Amelia Receives an Al Worden Endeavour Scholarship Journey
In a remarkable achievement, Year 10 student Amelia Taranto has been awarded the prestigious ‘Astronaut Al Worden Endeavour Scholarship.’ This extraordinary opportunity has singled her out as one of only four students and one teacher chosen to represent Australia as ‘Team Australia’ at Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. The scholarship, a respected international education initiative, aims to recognise and reward promising young space enthusiasts and their educators by providing them with an immersive, hands-on astronaut training experience.
Amelia’s selection came from a pool of over 120 video presentations across Australia. As part of Mission Team #13, Australia, she, along with her team, will collaborate with teams from the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Chile, Singapore, the United States, and Poland to collectively form ‘Team Endeavour.’
In an interview, we sat down with Amelia to delve into what this once-in-a-lifetime experience signifies for her and the profound impact it is poised to have on her future.
How were you selected for Team Australia?
I earned my place on Team Australia through a selection process, starting with a video submission detailing how the scholarship would impact both my personal growth and contribute to my broader community. The top 13 submissions were shortlisted, and we were tasked with providing a brief response on why STEM resonated with us. Following this, the final six were chosen based on our videos and responses. An interview with three organisation members ultimately determined the final composition of the team, consisting of two girls and two boys.
What does being a member of Team Australia involve?
As a Team Australia member, the experience includes two main trips, one to Sydney and another to the USA. My recent three-day visit to Sydney included participation in the Indo-Pacific Expo and a ceremony for the presentation of the scholarship. Meeting fellow team members and the program’s founders was a highlight of the experience. In July next year, I will travel to the USA for ten days, starting in Washington DC and spending the majority of the time in Huntsville, Alabama. This leg involves astronaut and engineering training alongside teams from countries like the USA, UK, Poland, and Singapore. Additionally, there is the prospect of returning to Sydney next November to meet and assist the new scholarship recipients.
What does this experience mean to you personally?
This experience holds immense personal significance for me. I aspire to work in the space industry in the future, so this program provides insight into the careers I’ve been pursuing. Connecting with like-minded students from across the world who share my passion is very exciting. I also love travelling, so exploring a new part of the world and fostering connections with the many cultures present is something very important to me. Overall, the experience has and will continue to provide inspiration and motivation to work as hard as I possibly can to achieve my career goals.
What kind of opportunities will this open up for you in the future?
Participating in the program presents invaluable opportunities for networking and mentorship. In the USA, I’ll engage with professionals in the fields I aspire to join, so I aim to establish connections that will benefit my future. Interacting with peers who share similar aspirations is beneficial, potentially creating future collaborations. Seeking advice from professionals will guide my academic journey, helping me identify the best universities for my chosen course pathway. As well as this, I’m sure their stories will provide guidance and inspiration.
What are you most looking forward to about being part of the Endeavour Mission 13?
There is so much I am looking forward to about the program. I am particularly excited about the unique experiences awaiting me in America. Engaging in hands-on astronaut training and aerospace engineering challenges promises to expand my knowledge and skills. The idea of exploring unfamiliar concepts, as well as the opportunity to meet new people, is very exciting to me. Overall, I am eagerly looking forward to the enriching experiences and personal growth that the program will undoubtedly bring.
Amelia’s journey is a testament to the possibilities that dedication, passion, and a thirst for knowledge can unlock. As she steps into the Endeavour Mission 13, she carries not just the hopes of Team Australia but the aspirations of a young generation reaching for the stars.Â
We will share more about Amelia’s adventure next year after Space Camp.
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Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
