Natalie Bennett
Natalie Bennett, a student who has had a passion for astronomy for as long as she can remember has been selected to attend International Space Camp in Alabama.
My name is Natalie Bennett and I am currently a member of the Hawke’s Bay Astronomical Society. At school, I study chemistry, Spanish, media studies and calculus, along with multiple scholarship subjects. I have already completed level 3 physics and textiles.
I’ve been into astronomy for pretty much as long as I can remember. Space fascinates me because of how much we still don’t know, and how much there is to discover. As soon as I started level 2 physics, I knew it was something I wanted to do for a long time. The area in which I have the most interest currently is that of exoplanets. I hope to be able to go into this as a career. I believe that in the future we will be able to use other star systems for resources and find evidence of life.
Outside of school, I play roller derby with the under 18’s team for Hawke’s Bay. I’ve been playing for 3 years, and love it. At school, I run the group Unity in Diversity, which aims to support LGBT students and raise awareness of the diversity within our community. Additionally, I am in a band called Lavender Menace, for which I play the bass. Before that, I played the violin for 7 years.
I’m so happy to be able to attend International Space Camp as one of four students from New Zealand. I haven’t yet been to the USA, and am excited to be able to spend time with like-minded students. A huge thanks must go out to my physics teacher, Mrs Fraser, who supported me in my interests and applying to attend. Another huge thanks goes out to the Royal Society Te Apārangi for supporting me and students like me, and for helping me to achieve my goals and dreams.