Amelia Shares Her Experience At Space Camp
Following on from our story last year about Year 11 student Amelia receiving the Al Worden Endeavour Scholarship, Amelia has just returned from Space Camp in Alabama, where she embarked on an adventure that has not only deepened her passion for space and engineering but also broadened her horizons through international collaboration and hands-on experience. Her time at Space Camp was filled with thrilling simulated missions, invaluable teamwork, and inspiring encounters with professionals in the field. In this follow-up story, Amelia shares her insights and the profound impact this experience has had on her aspirations and future plans.
What was the most exciting part of your astronaut and engineering training at Space Camp in Alabama?
I enjoyed every activity I completed, but some were especially exciting. We had the opportunity to do three simulated missions using high-tech training equipment which gave us a taste as to what being involved in actual missions is like. I got to do an EVA or spacewalk in one and was in mission control for another, and I loved seeing the amount of variation between all the roles. I also enjoyed scuba-diving, which is one of the best ways to simulate zero gravity, and another way astronauts train for their missions.
How did it feel to work alongside teams from countries like the USA, UK, Poland, and Singapore? What did you learn from this international collaboration?
Working with teams from across the world was such a privilege. It was incredible to be involved in such a diverse group and I enjoyed learning about each person’s unique lives. This international cooperation is what is experienced in many industries, including the space industry, and I gained so much from the collaboration. I have made many life-long friends through this experience, and I am so grateful to have had this opportunity.
What new skills or knowledge did you gain during your time at Space Camp?
I have learned so much over the course of the camp. There were both practical and theoretical aspects of the course I completed, and I thoroughly enjoyed both sides. I learned how to do the role of PAYCOM in mission control, which communicates with the ISS and works with them in the case of any anomalies. I also learned the basics of piloting and had the chance to try a flight simulator. As well as these practical-based skills I learned lots of theory about astronomy, flight, physics, and engineering.
How did the Space Camp experience influence your thoughts about pursuing a career in space or STEM fields?
This experience has motivated me further to pursue a career in the space industry or any surrounding fields. It was inspiring to meet so many people who have been successful in this area, as it showed us that it is achievable with hard work. This experience has also given me more specific direction as to what I want to study in the future. It was exciting to see so many women in the STEM fields, proving the capabilities we all hold.
How do you plan to apply what you've learned at Space Camp to your future?
Everything I have gained from this experience will be so beneficial for my future. I feel like I have a greater understanding about the wide range of jobs in this area, and all the new skills I’ve learned motivate me to continue learning more. I want to continue researching the fields that caught my attention during my time at the camp and see where that leads me. Since learning more about piloting I am now planning to get my pilot’s licence after graduating, which is hopefully one step closer to my goal in being involved in aviation and space travel.
Where to from here? What’s next for you?
I plan to continue my STEM subjects throughout the rest of high school and into tertiary education. I am hoping to study an astrophysics degree, as that is an area that has fascinated me for a long time. I am also looking into aerospace engineering degrees. I would love to study abroad if the opportunity arises, as I really enjoyed the experience of travelling and visiting new places. This experience has solidified my goal to work in the space industry and motivated me to continue studying hard to reach this goal.
Amelia’s time at Space Camp has been a transformative experience, propelling her closer to her dreams in the space industry. The skills she acquired, the friendships she forged, and the clarity she gained about her future career path are testaments to the incredible opportunities such programs provide. As she continues her STEM education, Amelia’s story stands as an inspiring example of how passion, hard work, and the right opportunities can pave the way for young women to achieve their dreams in the ever-expanding frontier of space.
- Engineering, Featured, Future Careers, Learning for Life, Space Camp, STEM
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.
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