Bride McErlain

I’m currently in year 12 at Riccarton High School in Christchurch. I am incredibly humbled and immensely grateful to be selected by the Royal Society Te Apārangi to attend the ISS. My subjects at school are biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, health, and English, so the ISS is perfect for me to learn more about the specialist areas in the world of science. I’ve always been the student who sits in the back of the class and is always asking questions about why things are the way they are. I’m constantly digging for answers and pushing the boundaries trying to learn as much as possible.

When not in the classroom I can often be found involved with the performing arts at school, specifically dance and drama. This year I was lucky enough to be named Stage Manager for my school’s production of Grease, the final show being only a week before I leave for the ISS. I also have been heavily involved with my local netball centre as a volunteer umpire for the past 5 years. Both of these commitments have allowed me to develop my leadership and teamwork skills while being able to give back to others.

Riccarton High School’s motto is Disce ut prosis which translates to “Learn that you may be of service.” For me, the ISS is the perfect opportunity to uphold my school’s values. I may not know exactly what I want to do when I finish school but I can guarantee that it will involve helping people in one way or another. I’m very excited to combine my love for science with my passion for helping people and improving life in my community. The Professor Harry Messel International Science School is going to be an absolutely incredible opportunity to meet like-minded people and learn how with science we can change the world for the better. I can’t wait for July to come around as I know this is going to be the experience of a lifetime.