionate about.
22. Women can hold their own in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) industry, as can men. Gender does not impact ability, only opportunity.
23. Watermelon is a great ice cream flavour.
24. The Australian dollar is woeful. And Switzerland is chronically expensive.
25. Being at the CERN Large Hadron Collider is an awe-inspiring experience. The numbers are astounding-over 100 nationalities employed, 1 petabyte of data generated per second, and a 27km circumference.
26. Knowing what you want to do is something you’ll figure out through experience more than anything else.
27. Nerd is not an insult. And I now know 470 students who will agree.
Please visit liysf.org.uk for more information on this incredible program, and search for LIYSF on Facebook.