Showing initiative and leadership paid dividends for Year 12 student, Tom Whitby recently, when he was one of only 26 students from 300 around Australia chosen to attend the Youth Science Forum in South Africa.

Tom showed he had outstanding qualities when he was selected by the Woombye Sunrise Rotary Club earlier this year to attend the National Youth Science Forum in Canberra as their representative. Unbeknown to Tom, students at the Forum were closely monitored by staff to identify the best and brightest, who would be sent to an International Forum in South Africa later in the year. Tom’s leadership, initiative and enthusiasm obviously stood out.

Recently returned from his 3 ½ week overseas trip, Tom was still excited by all he had seen and done. “Spending 5 days in Pretoria during South Africa’s “Science Week” with 90 students from Namibia, Lesotho and South Africa was an unforgettable experience,” said Tom. The students visited Forensic Labs, Genetic Companies, Mining Companies, and the University of Pretoria and found out what it was like to be a scientist in South Africa.

Other highlights of the trip included a 10 day minibus safari, journeying from Johannesberg, through the Kruger National Park, Botswana, Zambia and the Victoria Falls. Tom said being exposed to another culture was an eye opener. He found that the South African students were envious of his opportunities and freedoms. Teenagers in South Africa, for example, are not allowed to have a part time job until they are 18 for “safety reasons”. He was pleased to find that most international students have very positive views of Australians and Aussie culture.

While Tom is now knuckling down to work at Maroochydore High to ensure he gains the best OP possible, he said his trip to South Africa had given him “itchy feet”. “I’m keen to travel,” he said. “I’d like to go back to South Africa and to Asia.” Tom is hoping to pursue a career in Bio-Mechanics or Medical Imagery at University next year. Whatever his future, his trip to South Africa has certainly widened his views and horizons.

Pam Hasthorpe - Teacher