Anjali Gentejohann
Anjali has been selected for the Asian Science Camp in Indonesia. As well as having a passion for science she is involved in a whole lot of extra curricular activities which keeps her very busy!
Hi there! I’m Anjali Gentejohann, a year 13 student at Samuel Marsden Collegiate School in Wellington. I’m half Indian and half German (well technically only ⅜ German and also ⅛ Dutch, but the maths is sometimes just too complicated!), I was born in and have lived here in New Zealand my whole life. Growing up in this country has really allowed my passion for science to be supported and encouraged every step along the way, and thanks to the amazing Royal Society Te Apārangi, later this year I am going to be attending Asia Science Camp in Manado, Indonesia, along with four other New Zealand students.
Given that I am absolutely thrilled to be selected for this incredible opportunity, it should come as no surprise that I really enjoy science and what it holds in store for me. What is it about science that I love? The fact that there’s no limits to what you can discover, and that science helps us make sense of the world around us. In terms of school subjects, I finished level 3 chemistry and level 3 German last year, so this year I am taking physics, statistics, calculus, French and Cambridge A-Level biology (aside from the sciences, I love learning languages too!).
Next year I plan to study First Year Health Sciences at University of Otago and then I hope to study medicine. Why? Firstly because anything to do with human biology really fascinates me, but also because a career that will allow me to interact with people, and help others in whatever way I can, is what will make me happy! Hopefully one day I can find a way to combine work with travel, and put the languages I have learnt over the years to test! Any kind of volunteer work in a developing country is also something I’m keen to experience someday.
I think it’s really important to have a good balance of schoolwork and extra curricular activities – so I always try to stay as busy as possible giving new things a go! In my free time I take part in debating (and coach a junior debating team), am part of a choir and various other music groups, participated in my school production, and play the piano. I also play volleyball and badminton – and having nearly completed my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award, going on many tramps is something I’ve enjoyed a lot over the years! Fundraising for and volunteering at organisations such as Ronald McDonald house and the NZ Cancer Society is also something I’ve loved doing.
Finally, I would just like to say a massive thank you to Royal Society Te Apārangi, for all the support and wonderful opportunities they have given me which includes attending Powering Potential in December last year. I am so excited to learn and experience more about the scientific world!