Aditi Naidu, a Year 11 student at Yat Sen Secondary School, recently expressed her gratitude for the transformative experiences gained during the TechGirls program in the United States. This initiative, which focuses on enhancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills, provided her with the unique opportunity to connect with young women from diverse cultures who share her passion for science.
Raised in Suva, Naidu’s interest in science was cultivated from a young age, influenced significantly by her supportive family. She discovered the TechGirls program through her school and was encouraged by her parents to apply. Initially, Naidu anticipated the program would enhance her STEM skills, but she found it to be a much more enriching experience.
“The program helped me form global connections and offered a new perspective on the world,” said Naidu. She noted the common passion for STEM that united participants despite their varied cultural backgrounds. Her time in the program reignited her aspiration to pursue a career in science, reinforcing her motivation to make a difference through her pursuits.
Naidu described herself as curious and open to change, hoping to delve into a career in medicine in the coming years. She emphasized the importance of curiosity and dreaming big, believing that every idea has the potential to become impactful.
Apart from her academic endeavors, Naidu finds joy in reading, music, and painting, which provide her with a creative outlet. She urges young women interested in STEM to apply for future cohorts of the TechGirls program, emphasizing the life-changing potential it holds.
The experiences of young Fijian women in globally recognized programs like TechGirls reflect a growing trend of engagement in STEM, demonstrating not only personal growth but also the potential for impactful contributions to society. As this generation of young women embraces opportunities abroad, they pave the way for future innovations and leadership in fields traditionally dominated by men.
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